Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this mouthwatering Air Fryer Okra Recipe will transport you to a world of delicious, healthy, and irresistibly crispy flavors!
In this recipe, I will guide you through an easy and flavorful cooking method that will completely unlock the full potential of okra and turn it into a delightful and guilt-free snack.
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Reasons Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's a classic southern side dish that's deliciously crispy
You don't need a deep fryer to make this recipe
It's an easy side dish to make in your air fryer
It's a great option if you're tired of eating french fries
It makes okra that's not oily and messy
Key Ingredients
Fresh okra: (washed and dried): Feel free to use the frozen okra that's usually in the frozen section of the grocery store. I use frozen breaded okra if it happens to be a busy weekday.
Olive oil: Feel free to use avocado oil, canola oil, or your favorite olive oil.
Spices: You can totally spice your okra with store-bought Cajun seasoning, garam masala, dry mango powder, or your favorite seasoning.
Salt and black pepper: I used kosher salt for this recipe but you can use table or sea salt.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Using a sharp knife, cut both ends of the okra and set them aside. Next, slice your okra into ½-inch rounds.
Place the okra pieces in a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper, and give them a good stir using a slotted spoon.
Place the seasoned sliced okra in a single layer in an air-fryer basket that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. You may have to cook them in batches.
Cook the okra at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until the okra is golden brown crispy, and tender. Remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cook.
Remove the crispy okra from the air fryer basket and serve it hot with your favorite hot sauce or dipping sauce.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Ranch, ketchup, and Cajun remoulade are great with this crispy okra. You can also make your own dipping sauce in a shallow bowl with 1 ½ cups of sour cream and about 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Place any remaining okra in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for about 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Substitution and Addition Ideas
Feel free to use frozen okra. You might have to cook it about 5 minutes longer though.
Recipe FAQs
Do I need to cook the cut okra in a preheated air fryer?
No, you don't need to cook the okra in a preheated air fryer. But if you want to, you can totally do it.
Can I make okra fries using this recipe?
Yes, you can totally make crunchy okra fries with this recipe. Okra fries are made by slicing off the top of the okra and then cutting it lengthwise.
Would you recommend first cooking the okra in the air fryer and then adding spices to them on a stovetop?
I don't see anything wrong with that!
Where did okra originate from?
There are lots of opinions as to where okra originated from but it’s believed to have been brought to the Americas by slaves during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
What else can I make with okra?
You can make okra gumbo, okra soup with shrimp, pickled okra, okra rice, and more!
What's the difference between air-fried okra and deep-fried okra?
For me, the main difference is in the amount of oil that is used. Deep frying requires a lot of oil while air frying requires very little oil.
This Air Fryer Okra Recipe is truly a healthier alternative to deep-fried options and is bound to become a flavorful staple in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and embrace the crispy deliciousness of air-fried okra!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Okra
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Air Fryer (I used a Gourmia 8 quart air fryer)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra (washed and dried)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, cut both ends of the okra and set them aside. Next, slice your okra into ½-inch rounds.
- Place the okra pieces in a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper, and give them a good stir using a slotted spoon.
- Place the seasoned sliced okra in a single layer in an air-fryer basket that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. You may have to cook them in batches.
- Cook the okra at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until the okra is golden brown crispy, and tender. Remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cook.
- Remove the crispy okra from the air fryer basket and serve it hot with your favorite hot sauce or dipping sauce.
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