Air-Fryer Okra: Breaded, Crispy, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier fried food without the excess oil. One such dish is breaded okra, a Southern staple that is usually deep-fried. Making breaded okra in an air fryer is a simple process and only requires a few ingredients. The okra is cut into slices, soaked in an egg mixture, coated in a breading mix, and then placed in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden and crispy. The result is a delicious, crispy, and healthy version of a classic dish that can be served as a side or an appetizer.

Okra preparation: wash, cut, and dip in egg

Okra preparation begins with washing the vegetable. Place the okra pods in a strainer and hold them under cold running water from the tap, moving them around with your hands to ensure they are all thoroughly rinsed. If your okra pods are small and young, you can simply wash them by holding 1-2 in your hand at a time.

Next, use a paring knife to trim off the very tip of the stem, cutting around the base without cutting into the pod itself. The stems can be woody and unpleasant to eat, so these should be discarded.

If your okra pods are older and larger, you may notice small, fuzzy spines starting to grow. These should be removed by holding the pods under running water and gently rubbing them with a scouring pad, vegetable brush, or paper towel.

After rinsing, lay the okra pods on a clean, flat surface and pat them dry with a paper towel. Leave them to air dry completely before proceeding with the next steps.

Now it's time to cut the okra. Using a sharp paring knife, cut each pod crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, or as specified in your recipe. You can also cut the okra into bite-size pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference and the recipe you are following.

Once your okra is washed, trimmed, and cut, it's time to dip them in egg. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg wash by beating an egg with one tablespoon of milk or water. Dip each okra piece into the egg wash, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. You can use a fork to dip and turn the okra, which will make the process faster and less messy. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off before moving on to the next step, which might be coating the okra in breadcrumbs or cornmeal.

Breading: combine cornmeal, flour, and spices in a bag

Breading is an essential step in making crispy, golden, and delicious air-fried okra. Here's a detailed guide on how to combine cornmeal, flour, and spices in a bag for the perfect breading:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and spices of your choice. Common spices used in air-fried okra recipes include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning. You can choose to use one or a combination of these spices according to your taste preferences.

Next, prepare a gallon-sized ziplock bag. This bag will be used to combine and mix the dry ingredients, creating a breading mixture. Measure out equal parts cornmeal and flour. For example, if you use 1/2 cup of cornmeal, use 1/2 cup of flour as well. Pour both ingredients into the bag.

Now it's time to add the spices. The amount of spice you use will depend on your desired level of seasoning and the number of okra pods you are preparing. As a general rule, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. For black pepper and garlic powder, a 1/2 teaspoon of each is a good starting point. For cayenne pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning, a pinch or two should be sufficient. You can always add more if needed. If you're using salt, be mindful that some Cajun seasoning blends are quite salty, so you may not need to add extra.

Once you've measured out your spices, add them to the bag. Seal the bag, ensuring it is closed tightly, and then shake the bag vigorously to combine all the dry ingredients. You can also use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together, but shaking the bag is a quick and easy method that minimizes mess. Continue shaking until the cornmeal, flour, and spices are fully incorporated and evenly distributed.

Your breading mixture is now ready to be used for coating your okra pods! Dip each okra pod into a beaten egg mixture first, allowing any excess to drip off, and then place it into the bag with the breading. Shake the bag gently to coat the okra pod evenly on all sides. Repeat this process for each okra pod.

By combining cornmeal, flour, and spices in a bag, you have created a simple and effective breading method for your air-fried okra. This technique will result in a delicious, crispy exterior that your family and friends will love!

Air fryer settings: preheat to 380-425°F and spritz with oil

Air fryer settings are an important part of the cooking process and can make or break your breaded okra. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure you get the best results:

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving the perfect crispiness for your breaded okra. Set your air fryer between 380 and 425°F. The higher temperature will help create a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Preheating also ensures that your okra cooks evenly, so you don't end up with a soggy exterior and undercooked interior.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to spritz your okra with oil. This step is essential as it helps the breading brown and crisp up. You can use an oil mister or spray, ensuring an even and light coating of oil on your okra. Avoid drenching the okra in oil, as this can make it greasy and heavy. A light spritz is all you need!

Some recipes suggest spraying the air fryer basket with oil as well, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You can also give your okra a quick shake or stir halfway through the cooking process to ensure they don't stick together and cook evenly on all sides.

The cooking time for breaded okra in an air fryer is generally around 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your okra pieces and the desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on your okra to ensure they don't burn, especially if your air fryer is set to a higher temperature.

By following these instructions and paying attention to your air fryer settings, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy breaded okra!

Cooking time: 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through

Once you've prepared your okra and are ready to cook it, it's important to get the timing right. You don't want to overcook it and end up with soggy okra, but you also don't want to undercook it and risk it being too crispy or even raw.

The cooking time will depend on the temperature you've set your air fryer to. If you're cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll want to cook your okra for around 8 to 10 minutes. If you're cooking at 356 degrees Fahrenheit, 6 to 8 minutes should be enough. And if you're cooking frozen breaded okra at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take a little longer, around 14 minutes.

Regardless of the temperature and cooking time, it's important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that the okra cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the basket. Shaking the basket also helps to distribute the oil or cooking spray, so you get a nice, even crisp on your okra.

If you're cooking in batches, make sure to let the air fryer return to the set temperature before adding the next batch. This will ensure that each batch cooks evenly and consistently.

Dips: ranch, ketchup, or Sriracha mayo

When it comes to dips for your breaded okra, there are several options to choose from, each offering a unique flavour profile to complement the crispy, golden brown exterior of the okra. Here is a detailed guide to three popular dips: ranch, ketchup, and Sriracha mayo.

Ranch Dip:

Ranch dressing is a classic choice for a dip, offering a creamy and tangy flavour. It pairs well with the crispy texture of the air-fried okra. You can purchase ready-made ranch dressing from most grocery stores, or you can make your own by combining buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a mix of herbs and spices such as parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and thin it out with a little milk or water if needed.

Ketchup:

Ketchup is a versatile and well-loved condiment that can also serve as a delicious dip for your breaded okra. Its sweet and tangy flavour, with a hint of spice, makes it a perfect pairing for the crispy, breaded exterior of the okra. You can use your favourite brand of ketchup or even make your own by cooking down tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

Sriracha Mayo:

For those who enjoy a little spice, Sriracha mayo is an excellent choice. It offers a creamy texture with a kick of heat from the Sriracha chilli sauce. Simply mix Sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavour and thin it out with a little water if needed. This dip is a perfect complement to the crispy, crunchy exterior and tender interior of the air-fried okra.

These dips offer a range of flavours to suit different palates, and you can even experiment with your own creations by adding different herbs, spices, and sauces to enhance the flavour of your breaded okra. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions