Air-Fried Okra: A Crunchy, Healthy Treat

Air fryer okra is a great way to enjoy the vegetable without the slime. The air fryer transforms the texture of okra from slimy to crispy and crunchy. The trick to achieving this is to cut the okra lengthwise and air fry it at a high temperature. You can also bread the okra with cornmeal and flour to make it golden brown and crunchy. This dish is a classic Southern side that can be served with a variety of sauces, such as Alabama White Barbecue Sauce, Comeback Sauce, or Honey Barbecue Sauce.

How to cut okra for air frying

Okra is a tricky vegetable to prepare, but when cooked right, it can be deliciously crispy. The key to preparing okra is to expose the slimy middle to the air fryer, so it transforms into a crunchy texture.

To cut okra for air frying, start by washing and thoroughly drying the fresh okra. Then, trim off the ends and slice each pod in half lengthwise. You can also cut the okra into 1/4-inch thick circles, but this method is better for stewed okra and tomatoes. If you want crispy okra, it's best to cut them lengthwise to resemble fries. Once you've cut the okra, you can proceed to season and cook it in the air fryer.

Some recipes call for breading the okra before air frying. If you choose to do this, toss the sliced okra in flour, then dip each piece in an egg mixture before coating them in breadcrumbs. You can also use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs.

How to make a breading mixture for okra

Frying okra is a popular way to prepare this vegetable, and it's especially common in the Southern United States. Frying okra can reduce its slimy texture and make it crispy and crunchy. To make a breading mixture for fried okra, you'll need a combination of dry ingredients and wet ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For the breading mixture, you will need:

• Cornmeal
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Breadcrumbs (optional: use pre-seasoned for convenience)
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, breadcrumbs, and desired spices/seasonings. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. You can adjust the proportions of each ingredient based on your personal preference, but typically, equal parts of each dry ingredient work well.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, prepare a wet mixture that will help the breading stick to the okra. You can use a combination of eggs and a small amount of water, or you can opt for buttermilk. For the egg mixture, beat one or two eggs with a fork and add a teaspoon of water. If you prefer buttermilk, simply measure out the desired amount and pour it into a bowl.

Step 4: Create a Dredging Station

Set up a dredging station with three separate bowls/dishes. In the first bowl, place the sliced okra. In the second bowl, place your wet mixture (egg/water or buttermilk). In the third bowl, place your dry breading mixture. Having this assembly line set up will make the dredging process easier and less messy.

Step 5: Dredge the Okra

Take an okra slice from the first bowl and dip it into the wet mixture, making sure it's well coated. Then, dip the okra into the dry breading mixture, again ensuring it's evenly coated. Finally, place the breaded okra on a baking sheet or plate. Repeat this process until all your okra slices are breaded.

Step 6: Rest and Fry

Let the breaded okra rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the coating to set. This step will help ensure that the breading adheres well to the okra. After resting, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of around 350°F (180°C) for best results. Fry the okra in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Fry the okra until it turns golden brown on both sides.

Tips and Variations:

• If you want extra crunch, you can double dredge the okra by repeating the process and dipping it into the wet mixture and dry breading a second time.
• For a gluten-free option, you can swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for alternatives like almond flour, cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch.
• Get creative with your spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add Cajun seasoning, chili pepper, garlic powder, or even a bit of Parmesan cheese to your breading mixture.

How to make an egg wash for okra

An egg wash is a simple mixture of beaten egg and a liquid, usually water or milk. It is used as a coating for fried foods and baked goods to add shine, colour, and crispness to the final product.

To make an egg wash for okra, you will need:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of water or milk

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Wash

• In a small bowl, crack and beat the egg. You can use a fork or a small whisk to beat the egg until it is thoroughly combined and has a pale yellow colour.
• Add the water or milk to the beaten egg. Start with 1 tablespoon of liquid and mix it into the egg. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more liquid if needed. The ideal consistency is a thin, even mixture that is easy to coat the okra with.

Step 2: Prepare the Okra

• Wash and dry the okra thoroughly. It is important to ensure the okra is dry before coating it, as excess moisture can affect the crispness of the final product.
• Trim the stems of the okra pods and cut them into your desired size. You can slice them into 1/4-inch thick pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Coat the Okra

• Once your okra is prepared, you can begin coating it with the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently brush the egg wash onto each piece of okra, ensuring all sides are coated. Alternatively, you can dip the okra into the egg wash if you prefer.
• After coating the okra with the egg wash, you can then proceed to bread the okra or fry it, depending on your recipe.

And that's it! Now you know how to make an egg wash for okra, you can experiment with different liquids and spices in your egg wash to find your favourite combination. Enjoy experimenting with your air fryer!

How long to air fry okra for

Air fryer okra is a great way to enjoy the vegetable without the slimy texture that some people dislike. The air fryer turns okra into a crispy, crunchy delight.

The length of time you air fry okra for depends on the recipe you are following and the type of air fryer you are using. Here are some general guidelines:

Air Frying Okra Without Breading

If you are air frying okra without breading, you will need to air fry it for around 20 minutes at 400°F. It is important to rotate the trays or shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the okra from the 15-minute mark onwards to ensure that the pieces do not burn.

Air Frying Okra With Breading

If you are air frying okra with breading, the cooking time will be shorter. One recipe suggests air frying at 356°F for 6 minutes, then tossing the breaded okra in oil and air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes. Another recipe recommends air frying at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, with a spritz of cooking spray halfway through.

Tips for Air Frying Okra

• Cut the okra into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• If using breading, dip the okra in an egg wash first to help the batter adhere.
• Use cooking spray to ensure the okra gets crispy and golden brown.
• Air fryer okra is best eaten fresh, as it can become soggy over time.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for a day or two, and revive them with another 3 to 4 minutes in the air fryer.

How to reheat air-fried okra

Reheating air-fried okra is a simple process and a great way to enjoy this crispy, delicious dish again. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat air-fried okra:

Preheat your air fryer:

Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F (175-180°C). This is a suitable temperature to ensure your okra is warmed through without burning.

Prepare the okra:

Place the leftover fried okra directly into the air fryer basket. Ensure the okra pieces are not overcrowded and are in a single layer, if possible. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sogginess.

Reheat:

Cook the okra for approximately 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the exact time may vary depending on the amount of okra and the power of your air fryer. Toss or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

Enjoy:

Once warmed through, remove the okra from the air fryer and serve immediately. Reheated air-fried okra makes a great side dish or snack, and can be enjoyed on its own or with your favourite dipping sauce.

Reheating air-fried okra in the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to bring this tasty treat back to life, ensuring it retains its crispiness and flavour.

Frequently asked questions