Air-Frying Okra: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Okra is a popular ingredient in Southern cooking and is often used in gumbo. It can also be fried as a side dish. Frying okra in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires only a fraction of the oil. Okra can be breaded with cornmeal and flour, or with breadcrumbs, and then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, golden-brown finish.

Okra preparation

Okra is a popular ingredient in Southern dishes, including gumbo. It can be cooked in an air fryer, either fresh or frozen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare okra in an air fryer:

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Okra

Start by washing the okra and removing the woody ends. Then, cut the okra into slices, preferably 1/2-inch thick. It is important to ensure that the okra pieces are of equal size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three separate bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place flour. You can also add seasonings to the flour at this stage if desired. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a small amount of water (about a teaspoon). In the third bowl, combine cornmeal with breadcrumbs, and add seasonings like paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper if you wish.

Step 3: Bread the Okra

Take each okra slice and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the cornmeal/breadcrumb mixture. Ensure that the okra is nicely coated at each step. You can use a fork to make this process easier. Repeat this step for all okra slices.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may depend on your specific air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions if needed.

Step 5: Place the Okra in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the breaded okra slices inside. Spritz or spray the okra with oil to help achieve a crispy texture. Be sure to arrange the okra in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry the Okra

Cook the okra for about 7 to 14 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of okra. For best results, shake the basket or toss the okra halfway through the cooking process, and spritz with additional oil if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the okra is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer okra goes well with various dipping sauces, such as Sriracha mayo, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch.

Tips and Variations:

• If using frozen okra, it is recommended to thaw it and pat it dry before breading and air-frying.
• You can also cook pre-breaded frozen okra in the air fryer, but it may not get as golden or crispy.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can swap the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• For a healthier option, reduce the amount of oil used or opt for a cooking spray.
• For extra flavour, you can add various seasonings to the flour or cornmeal mixture, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, or other spices of your choice.

Air fryer settings

To cook okra in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 356°F and 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on the model of your air fryer, so it is worth checking the manufacturer's instructions.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the okra in the basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cooking times will vary depending on the temperature of your air fryer and the size of your okra, but you should expect to cook the okra for around 10-20 minutes. For example, one source recommends cooking at 350°F for 10 minutes, tossing the basket, and then cooking for a further 2 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 400°F for 20 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen okra, you may need to increase the cooking time. One source recommends cooking frozen okra at 400°F for 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

To reheat leftover okra in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the okra for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Breading and coating

Okra can be breaded with cornmeal and flour, or with breadcrumbs and flour. Cornmeal is the more traditional option, but breadcrumbs are a good alternative if you're looking for a gluten-free option.

To make the breading, stir together the cornmeal or breadcrumbs, flour, and spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper, if you like a little heat). You can also add black pepper or other seasonings of your choice.

For the best results, use three separate bowls for the breading process. Place the flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in a second bowl, and the cornmeal or breadcrumb mixture in a third bowl. Dip the okra first into the flour, then the egg, and lastly into the cornmeal or breadcrumb mixture, coating it on all sides each time. Repeat this process for all okra pieces.

You can use a fork to pick up and dip each okra piece to make it easier. After breading, place the okra into the air fryer and spritz them with some oil.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried okra depend on the specific recipe you are following, the type of air fryer you are using, and your desired level of crispiness. However, here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking okra is between 350°F to 400°F. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Okra:

Wash and thoroughly dry the okra. Remove the tops and bottoms of each okra pod and slice them into the desired shape and thickness. Some recipes call for slicing the okra into 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch thick pieces, while others suggest cutting them lengthwise to create okra "fries."

Breading the Okra (Optional):

If you prefer breaded okra, prepare your breading station. This typically involves setting up three bowls: one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and the third with a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and desired spices. You can also add a teaspoon of water to the egg to create an egg wash. Dip the okra into the flour, then the egg, and finally into the cornmeal mixture, ensuring it is coated evenly each time.

Cooking the Okra:

Place the okra in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Spritz or spray the okra with oil or cooking spray. This step helps to achieve a crispy texture.

For fresh okra, cook at the preheated temperature for about 6 to 8 minutes. Check the okra and toss or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

If you are cooking frozen okra, increase the cooking time to about 12 to 14 minutes. Again, remember to shake the basket or toss the okra halfway through.

Additional Tips:

• For extra crispiness, air fry the okra for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after the initial cooking time.
• You can also add a second round of spritzing or spraying with oil before the final round of air frying.
• If you are cooking a large batch of okra, you may need to cook it in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• For gluten-free options, you can swap the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

By following these instructions and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you'll be able to enjoy delicious and crispy air-fried okra!

Serving suggestions

Okra is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions for air-fried okra:

• As a side dish: Air-fried okra can be a delicious and crispy side dish to accompany a main course. It goes well with grilled sandwiches, baked fish, or even on top of a salad.
• With a dipping sauce: Air-fried okra can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as Sriracha mayo, ketchup, or ranch, or barbecue sauce.
• As an appetizer: Air-fried okra is a tasty and healthy appetizer option. Serve it with a dip of your choice and enjoy the crispy, golden brown nuggets.
• In a bowl: You can also serve air-fried okra in a bowl, accompanied by your favourite sauce. This way, you can enjoy the okra as a snack or a light meal.
• Freezing for later: If you have leftover air-fried okra, you can freeze it and reheat it in the air fryer whenever you want to enjoy it again. This way, you can have a quick and easy snack or side dish ready in no time.
• As part of a larger meal: Okra is commonly used in Southern cuisine and can be included in dishes such as gumbo. You can also serve it with other sides, such as peas, beans, boiled okra, and a pork chop.

Frequently asked questions