Air Fryer Okra: Breaded, Frozen, And Delicious

Making frozen breaded okra in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy option. It is also a great way to avoid the sliminess that is common when cooking okra.

The air fryer ensures even cooking and gives the okra a crispy texture. The best part? You only need a few ingredients and a short amount of time to make this delicious dish.

How to Make Frozen Breaded Okra in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your appliance reaches the desired temperature, so your food cooks evenly and efficiently. When preparing frozen breaded okra, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C.

• Start by checking your air fryer's current temperature. Most modern air fryers will display the current temperature on a digital screen. If your model does not have this feature, you can assume the air fryer is at room temperature, which is typically around 68°F/20°C.
• Adjust the temperature setting to 400°F/200°C. You can do this by using the control panel on your air fryer. If your model has preset temperature settings, select the one closest to 400°F/200°C.
• Allow sufficient time for preheating. Depending on the model and size of your air fryer, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to over 10 minutes to reach the desired temperature. Refer to your air fryer's user manual to get a more accurate estimate for your specific model.
• Monitor the temperature. Keep an eye on the temperature display, if available, to ensure the air fryer reaches and maintains the desired temperature of 400°F/200°C. This is especially important if you're working with an older model that doesn't have precise temperature controls.
• Consider preheating for a few extra minutes. It's generally recommended to preheat your air fryer for slightly longer than you think. This ensures that the appliance's cooking chamber and all its components are thoroughly heated, promoting even cooking.
• Use an external thermometer for accuracy. If you want to be absolutely sure your air fryer has reached the correct temperature, you can use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature inside the cooking chamber. This is an optional step, but it can be helpful if you're particular about precision.

By following these steps, you'll ensure your air fryer is properly preheated to 400°F/200°C, setting the stage for delicious frozen breaded okra!

Use frozen or fresh okra

Okra is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, and it's super easy to make in an air fryer! You can use either fresh or frozen okra, depending on your preference and what's available to you. Here's a detailed guide on how to make delicious and crispy air-fried okra using either option:

Using Frozen Okra:

Frozen okra is a convenient option, and you can find it in most grocery stores. Here's a simple way to cook frozen breaded okra in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to ensure your okra gets crispy without burning.
• Place the frozen okra in the air fryer: Spread the frozen okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the okra: Cook the frozen okra for about 14 minutes. Remember to shake the basket lightly halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Remove and serve: Once the okra is crispy and golden brown, take it out of the air fryer and serve! You can enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or even as a topping for salads.

Using Fresh Okra:

If you prefer to use fresh okra, here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious air-fried okra:

• Prepare the okra: Clean and cut the fresh okra into 1/2-inch thick slices, removing the tops and bottoms of each piece.
• Prepare the breading station: Set out three bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy).
• Bread the okra: Dip each okra piece into the flour, then the egg, and finally, coat it with the cornmeal mixture. Make sure to coat all sides evenly.
• Place the okra in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the breaded okra in the air fryer in a single layer, spritz them with a little oil, and then cook.
• Cook the okra: Cook the fresh breaded okra for 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove and serve: Take the crispy okra out of the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve it as a side dish or appetizer.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Use a fork to dip and coat the okra pieces to make the process faster and less messy.
• If you want to add some spice and flavor, include a pinch of cayenne pepper and sea salt in your breading mixture.
• For reheating leftover okra, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Cook for 12-20 minutes

Now it's time to cook your frozen breaded okra! Place the basket inside your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for 12 to 20 minutes.

If you're cooking plain frozen okra, you'll want to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. However, if you're cooking frozen breaded okra, it's best to wait about 8 minutes before shaking the basket. This will help the breading stick to the okra.

While cooking time may vary depending on your preferred level of crispiness, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. For best results, arrange the okra in a single layer, giving each piece enough space to cook evenly.

Once the okra is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack!

Spray with oil for crispiness

Spraying your frozen breaded okra with oil is a key step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness. While it is not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended. The oil helps the okra turn a beautiful golden brown colour and gives it that satisfying crunch.

You can use any type of cooking oil or cooking spray. Avocado oil is a popular choice, as it has a high smoke point and is considered healthier than other options. You can also use olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil of your choice.

If you are using a spray bottle, make sure to coat the okra liberally. If you are using a brush, lightly brush the oil onto the okra until all sides are coated. You can also add the oil directly to the bag of frozen okra, seal it, and shake it to ensure an even coating.

No matter which application method you choose, be sure to give the okra a good shake halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

With just a light spray of oil, your frozen breaded okra will transform into a crispy, golden, and delicious treat!

Serve with a dip

Okra is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side. It is a great addition to a party spread or a tasty after-school snack for hungry kids.

Traditionally, fried okra is served with a remoulade or spicy aioli dip. If you want to serve it with a dip, you could try ranch dressing, as some restaurants serve this combination.

For a more substantial meal, serve your okra with some simply prepared meats, such as BBQ or fried chicken. It also goes well with Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings, or Ribs cooked in the Ninja Foodi.

If you want to add some greens to your meal, a Greek Cucumber Salad or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad would be a great, healthy addition to your meal.

Frequently asked questions