Air Fryer Okra: Breaded, Crunchy, Healthy

Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded okra, and it can be done straight from frozen! The breaded okra will turn out crispy on the outside, while the inside remains tender and flavourful. The key to achieving this is to spritz the okra with oil before air frying, and then again halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure an even, crispy result. You can also reheat breaded okra in the air fryer, simply by popping it back in for 3-5 minutes.

Okra varieties suited for air-frying

Okra is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, including air frying. While there doesn't seem to be a consensus on specific varieties of okra that are best suited for air frying, there are some tips and tricks to ensure your okra turns out crispy and delicious. Here are some factors to consider when choosing okra for air frying:

Freshness and Seasonality: Okra is typically available fresh from May to September and can be found in the produce department of your local grocery store or at a farmer's market. Look for firm, bright green okra pods without any blemishes or bruises.

Size and Shape: Okra pods can vary in size, and for air frying, it is ideal to choose pods that are not too large or too small. This will ensure even cooking and a better texture. Some people prefer to cut okra lengthwise into "fries" rather than circles, as it exposes more of the slimy middle to the hot air, resulting in a crispier texture.

Breading Options: You can bread your okra before air frying for a crunchy coating. The traditional Southern approach uses cornmeal, while others prefer breadcrumbs or a combination of both. You can also add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to your breading for extra flavour.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: If you're looking for vegan and gluten-free options, you can skip the breading and eggs altogether. Simply toss the okra with avocado oil or olive oil, and season with salt and your favourite spices. This method still yields crispy and delicious results.

Overall, the key to choosing okra for air frying is to select fresh, firm pods that are not too large. You can experiment with different cutting techniques and breading options to find the combination that suits your taste preferences.

Breaded okra prep

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make breaded okra in an air fryer:

• Okra
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper)
• Oil or cooking spray

Preparation

First, wash the okra and cut off the woody ends. Cut the okra into slices or rounds about 1/2-inch thick. Try to make sure the okra pieces are evenly sized so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Next, set up your breading station. You will need three bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and the third with a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and any spices you want to add. You can also add a small amount of water to the egg to make an egg wash, which will help the batter adhere better.

Now, it's time to bread the okra. Dip each okra piece first into the flour, then the egg, and lastly the cornmeal mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Repeat this process for all okra pieces.

Cooking

Once all your okra pieces are breaded, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Place the breaded okra in the basket in a single layer, and spritz or spray with oil. Cook for 7-8 minutes for fresh okra, or 12-15 minutes for frozen, until golden brown and crispy. For the best results, shake the basket and spritz or spray the okra with oil halfway through the cooking time.

Enjoy your crispy, tender, and flavourful air-fried okra!

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking breaded okra is between 380°F to 400°F. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature before adding the okra.

Preparing the Okra:

Clean and cut fresh okra into slices, typically around 1/2-inch thick. Remove the tops and bottoms of each okra piece. You can also cut off the woody ends if desired. It is important to ensure that the okra pieces are evenly sized to promote even cooking.

Breading Process:

Set up a breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place flour. In the second bowl, whisk eggs, and in the third bowl, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and desired seasonings. You can season with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, or any other spices of your choice. Dip each okra piece into the flour, then the egg, and finally, coat it thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture. Repeat this process for all okra pieces.

Cooking the Breaded Okra:

Once the okra is prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the breaded okra in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the okra in batches. Spritz or spray the okra with oil to help achieve a crispy texture.

Cooking time can vary, but generally, it takes around 7 to 15 minutes for the okra to turn golden brown and crispy. For the best results, shake the basket halfway through the cooking process and spritz the okra with additional oil. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Serving and Storing:

Air fryer okra is best served fresh and crispy straight from the fryer. You can serve it with various sauces, such as Sriracha mayo, ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the okra back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 5 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Success:

• Use a fork to dip and coat the okra pieces for faster and less messy preparation.
• If using frozen breaded okra, there is no need to defrost. Cook them directly from frozen, following the same instructions as for fresh okra.
• Always spritz or spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil before adding the okra to prevent sticking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for breaded okra in an air fryer depend on whether the okra is fresh or frozen, and whether it is pre-breaded or not.

Fresh Okra

If you are using fresh okra, cut the okra into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick slices, removing the tops and bottoms. You can then follow a standard breading process: dip the okra in flour, then in a bowl of whisked eggs, and finally in a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Place the breaded okra in the air fryer and spritz them with some oil.

Cooking times and temperatures vary slightly depending on the source, but most agree that the air fryer should be preheated to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The okra should then be cooked for 7 to 8 minutes, until golden brown.

Frozen Okra

If you are using frozen breaded okra, there is no need to defrost it first. Simply spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush with some oil to prevent sticking. Pour in the frozen okra in a single layer and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking time is around 14 to 15 minutes, but you should shake the basket halfway through to ensure the okra cooks evenly on all sides.

Pre-Breaded Frozen Okra

If your frozen okra comes pre-breaded, you can follow a similar process to the one outlined above for frozen breaded okra. However, you may want to spray the okra with a little cooking oil to help it brown and crisp up. Cooking temperatures of between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended, and cooking time is around 10 to 15 minutes. Again, be sure to shake the basket halfway through.

Serving suggestions and pairings

Breaded okra is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a topping for your favourite meals. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings to elevate your breaded okra experience:

• Appetizer or Side Dish: Breaded okra makes a delicious appetizer or side dish. Serve it alongside your favourite sauce for dipping, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce. For a tangy twist, pair it with Alabama White Barbecue Sauce or Comeback Sauce. You can also offer a variety of sauces so your guests can choose their favourite.
• Main Course Companion: Breaded okra goes well with a variety of main courses. Try serving it alongside a grilled sandwich, baked fish, or a juicy pork chop. For a heartier meal, layer it with peas or beans in a flavourful vegetable medley.
• Salad Topping: For a unique and crunchy addition to your salad, sprinkle some breaded okra on top. It adds texture and flavour to your greens, and it looks adorable served in a paper cone or holder, giving your meal a restaurant-like touch.
• Tacos and More: Breaded okra is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Try using it as a taco filling with your favourite toppings, salsa, and dipping sauces. You can also experiment with adding breaded okra to other dishes, such as soups, stews, or stir-fries, for a crispy and tasty surprise.
• Southern-Style Comfort Food: Breaded okra is a classic Southern side dish, often served with a crispy, golden-brown coating. For an authentic Southern experience, pair it with other comfort foods like cornbread, fried chicken, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Customizable Seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavour of your breaded okra. A light dusting of cayenne pepper or black pepper can add a subtle kick, while garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the savoury notes. You can also try mixing in some parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy treat.

Remember, breaded okra is all about personal preference, so feel free to get creative and make it your own! Whether you serve it as a snack, side, or part of your main course, breaded okra is a fun and tasty addition to any meal.

Frequently asked questions