Air-Fryer Okra: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air-fried okra is a popular dish, especially for those who grew up in the South, where it was a staple side dish. The air fryer is a great way to cook okra without the mess and excess fat and calories of traditional frying methods. The air fryer can turn okra's slimy texture into a crispy, crunchy delight. There are many ways to cook okra in an air fryer, including with and without breading and eggs.

Okra preparation

Okra is a vegetable that is commonly associated with African and Southern US cuisines. It is often boiled, fried, or used in soups and gumbo. However, cooking okra in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to frying, as it significantly reduces the amount of oil and fat used while still achieving a crispy texture.

Preparation:

Firstly, wash the okra thoroughly and dry it. You can choose to cut the okra lengthwise into fry shapes or cut it into 1/2-inch thick rounds or slices. Removing the woody ends of the okra before cutting is also recommended.

Next, prepare a breading or flour mixture. This can be done by mixing all-purpose flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl or a gallon-sized ziplock bag. You can also add other spices of your choice to the mixture.

After preparing the breading, create an egg wash by whisking eggs in a separate bowl. You can add a small amount of water to the eggs if desired. Soak the okra pieces in the egg wash for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are well coated.

Once the okra is coated in the egg wash, transfer them to the breading mixture. Gently shake the bowl or bag to ensure the okra is evenly coated. You can also toss the okra in the mixture to coat them fully.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-425°F. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Place the coated okra pieces in a single layer in the basket. Spritz or spray the okra with cooking spray or oil.

Cook the okra for 12-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For most recipes, it is recommended to cook the okra for 12-14 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once the okra is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle salt or your desired seasoning on top. The okra can be served with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or Alabama White Barbecue Sauce.

Air fryer settings

To cook okra in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature you choose will depend on the type of okra you're cooking and your desired level of crispiness.

If you're cooking fresh okra, wash and thoroughly dry it before seasoning or breading. If you're cooking frozen okra, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply remove it from the freezer and proceed with your chosen recipe.

When air-frying fresh or frozen okra, you'll typically cook it for around 18 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For crispy okra, air fry for the full 20 minutes. For tender okra that's cooked through, air fry for 18 minutes. Pull out the basket and shake it midway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you're cooking breaded okra, the cooking time will be shorter, typically around 7 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spritz the breaded okra with oil and cook until golden brown. For frozen breaded okra, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Cooking time

The cooking time for air-fried okra varies depending on the method and the desired texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried okra:

Wash and Dry the Okra:

Start by washing the okra thoroughly. You can then choose to dry it or soak it in an egg mixture, depending on your preferred method. Drying the okra will make it easier to coat with seasonings or breading. On the other hand, soaking it in an egg mixture will help reduce the slime and prepare it for breading.

Prepare the Seasonings or Breading:

If you prefer a simpler preparation, you can season the okra with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or a combination of flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place the okra and the chosen seasonings in a large bowl and stir gently to coat. You can also dip the okra in an egg mixture before tossing it in cornmeal or breadcrumbs for a crispy, fried texture.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Before placing the okra in the air fryer, it is essential to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to between 380°F and 425°F. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Cook the Okra:

Arrange the okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures that the okra cooks evenly and gets crispy. Depending on the desired level of crispness, cook the okra for 10-20 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For frozen okra, cook for about 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you are cooking leftover fried okra, 2-3 minutes in the air fryer should be enough to warm it up.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the okra is cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air-fried okra is best enjoyed fresh, as it can become soggy over time. You can serve it with various dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or Alabama White Barbecue Sauce.

Oil and seasoning

Okra is a vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, including boiling, frying, and baking. When it comes to preparing okra in an air fryer, the process is relatively simple, and the result is a crispy and delicious treat. Here are some detailed instructions for oiling and seasoning okra before air frying it:

Oil:

Before placing the okra in the air fryer, it is important to ensure that it is coated with oil. This can be done by tossing the okra with a small amount of oil in a bowl or using a cooking spray directly on the okra. You can also spritz the okra with oil using an oil mister, which helps control the amount of oil used and ensures an even coating. This step is crucial, as it helps to crisp up the okra and gives it a golden brown colour.

Seasoning:

The beauty of seasoning okra is that you can personalise it according to your taste preferences. A basic seasoning mix includes salt and black pepper, which can be tossed with the okra before air frying. For a more complex flavour profile, you can add garlic powder to the mix. If you're looking for a spicy kick, cayenne pepper is a great addition to the seasoning blend.

Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite combination. Some people like to add parsley as a garnish after cooking, while others prefer to soak the okra in an egg mixture before coating it with the seasoning. This egg wash technique is said to help reduce the slime that okra can sometimes have.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer okra is to ensure an even coating of oil and seasoning. By following these instructions and experimenting with different flavours, you'll be able to create delicious and crispy okra treats that are perfect as a side dish or even as a healthy snack!

Serving suggestions

Air-fried okra can be served as a side dish or as fries with a dipping sauce. It is a classic Southern side dish, perfect for Sunday supper. It can be served with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or your favourite dipping sauce.

If you want to make it more like a meal, air-fried okra can be served with fried chicken, or as a healthier alternative to French fries.

For a healthier option, you can skip the oil, but be aware that the extra step of adding oil is worth it for the taste.

Air-fried okra is also a great way to use up any leftover okra you may have. Simply place the leftover okra in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making your own Alabama white sauce or buy a bottle to dip your okra into.

Frequently asked questions