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Air Fryer Fried Okra

Name: Air Fryer Fried Okra
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 pound okra (fresh); 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornmeal (yellow)); 1 large egg; 1 cup breadcrumbs

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There is nothing better than Air Fryer Fried Okra. If you have not tried it yet, be sure to grab a package of fresh okra next time you are at the grocery store.

I made it because everyone kept on asking me for a recipe for fried okra, and I was raised in an Italian Household. So, my mother never made Okra; we are northerners; this was the first time I have ever purchased or cooked okra.

But, surprisingly enough, it was a delicious late-night snack. I made a quick batch. And the air fryer does a great and quick job of quickly frying it up.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes, here are some of my favorites, AIR FRYER PARMESAN DILL PICKLE CHIPS, AIR FRYER CREAMY SPINACH, AND CHEESE BREAD, AIR FRYER ROASTED FETA & TOMATO TORTILLA, and AIR FRYER ARTICHOKE DIP.

The Best Air Fryer Okra Recipe

Nothing beats the delightful crunch of air-fried okra for quick, healthy, and tasty side dishes. Harnessing the power of rapid air technology, this Southern classic takes a nutritious and guilt-free turn.

Our ‘Best Air Fryer Okra Recipe’ has been perfected to ensure a crispy finish and robust flavor in every bite, all while minimizing the use of oil. Say goodbye to the traditional mess of deep-frying and embrace this easy-to-follow, lightened-up version.

Why Air Fry Okra?

Air frying okra offers a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried okra, slashing calories and fat without compromising on the crunch or taste. The high-heat circulation in an air fryer cooks the okra evenly, ensuring a beautifully crispy exterior that encases a tender, flavorful interior. Moreover, air frying is significantly quicker and cleaner, making it a preferred choice for today’s health-conscious and time-strapped home cooks.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fried Okra

Okra is one of those vegetables that many people will either love or hate. If you’re in the “love” camp, air-frying okra is a great way to enjoy this Southern classic with an extra crunchy texture.

While you could sprinkle okra with some salt and call it done, plenty of other tasty ingredients can enhance the flavor profile and give your finished product an extra spark. Read on to learn what ingredients are needed for air-fried okra to create a truly delicious meal!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Okra: Use fresh okra.
Egg: Use large, room-temperature eggs
Flour: Use either all-purpose flour or cornmeal
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs; for a keto version, use crushed pork rinds.

How To Make Fried Okra In Air Fryer

Are you looking for a way to quickly and easily fry up your favorite Southern comfort food without all the mess and grease associated with traditional frying? Look no further than your air fryer!

Yes, you can undoubtedly use an air fryer to make delicious fried okra that can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

Below, we’ll walk you through step by step how to properly prepare and cook the perfect okra in your air fryer so you don’t miss out on all the flavor but without worrying about dealing with hot oil splatter or any of the cleanup afterward. So get ready for some crispy okra while keeping it nutritional–let’s get started!

Step One: Prepare The Okra

One of the most important things about making okra is to wash the okra thoroughly. I put mine in a colander, rinsed them off, and then dried them off with a kitchen towel.

Then you need to cut both ends off; I suggest you make these in about 1/2 inch pieces.

Step Two: Prepare The Breading Stations

In a small bowl, add your flour; in another shallow bowl, add your eggs, and whisk with a fork. In another mixing bowl, add your bread crumb.

Step Three: Bread The Okra

Then to bread, toss your diced okra into the flour, then into the egg wash, and then into the bread crumbs.

Step Four: Fry Okra In Air Fryer

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then as you bread your okra, place it into the basket. Set the temperature to 375 degrees F, air fryer setting, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, frequently shaking the basket during cooking.

Pro Tips For Making The Best Fried Okra In Air Fryer

Choose Fresh Okra: Fresh okra will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture. Look for bright green pods that are firm and free from blemishes or dark spots.
Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soggy okra. Arrange the okra in a single layer, giving each piece enough space to crisp up properly.
Shake the Basket: Midway through the cooking process, give the air fryer basket a good shake to ensure the okra pieces are evenly cooked and browned.
Season to Taste: While this recipe provides an essential seasoning, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat or some garlic powder for extra flavor.
Use Cooking Spray: Before air frying, a light cooking oil spray on the breaded okra can help achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the heat is evenly distributed from the start of cooking, leading to better crisping.
Use a High Smoke Point Oil: If you’re adding oil, ensure it has a high smoke point. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or refined olive oil are great options.
Serving Suggestion: Air-fried okra is best served hot immediately after cooking. It can lose its crunch as it cools, so plan your meal timing accordingly.

Can I use frozen okra in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen okra in the air fryer. However, the texture may differ slightly from fresh okra. You might need to adjust the cooking time as well.

Why is my air-fried okra not crispy?

If your air-fried okra is not crispy, it could be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket, or not enough oil was used. Be sure to give each piece enough space for the air to circulate, and use a cooking spray or lightly toss the okra in oil before air frying.

How do I avoid the okra from becoming slimy?

Okra releases a sticky substance when it’s cut, which can lead to a slimy texture. To reduce this, you can soak the okra in vinegar for about an hour before cooking. Also, air frying at high heat can help to minimize the sliminess.

How do I clean my air fryer after cooking okra?

AAfter the air fryer cools down, remove the basket and pan, and clean them with warm, soapy water. If there’s stuck-on food, soak the parts in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Can I reheat leftover air-fried okra?

Yes, you can reheat leftover air-fried okra in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F and heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy again.

Can I use cornmeal to bread the okra?

Yes, cornmeal is a common breading for okra. It provides a great crunch and golden color when air fried.

Can I cook other vegetables the same way as okra in an air fryer?

Yes, many vegetables can be cooked in the air fryer using a similar method. However, cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the type and size of the vegetable. Always check for doneness to ensure your vegetables are cooked properly.

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