Air Fryer Crispy Okra

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy okra, look no further than the air fryer! This appliance crisps up the okra perfectly, without using much oil. So give this easy recipe a try and see for yourself how good air fried okra can be. You may just become a fan!

What is Okra?

Okra is a vegetable that is native to Africa. It’s also known as lady’s fingers or gumbo, and it belongs to the mallow family of plants. The okra plant grows tall and produces seed pods that are typically green in color. These pods can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. Okra is a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate.

I remember my mom cooking okra for stews when I was a child. But now that I’m an adult, I’ve started cooking okra myself—in the air fryer! The results are great. The crispy texture and slightly salty flavor.

Why make Okra in the air fryer ?

The air fryer is a great way to make okra because it doesn’t require much oil. This means that the okra will be healthier, and it will also have a crispier texture. The key to making crisp air fried okra is to coat the pieces in cornmeal before cooking. This will give them a nice crunch that you’ll love.

What kind of Okra should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use fresh okra. Frozen okra can also be used, but it may not get as crispy when cooked in the air fryer. If you can find small or medium-sized okra, they will cook more evenly than large ones.

How do I prepare the Okra ?

The first step is to wash the okra and cut off the stem ends, then, slice it lengthwise.

Ingredients

• Okra: this is a vegetable that is native to Africa.
• Cornmeal: this will be used to coat the okra before cooking.
• Egg: this will be used to help the cornmeal stick to the okra.
• Salt: this will be used to season the okra.
• Spray oil: this will be used to coat the air fryer basket.
• All-purpose flour: this will be used to dust the okra before cooking.

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 385 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The first step is to wash the okra and cut off the stem ends, then, slice it lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, whisk together an egg.
4. Dip the okra in the egg mixture and then coat it with cornmeal, all purpose flour and salt.
5. Place the okra in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes.
6. Remove from the air fryer and season with salt to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Variations

-If you want to give your okra a bit of spice, you can add some cayenne pepper or paprika to the cornmeal.

-If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the okra in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make frozen okra in the airfryer?

Frozen okra can be cooked in the air fryer, but it may not get as crispy as fresh okra. To cook frozen okra, simply place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.

Is Okra healthy?

Yes, okra is a healthy vegetable that is high in fiber and vitamins C and K. It’s also a good source of folate.

What does Okra taste like?

Okra has a slightly bitter taste and a mucilaginous texture. When cooked, it can take on a slimy consistency. Some people compare the taste of okra to eggplant or green beans.

How long do I cook frozen breaded okra in the air fryer?

Frozen breaded okra can be cooked in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes on 385 degrees Fahrenheit.

What other vegetables can I cook in the air fryer?

You can cook just about any vegetable in the air fryer! Some other great options include sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.

How can I make air fryer okra gluten free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten free flour.

How can I make air fryer okra vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the egg. You may need to add a bit more water to the cornmeal so that it will stick to the okra. Alternatively, you could use a plant-based milk such as almond milk or cashew milk.

How do I make grilled okra on the grill?

To make grilled okra, simply place the okra on a skewer and grill for 10 minutes. You can also cook the okra in the air fryer and then finish it on the grill for a crisper texture.

Is okra really slimy?

Okra does contain a substance called mucilage, which can make it seem slimy. However, this substance is actually a type of soluble fiber that has many health benefits. When cooked properly, okra should not be slimy.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover okra can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with air fryer okra?

Okra can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It goes well with rice, quinoa, or couscous.

Can air fryer okra be made keto?

Yes, this recipe can be made keto-friendly by omitting the cornmeal and using a keto-friendly flour such as almond flour. You’ll also want to make sure you use a sugar-free seasonings.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover okra can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.

What is an okra substitute?

If you can’t find okra, you can use any other type of vegetable such as zucchini, eggplant, or squash.

Okra is a delicious and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One of the best ways to enjoy okra is to cook it in the air frye. So give this easy recipe a try.