Dehydrating Okra In An Air Fryer: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried okra, then air-fried okra could be the answer. Air-fried okra is a great way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable, as it transforms its slimy texture into a crispy, crunchy delight. It's also a quick and easy way to prepare okra, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a snack fix. Plus, you can customise the flavours by seasoning your okra with your favourite spices and seasonings. In this article, we'll take you through the simple steps to make delicious dehydrated okra in your air fryer.

Choosing the right okra

Okra is a prolific vegetable that must be picked every other day to continue to produce. The larger they grow, the tougher they become, so it is best to pick small to medium-sized okra from the stalks.

When choosing okra to dehydrate, you will want to select new, tender pieces. Rinse the okra several times in fresh running water to remove debris and dirt. After rinsing, slice off the cap end and the black spot on the bottom.

Okra may feel slimy to touch, but this is normal, and there is no need to rinse again. However, you may want to rinse your hands before cutting up the okra.

Load the okra pieces onto dehydrator trays, leaving some space between them. They will shrink to about half their original size, so spacing does not need to be perfect.

Now, you are ready to dehydrate your okra!

Preparing the okra

Firstly, select fresh, bright green okra pods that are firm and free from any blemishes or bruises. Rinse the okra thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a soft vegetable brush to gently scrub the pods if needed. After rinsing, dry the okra with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Next, using a sharp knife, carefully trim the stems and tips from each okra pod. You can discard these ends or save them for composting. Once trimmed, slice the okra in half lengthwise. This step is important as it exposes the inner surface of the okra, allowing for more effective dehydration and crispiness.

Place the sliced okra into a large mixing bowl. At this stage, you have the option to add a light coating of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and toss the okra to ensure an even coating. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour and texture of the final product.

After coating with oil, it's time to season the okra. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, or turmeric. Simply sprinkle the desired amount of seasonings over the okra and toss again to ensure an even coating. You can also add arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or cornstarch at this stage to help the okra crisp up even more during dehydration.

Once the okra is prepared, it's now ready to be placed into the air fryer. Arrange the okra in a single layer on the air fryer trays or in the basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the okra in batches.

Now, you are ready to start the dehydration process by turning on your air fryer!

Seasoning the okra

Firstly, wash and thoroughly dry the fresh okra. This step ensures that any dirt or moisture that may affect the seasoning adhesion and cooking process is removed.

Next, trim the stems and tips of the okra pods. You can then decide on the cut – slicing them into half-inch-long rounds or cutting them lengthwise to make "fries". The lengthwise cut is recommended if you want to achieve a crispier texture as it exposes more of the okra to the hot air.

Now, it's time to add some oil. Place the cut okra in a large mixing bowl and drizzle or spritz a small amount of oil over them. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any vegetable oil of your choice. Toss the okra in the oil to ensure they are lightly and evenly coated.

The fun part begins – adding the seasonings! You can go as simple as just salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of spices and blends. For a basic savoury option, use seasoned salt. If you want a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or chilli powder. You can also experiment with garlic powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, or amchur powder for a tangy twist. For an Indian-inspired flavour, try a combination of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect blend! Give the okra a good stir or toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.

If you want an extra crispy texture, you can also add a coating agent like arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or cornstarch to the mix. Start with a smaller amount and increase as needed to get an even coating.

And there you have it – seasoned okra, ready to be dehydrated to perfection in your air fryer! Remember, the beauty of seasoning is that you can customise it to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations.

Cooking the okra

To cook the okra, start by washing and drying the fresh okra. Trim off the stems and tips, and cut the okra in half lengthwise. Place the sliced okra in a bowl. Next, you'll want to add oil and seasoning. You can spritz or toss the okra with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and/or chili powder. You can also add arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or cornstarch to help make the okra crispier.

Once the okra is prepared, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each piece to avoid overcrowding. If you have a lot of okra, you may need to cook it in batches. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for around 20 minutes, or until the okra is crispy and golden brown. Check on the okra regularly to ensure it doesn't burn, and give the basket a shake or rotate the trays halfway through cooking. Once cooked, remove the okra from the air fryer and serve as a snack or side dish, plain or with a dip.

Storing the okra

Once you've made a batch of crispy, crunchy okra in your air fryer, you'll want to make sure you store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious. Here are some tips to help you store your okra:

Okra has a short shelf life, so it's best to eat it as soon as possible after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for up to 3 days.

To maintain the crispiness of your okra, ensure it is completely cooled before storing. Leaving it uncovered in a dry, cool place for 3-4 hours will help achieve this. You can also place it on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to absorb any excess moisture.

If you want to make a larger batch to store for future snacks or side dishes, consider freezing your okra. Spread the cooled, cooked okra in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the okra to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy your crunchy okra for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen okra, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat it in the air fryer at a lower temperature to retain its crispiness.

Remember, okra is best enjoyed fresh, so try not to leave it sitting around for too long. By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure your air-fried okra stays tasty and crisp!

Frequently asked questions