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Air Fried Okra Recipe

Name: Air Fried Okra Recipe
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

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: March 17, 2021

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Discover a simple and healthy Air Fried Okra recipe that delivers crispy, flavorful results without the need for deep frying.

A plate of golden-brown, crispy air-fried okra pieces, garnished with a sprinkle of seasoning.

Air Fryer Fried Okra offers a healthier twist on the classic Southern dish by utilizing an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.

The process involves coating fresh okra slices in a seasoned mixture of cornmeal and flour, then air frying them until golden brown. This method significantly reduces the amount of oil used, resulting in a lighter, yet equally flavorful, snack or side dish.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, for a flavor explosion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Crispy Texture: Air fryer okra gives you a perfectly crispy, crunchy bite without all the oil.
Quick and Easy: It’s a fast, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy: With minimal oil, air fryer okra is a guilt-free way to enjoy a veggie snack.
Versatile Flavor: You can season it to your liking, from spicy to savory, for endless flavor combinations.
Low Maintenance: Simply toss, air fry, and enjoy—no constant stirring or turning like traditional frying.

If you love easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion, Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes, or Air Fryer Green Peas Recipe.

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Okra served in a bowl, showcasing golden, crunchy pieces of okra.

Ingredients Needed

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 The Air Fryer

Rinsing okra in a colander, drying with a kitchen towel, and cutting off the ends before slicing into 1/2 inch pieces.

Step One: One of the key steps in preparing okra is to wash it thoroughly. I place mine in a colander, rinse it well, and then pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Then you need to cut both ends off; I suggest you make these in about 1/2 inch pieces.

Preparing the breading station with flour in a small bowl, whisked eggs in a shallow bowl, and breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl.

Step Two: 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.

Coating diced okra in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for breading.

Step Three: Then to bread, toss your diced okra into the flour, then into the egg wash, and then into the breadcrumbs.

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

Spraying air fryer basket with cooking spray and placing breaded okra inside; setting air fryer to 375°F and cooking for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket occasionally.

Recipe Variations

Fried Okra Air Fryer Without Cornmeal: For a lighter version of fried okra, you can skip the cornmeal and use just flour and breadcrumbs for the breading.
Keto Air Fried Okra Recipe: To make keto-friendly air fryer fried okra, replace the flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, crunchy coating.
Air Fried Whole Okra Recipe: Instead of slicing the okra, you can air fry it whole for a tender yet crispy bite. Simply toss the whole okra in a seasoning mix and a light coating of flour or oil before air frying for a different, whole vegetable experience.

Air Fryer Fried Okra Recipe Tips

Dry Okra Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry the okra completely to ensure the breading sticks well.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the okra cooks evenly on all sides.
Customize the Breading: Add spices or seasonings to the flour, egg wash, or breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your okra pieces and air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check for a golden-brown crisp.
Serve Immediately: Air fryer okra is best enjoyed right after cooking for that crispy texture!

Crispy Air Fried Okra served in a bowl, showcasing golden, crunchy pieces of okra.

Storing

Storing: To store Air Fryer Fried Okra, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before storing to maintain its crispiness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the breaded okra before cooking by placing it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat Air Fried Okra, place it back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispiness. You can also reheat it in the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What To Serve With Fried Okra In The Air Fryer

Fried okra made in the air fryer pairs wonderfully with a variety of Southern-inspired dishes. Serve it alongside a classic barbecue platter, with pulled pork or grilled chicken for a delicious and hearty meal. It also complements fried chicken, catfish, or shrimp for a tasty seafood feast. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad or as a side to a simple sandwich, like a BLT or a turkey club. You can also enjoy it as a snack with a zesty dipping sauce, such as ranch, spicy aioli, or a tangy honey mustard, to elevate the flavor.

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Fried Okra served in a bowl, showcasing perfectly breaded pieces of okra.

Fried Okra In The Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen okra for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen okra! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before breading to prevent excess moisture, which could affect the crispiness.

How do I make the breading stick better? For better breading adherence, make sure the okra is thoroughly dried before dipping it into the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. You can also add a little water or milk to the egg wash if it’s too thick.

Can I use different seasonings for the breading? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the breading by adding your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavor.

How do I get the okra extra crispy? To achieve extra crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can also spray a light coating of cooking spray over the breaded okra before air frying for an extra crisp finish.

How do I know when the okra is done? The okra is done when it turns golden brown and crispy. You can check by carefully cutting into one piece to ensure it’s cooked through and not soggy inside.

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