Air Fryer Okra: Breaded, Crunchy, Healthy

Okra is a popular dish in the American South, often served in gumbo or breaded and deep-fried. But if you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can also cook breaded okra in an air fryer. This cooking method gives you a nice and crispy texture without the excess oil. You can use frozen or fresh okra, and there are a variety of breading options, including flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and even gluten-free alternatives. The air fryer okra is a tasty side dish or appetizer and can be served with a variety of dips like ranch, remoulade, or comeback sauce.

Okra in the air fryer: a healthy, low-calorie option

Okra is a healthy, low-calorie vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer for a delicious, crispy snack or side dish. Okra is typically associated with Southern cuisine and is often breaded and deep-fried, but air frying offers a healthier alternative to this classic preparation method.

How to Make Okra in the Air Fryer

The process for making okra in the air fryer is simple. First, you will need to gather your ingredients, which typically include okra, eggs, flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings. You will also need an air fryer, of course!

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Clean and cut the okra into slices, removing the tops and bottoms.

Step 3: Prepare your breading station by placing flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in a second bowl, and a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a third bowl. You can also add the egg to a shallow dish and gently stir in the sliced okra before coating it in the dry mixture.

Step 4: Dip the okra into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the cornmeal or breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is coated on all sides. You can use a fork to make this process easier.

Step 5: Place the breaded okra into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spritz or brush the okra with oil to help it crisp up and enhance the colour.

Step 6: Cook the okra for 6 to 14 minutes, depending on whether it is fresh or frozen. For fresh okra, 6 to 12 minutes should be enough. Frozen okra may need a little longer, and you may need to shake the basket and spritz with more oil halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Remove the okra from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour your okra, such as cayenne pepper, Cajun spice, paprika, or garlic powder.
• If you want to reduce the "slime" that okra can sometimes have, try soaking the sliced okra in egg for about 10 minutes before breading and cooking.
• For extra crispy okra, re-spritz the okra with oil halfway through the cooking process and continue air frying until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
• You can reheat leftover okra in the air fryer by cooking it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 5 minutes.
• Okra pairs well with a variety of dips, such as ranch, remoulade, comeback sauce, or white barbecue sauce.

Air-fried okra is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this Southern staple. By using an air fryer instead of deep frying, you can reduce the amount of oil used while still achieving a crispy, golden-brown texture. So, the next time you're looking for a tasty and nutritious snack or side dish, give air-fried okra a try!

The best oils for frying breaded okra

Frying is a cooking method that requires the use of oil, and the type of oil used can significantly impact the taste and texture of the final product. When it comes to frying breaded okra, there are several oils that can be used to achieve the desired crispy and tasty result. Here are some of the best oils for frying breaded okra:

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying breaded okra. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning. Peanut oil also imparts a mild nutty flavour to the okra, enhancing its taste. However, if you have a peanut allergy, it is best to avoid using this oil.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a neutral-flavoured oil that is commonly used for frying. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for the high temperatures required for frying. Vegetable oil will not overpower the flavour of the okra, allowing the natural taste of the vegetable to shine through.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, making it a good choice for frying breaded okra. It has a mild taste that won't interfere with the flavour of the okra. Canola oil is also a healthy option, as it is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat.

Olive Oil

While olive oil is not typically used for deep frying due to its lower smoke point, it can be used for shallow frying breaded okra. Extra virgin olive oil has a distinct flavour that can enhance the taste of the okra. However, be cautious as olive oil can smoke and burn at high temperatures.

Corn Oil

Corn oil is a flavourless oil with a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying. It is also a healthy option as it contains unsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Corn oil is a good choice if you want the flavour of the breaded okra to be the star of the dish.

When frying breaded okra, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent the oil from smoking and burning. Additionally, consider the flavour of the oil and how it will complement or enhance the taste of the okra. By choosing the right oil, you can ensure that your fried breaded okra turns out crispy, tasty, and cooked to perfection.

How to make frozen okra crispy

Ingredients

• Frozen okra
• Olive oil spray or avocado oil, coconut oil, or your preferred cooking oil
• Spices: black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (optional)
• Flour
• Cornmeal
• Breadcrumbs
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Eggs

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the frozen okra in the air fryer in a single layer.
• Spray the okra with cooking spray or lightly brush with oil.
• Cook for around 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• For extra crispy okra, spray with a little more oil before cooking.
• Serve immediately.

How to make the perfect breading for okra

Okra is a versatile vegetable that can be grilled, roasted, or fried. Frying okra in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here is a guide on how to make the perfect breading for okra.

Firstly, prepare the okra by rinsing it and cutting off the caps and stems. Then, cut the okra into 1/2-inch thick slices. You can use fresh or frozen okra, but if you're using frozen, let it thaw a bit before breading.

For the breading, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal, or just flour. Some people also like to add breadcrumbs to the mix for extra crispness. You can also season the flour with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder to add a kick of flavour.

If you want the breading to really stick to the okra, you can dip the okra pieces in a mixture of beaten egg and a small amount of milk or buttermilk before coating them in the dry ingredients. This extra step will give your okra a delicious, crispy coating.

Now, for the breading process: start by sprinkling the flour over the okra and tossing to coat the pieces evenly. Then, sprinkle in the cornmeal, using your hands to toss and ensure each piece is coated. Make sure the okra pieces don't stick together, as this will cause clumps of breading to form.

Once your okra is breaded, it's ready to be cooked! You can either deep fry it in oil, or cook it in your air fryer for a healthier option. Enjoy!

Dips and sauces to serve with breaded okra

There are several dips and sauces that you can serve with breaded okra. Here are some ideas:

• Creole mustard remoulade: a cold, mayonnaise-based sauce with mustard, garlic, herbs, cornichons, and lemon.
• Comeback sauce: a combination of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, apple cider or white vinegar, and a splash of dill pickle juice.
• Cajun dipping sauce: a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Cajun seasoning.
• Sriracha mayo
• Ketchup
• Ranch dressing

These sauces will add extra flavour and moisture to the crispy breaded okra, making it even more delicious and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions