Frying Okra In An Air Fryer: Time And Temperature Guide

Frying okra in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy fried okra without the mess and excess fat of traditional frying methods. The air fryer's convection oven-like functionality makes it easy to get that crispy fried coating with just a fraction of the fat. The length of time it takes to fry okra in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. In general, it takes around 10-14 minutes to fry okra in an air fryer, with some recipes suggesting an additional 2-3 minutes for a second fry to ensure maximum crispiness.

How to make okra in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Okra
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Spices of your choice (e.g. paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the okra

Start by washing the okra and cutting off the woody ends. Then, cut the okra into rounds about 1/2-inch thick. Try to ensure that the okra pieces are of equal size so that they cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the breading mixture

In a bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, and any spices you wish to add. You can also add a pinch of sea salt and cayenne pepper for a spicy, flavorful kick.

Step 3: Prepare the egg wash

In a separate bowl, whisk an egg with a teaspoon of water. You can also add a small amount of flour to this mixture.

Step 4: Dip the okra

Dip the okra pieces into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and then transfer them to the cornmeal mixture. Use a fork to ensure that the okra is nicely coated on all sides. Repeat this process for all okra pieces.

Step 5: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Place the okra in the air fryer

Place the breaded okra in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spritz the okra with oil, using a mister or spray, and add another dose of cooking spray to the air fryer basket.

Step 7: Air fry the okra

Air fry the okra for 7 to 14 minutes. For the best results, spritz the okra with more cooking spray halfway through the frying process.

Step 8: Serve immediately

Air fryer okra is best enjoyed fresh, as it can become soggy over time. Serve it with your favorite sauce, such as Alabama White Barbecue Sauce, Comeback Sauce, or Honey Barbecue Sauce.

Tips:

• If you're using frozen okra, cook it straight from frozen. Ensure that you fry it in one equal layer to prevent sogginess.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for three to four minutes.

Enjoy your crispy, golden brown, and delicious air fryer okra!

How to make frozen okra in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen okra
• Olive oil spray or 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• Spices (optional): garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, turn it on to 400°F and let it heat up for 3-4 minutes.
• Place the frozen okra in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is spread out in a single layer.
• Spray the okra with olive oil or, if you don't have a spray, drizzle with olive oil.
• If using spices, mix them in a small bowl and sprinkle over the frozen okra. Use a brush to rub the spices all over, or shake the basket to coat the okra.
• Air fry for 14-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the okra is crispy and golden brown.
• Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch or French onion.

Tips:

• If you want extra crunch, air fry the okra for an additional 2-5 minutes.
• Don't skip spraying or drizzling the okra with oil before air frying, as this will give it a golden brown colour and make it crispy.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

How to reheat okra in the air fryer

Okra is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways, including frying, roasting, and air frying. If you have leftover okra, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer to restore its crispy texture and delicious flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat okra in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your okra is thoroughly reheated without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Leftover Okra

Take your leftover fried okra from the refrigerator. If you have any large pieces, you can cut them into smaller, bite-sized portions to ensure even reheating.

Step 3: Place Okra in the Air Fryer

Place the leftover okra in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat the okra in batches.

Step 4: Reheat the Okra

Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, it's time to cook your okra. Place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer for about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on the okra to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After about 3 minutes, your okra should be thoroughly reheated and ready to enjoy. Remove the basket from the air fryer and serve the okra while it's still hot and crispy.

Reheating okra in an air fryer is a simple and quick process that will bring your leftovers back to life. You can enjoy the crispy, tasty okra as a side dish or a snack, pairing it with your favourite dipping sauces.

Additionally, if you're reheating frozen okra, consider spraying a light coating of cooking oil on the okra before placing it in the air fryer. This will help ensure a crispy texture.

How long to fry okra in an air fryer

Frying okra in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy fried okra without the mess and excess fat of traditional frying methods. The length of time you'll need to fry okra in an air fryer depends on a few factors, including whether you're using fresh or frozen okra, and whether you're using a breading or not. Here's a detailed guide to help you get perfect air-fried okra every time.

Air Frying Fresh Okra with Breading

If you're starting with fresh okra and want to add a breading, the first step is to preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your okra by cleaning and cutting it into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick slices. Remove the tops and bottoms of each okra piece. Next, set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in a second bowl, and a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a third bowl. Dip each okra piece into the flour, then the egg, and finally the cornmeal mixture, coating it evenly each time. Place the breaded okra into the air fryer basket, spritz with oil, and air fry for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your okra. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Frozen Breaded Okra

If you're using frozen, pre-breaded okra, you can simply place it directly into the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 14 minutes. For best results, cook the okra in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through cooking. If you want to add some extra colour and crispness to your okra, you can spritz it with oil before cooking.

Air Frying Fresh Okra without Breading

If you prefer your okra without breading, you can simply toss fresh, sliced okra with a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through. This method gives you crispy, slime-free okra without the extra work of breading.

Tips to make the best crispy air fryer okra

Air fryer okra is a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried okra. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results and the crispiest texture:

Prepare the Okra

Firstly, you need to prepare the okra by washing it and cutting off the woody ends. Then, cut the okra into rounds or slices of equal size, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. This ensures the okra cooks evenly in the air fryer.

Breading

For a crispy texture, a breading of cornmeal and flour is typically used. You can also add breadcrumbs to this mixture for extra crunch. Season the breading with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Cayenne pepper will add a spicy kick. You can also add an egg wash by beating an egg with a little water to help the breading stick to the okra.

Oil

Although air fryers use a fraction of the oil needed for deep frying, a light coating of oil will help achieve a crispier texture. You can spritz the okra with cooking spray or toss it in a small amount of oil before air frying.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 12 to 14 minutes for fresh okra and 14 minutes for frozen. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crisping.

Serving

Air fryer okra is best served fresh as it tends to get soggy over time. Serve it with a dipping sauce of your choice—some suggestions include Sriracha mayo, ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Reheating and Storing

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes to revive their crispiness.

Frequently asked questions