Air-Fryer Okra: Breaded, Crunchy, Healthy Treat!

Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded okra, whether you're using fresh or frozen produce. The breaded okra will come out crispy and golden brown, and you can use a variety of seasonings to add flavour. You can also use different types of oils, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to spritz the okra before cooking.

How to bread okra for the air fryer

Okra is a controversial food—people either love it or hate it. But if you fall into the latter category, air frying it might just be the way to go. Breading and air frying okra creates a crispiness that balances out its slimy texture. Plus, it's healthier than deep-frying!

Here's how to bread okra for the air fryer:

Ingredients

• Okra
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Eggs
• Milk (regular or dairy-free)
• Breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned, not panko; gluten-free if needed)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Seasonings (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper)
• Oil (e.g. olive or avocado)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Clean the okra and cut it into 1/2-inch pieces. Try to keep the sizes as consistent as possible so that everything cooks evenly.
• Set out three separate shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add some flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings.
• Work in batches to ensure even coating. Toss a handful of sliced okra into the flour mixture bowl, then move them to the egg mixture. Use a fork to ensure each piece is completely covered, then let any excess egg drip off.
• Finally, drop the okra into the breadcrumb mixture and shake until they’re coated. You can use your fingers to press more crumbs into the okra. Repeat with the remaining okra.
• Place the breaded okra into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that none of the pieces are touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Spritz the top of the okra with non-stick cooking spray (e.g. olive or avocado oil spray).
• Cook in the preheated air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The okra is done when it’s tender and golden brown.

Tips:

• If you're making a large batch, slice the okra and keep it in a bag in the fridge up to a day early.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For an extra crispy coating, pop the fried okra back into the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat.

Air fryer temperature and time for breaded okra

Breaded okra can be cooked in an air fryer in two ways: with or without freezing. The following sections will outline the air fryer temperature and time for both methods.

Air Frying Frozen Breaded Okra

The temperature and time for air-frying frozen breaded okra are provided below:

• Temperature: 370 0F
• Time: 22 minutes

Instructions:

• Slit open the pack of frozen okra and add 2 teaspoons of cooking oil straight into the bag. Hold the slit with your hands and shake the contents for 5 seconds to coat the okra evenly with oil.
• Empty the packet straight into the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can use a cooking spray instead of oil by directly spraying the frozen okra in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 370 0F for 22 minutes for a crispy texture.
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Fresh Breaded Okra

The temperature and time for air-frying fresh breaded okra are as follows:

• Temperature: 356 0F to 400 0F
• Time: 6 minutes at 356 0F, then an additional 2-3 minutes at the same temperature

Instructions:

• Whisk an egg with 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl and set it aside.
• Rinse and cut the okra, removing the tops and bottoms, and slice into pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
• Toss the okra in flour, dip each piece in the egg mixture, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
• Air fry at 356 0F for 6 minutes. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to do this in two batches.
• Toss the breaded okra with oil (2 teaspoons is sufficient) and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

How to reheat breaded okra in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat breaded okra in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. While some recipes suggest reheating at 400°F, 350°F should be hot enough to reheat the okra without burning the breading.

Next, place the leftover fried okra in the air fryer basket. Make sure the okra pieces are not overlapping and are in a single layer. This will ensure that the okra is heated evenly and that the breading stays crispy.

Cook the okra for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as you don't want it to burn. You may need to adjust the time depending on the amount of okra you are reheating and the specific model of your air fryer.

Once the okra is warmed through, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Breaded okra is best served fresh and hot, straight from the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• If you prefer your breaded okra with a crispier texture, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a slightly longer time, but be careful not to burn it.
• You can also reheat breaded okra in the oven or in the microwave, but the texture may vary. Microwaved okra, in particular, will likely lose its crispiness.

What to serve with breaded okra

Breaded okra is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side. Here are some ideas for what to serve with breaded okra:

As a Snack or Appetizer

Dipping sauces like ranch dressing, ketchup, or Sriracha mayo

As a Side

• Southern-style dishes like smothered pork chops, turkey chops, or fried chicken
• Creamy mac and cheese
• Cabbage and collard greens
• Cornbread
• Black-eyed peas and tomatoes
• Mashed potatoes and salmon
• Grilled or fried fish
• Chicken and dumplings
• Gumbo
• Red beans and rice with Cajun seasonings, celery, peppers, and tomatoes
• Grilled meats and vegetables

Other Cultural Cuisines

Okra is used in various cultural cuisines and can be paired with different dishes:

• Middle Eastern – Bamyeh, a Middle Eastern okra stew with onions and tomatoes, served over white rice
• Indian – Chicken Tikka Masala or Daal (a lentil soup) with naan bread
• Ghanaian – Groundnut stew with rice balls

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings!

How to store leftover breaded okra

Okra is a popular side dish and appetizer, especially in the South. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stewing, sautéing, stir-frying, and deep-frying. Here are some tips on how to store leftover breaded okra:

Storing Leftover Breaded Okra in the Fridge:

It is recommended to consume leftover breaded okra within 3-5 days. To store it in the fridge, let the okra cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep the okra crisp and fresh for a few days.

Freezing Leftover Breaded Okra:

If you want to store the leftover breaded okra for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Spread the okra on a baking sheet in a single layer and place it in the freezer for about an hour until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen pieces into a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored frozen okra can last for about six months.

Reheating Breaded Okra:

To reheat the leftover breaded okra, the best way is to use an air fryer if you have one. Heat the okra at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 4-5 minutes until crispy and hot. Alternatively, you can use an oven but increase the temperature to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the okra halfway through. It is not recommended to use a microwave, as it may affect the texture and crispiness of the okra.

Frequently asked questions