Air-Fried Okra: A Crunchy, Healthy Treat

Frying okra in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy the vegetable without the slimy texture that some people dislike. Air-frying okra can be done with or without breading, and there are a variety of seasoning options to choose from. The preparation process is simple: after washing and cutting the okra, it is either tossed in a breading mixture or coated in oil and seasonings, and then placed in the air fryer for around 10-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

How to bread okra for air frying

Ingredients

• Okra
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Egg
• Water
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Black pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray

Method

• Wash the okra and cut off the woody ends.
• Cut the okra into equally-sized pieces, either into rounds or lengthwise.
• Prepare the breading mixture by combining the cornmeal, flour, and any desired spices in a shallow dish.
• In a separate bowl, make an egg wash by whisking together the egg and water.
• Dip the okra pieces into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before transferring to the cornmeal mixture. Ensure each piece is nicely coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
• Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Place the coated okra pieces into the basket in a single layer and spritz with more cooking spray.
• Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, spritz the okra with cooking spray halfway through the frying process.

Tips

• You can also bread okra with breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal.
• For gluten-free breading, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• If you want to reduce the slime, soak the okra slices in egg for about 10 minutes before breading and frying.

Air fryer temperature and timings

To make fried okra in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on the model of your air fryer, so it is best to consult the instructions for your specific model.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the okra in the basket and spritz with cooking spray or oil. Then, air fry for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe you are following and the quantity of okra you are cooking. For example, one recipe recommends cooking 1 pound of okra for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while another suggests cooking 6 ounces of okra for 6 minutes at 356 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

It is important to rotate or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You may also need to spritz the okra with cooking spray or oil again at this point.

For frozen breaded okra, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to reheat fried okra in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook fried okra in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat fried okra in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

Next, place the leftover fried okra in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures even heating and prevents sogginess. If you have a significant quantity of okra, you may need to reheat it in batches.

Now, spritz or lightly coat the okra with cooking spray or oil. This step is optional but helps to restore crispiness and prevent the okra from drying out.

Reheat the okra for approximately 2 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as reheating times can vary based on the amount of okra and the power of your air fryer.

Once warmed through, remove the okra from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy and delicious fried okra!

Some additional tips for reheating fried okra in an air fryer:

• If your air fryer has a “reheat” setting, use that instead of manually adjusting the temperature and time.
• If you don't have an air fryer, a conventional oven can also work well for reheating fried okra, although it may take longer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even heating and crispiness.
• If you prefer extra crispy okra, consider giving the basket a light shake or stir halfway through the reheating process.

How to cook frozen okra in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen okra
• Olive oil (or coconut or avocado oil)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Chili powder
• Arrowroot powder (or tapioca starch or cornstarch)
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Egg
• Water
• White barbecue sauce
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Red chili powder (optional)
• Garam masala (optional)
• Amchur powder (or lemon juice)
• Almond flour (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the frozen okra in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer.
• Lightly spray the okra with oil.
• Cook at 400°F for 7 minutes.
• Remove the basket, shake, and cook again for 7-8 minutes, or until the desired crispiness is achieved.
• Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips:

• If you want to add extra crispiness, spray the okra with a little more oil before cooking.
• You can use any type of flour or breadcrumbs.
• If you can't find frozen okra, you can use fresh okra. Just ensure it is cut into small, even pieces.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the okra in a single layer for best results.

Dips and sauces to serve with air-fried okra

Air-fried okra is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The light and crispy texture of air-fried okra makes it perfect for dipping into a variety of sauces and dips. Here are some mouth-watering options to serve with your air-fried okra:

Comeback Sauce

A "comeback" sauce is a classic pairing with fried okra, and for good reason. This tangy and slightly spicy sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy vegetable. To make your own, simply mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add a splash of dill pickle juice for an extra tangy kick.

Ranch Dressing

A cool and creamy ranch dressing can balance out the crispiness of the okra. You can make your own by combining buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Or, if you're short on time, you can simply buy a bottle of ranch dressing from the store.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is another excellent choice for dipping your air-fried okra. The sweetness of the honey pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of the okra, while the mustard adds a nice tangy kick. You can adjust the ratio of honey to mustard to suit your taste preferences.

Barbecue Sauce

For a more robust and smoky flavour, consider serving your okra with barbecue sauce. Whether you go for a classic Texas-Style barbecue sauce or a white Alabama variety, the slightly charred flavour of the sauce will enhance the crispy exterior of the okra.

Spicy Remoulade

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a spicy remoulade to dip your okra in. This creamy sauce, similar to a tartar sauce, is packed with flavour from ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, hot sauce, and chopped pickles. It's the perfect way to add a kick to your okra without overwhelming its delicate flavour.

Frequently asked questions