Air-Fried Okra: A Crunchy, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make fried okra, a Southern side dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer reduces the fat and calories of traditional deep-fried okra without compromising on taste or texture. You can make this dish with a cornmeal coating, or a gluten-free flour and breadcrumb coating, and serve it with a variety of dips such as Sriracha mayo, ketchup, ranch, or creamy chipotle sauce.

How to make air fryer okra without oil

Air fryer okra is a tasty and healthy treat, and it's easy to make! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You'll need:

• Okra
• Salt
• Your choice of seasonings (e.g. black pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder)
• Oil (optional)

Preparation:

• Wash and dry the okra.
• Cut off the stems, and slice the okra into halves or 1/2-inch slices.
• Place the okra pieces into a bowl and add your seasonings. Toss the okra to ensure each piece is coated.
• If you want to add oil, this is the time to sprinkle, spray, or drizzle a small amount over the okra and toss again.

Cooking:

• Place the okra in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each piece for even cooking.
• Cook at 350-400°F/180°C for 8-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• For best results, shake or turn the okra at least once during the cooking time.
• Your okra is ready when it is hot, crispy, and golden brown around the edges.

Tips:

• Choose smaller okra pods to reduce slime and increase tenderness.
• For crispier okra, cut the pods in half or into slices before cooking.
• If using frozen okra, increase the cooking time.
• Serve immediately for the best texture; air fryer okra can become soft if left to sit.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried okra!

How to make frozen okra in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Okra
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Optional spices: paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Rinse the okra and cut off the tops and bottoms. You can leave the okra whole or slice it into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces.
• If you want to bread your okra, prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, whisk an egg with a teaspoon of water. In the second bowl, place some flour. In the third bowl, mix cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and any additional spices you want to include.
• Dip each piece of okra into the flour, then the egg, and lastly the cornmeal mixture, ensuring it is coated on all sides.
• Place the breaded okra into the air fryer in a single layer. Spritz or spray them with oil.
• Cook for 10- 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Remove the okra from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips

• You can reheat any leftover okra in the air fryer by cooking it for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the okra in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

How to reheat okra in the air fryer

Reheating okra in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this Southern side dish favourite all over again. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat okra in an air fryer, ensuring it stays crispy and tender.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to ensure your okra is warmed through without burning.

Next, place the leftover fried okra in the air fryer basket. Ensure the okra is in a single layer for even heating. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat in batches.

Cook the okra for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want it to overcook and become soggy. The okra is ready when it is warmed through and still crispy.

Finally, remove the okra from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, tender texture and flavour of your reheated okra!

You can also reheat frozen okra in the air fryer. Simply follow the same steps, increasing the cooking time to around 14 minutes, and shaking the basket halfway through.

How to make air fryer okra with gluten-free flour

Ingredients:

• Okra
• Gluten-free flour
• Cornmeal
• Eggs
• Spices (paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika)
• Oil (grapeseed, olive, or coconut)
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Clean and cut the okra into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices, removing the tops and bottoms.
• Prepare your dredging station by whisking eggs in one bowl, and mixing gluten-free flour, cornmeal, and spices in another bowl.
• Dip the okra slices first in the egg mixture, then in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Place the breaded okra in the air fryer basket, spritz with oil, and cook for 6-10 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through.
• Remove the okra from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can use a fork to dip and coat the okra pieces for faster preparation.
• For gluten-free breading, use gluten-free cornmeal and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes after tossing the okra with oil.
• Season with salt and spices to taste.

How to make air fryer okra without an air fryer

Air fryer okra is a great way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable. The air fryer turns what many refer to as a "slimy" texture into a crispy, crunchy treat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make air fryer okra without an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Okra
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Cornmeal
• Breadcrumbs
• Flour
• Spices (garlic powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, etc.)
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean and cut the fresh okra into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick slices, removing the tops and bottoms of each okra piece.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a teaspoon of water; set aside.
• In a separate bowl, toss the okra in flour, coating all sides.
• Dip each piece of floured okra in the egg mixture, then in a separate bowl of breadcrumbs and cornmeal, coating all sides.
• Place the breaded okra on a baking sheet or tray, making sure they are in a single layer.
• Drizzle or spray the okra with oil.
• Bake in the oven for 10-20 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness.
• Toss the okra halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can add various spices to the flour or breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• For a vegan option, omit the egg and use a plant-based oil.
• To reduce the slime factor, soak the okra slices in egg for about 10 minutes before breading.
• For crispier okra, cut them lengthwise into "fries."

Frequently asked questions