Flounder is a popular white fish with a delicate, mild flavor. In this article, we’ll explore three popular cooking methods: oven, pan, and air fryer, along with valuable tips to ensure your flounder doesn’t taste fishy.
1. How To Cook Flounder in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 (4-6 oz) flounder fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. You can try topping it with breadcrumbs, herbs, or citrus slices before baking for extra flavor.
Next, arrange the fillets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Baking time may vary depending on thickness.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
2. How To Cook Flounder in a Pan
Ingredients
- 2 flounder fillets (4-6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Pat fillets dry and season both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Next, place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge fillets lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Then add fillets and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove fish to a plate.
To make sauce, add lemon juice and remaining butter to pan. Swirl to emulsify into a sauce. Then pour sauce over fillets. Garnish with chopped parsley.
The flour coating gives the fish a crisp texture. Be careful not to overcook. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
3. How To Cook Flounder in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 flounder fillets (4-6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat fillets dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Then sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Next, place fillets in air fryer basket in a single layer, not overlapping.
Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes until fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
Serve immediately with desired sauces or garnishes.
The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the exterior. Adjust cook times for thicker or thinner fillets as needed.
4. Tips For Cooking Flounder So It Doesn’t Taste Fishy
Choose Fresh Flounder: Opt for fresh, high-quality flounder from a reputable source to guarantee the best flavor.
Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Use Citrus: Incorporate citrus elements like lemon or lime to enhance the natural flavors and mask any potential fishiness.
Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking can intensify the fishy taste, so be vigilant and cook the flounder until it’s just opaque and flakes easily.
Store Properly: If you can’t cook the flounder immediately, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
With proper handling and cooking, flounder stays tender and tastes fresh from oven to skillet to air fryer. I hope that after reading this article, you can to cook delicious flounder fillets any night of the week.
