Perfectly crispy Air Fryer Okra delivers all the crunch without the mess of deep frying. This quick 19-minute recipe transforms fresh okra into a naturally low-carb, fiber-rich side dish that the whole family will love.
With just 71 calories per serving and packed with vitamins A and C, you’ll want to make this nutritious veggie staple part of your weekly rotation. The air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible golden exterior while keeping the interior tender and flavorful.
Ingredients for Air-Fried Okra
- Fresh Okra: 1 pound, select firm and bright green pods
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, helps achieve golden-brown exterior
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon, adds earthy warmth
- Chili Powder: 1/4 teaspoon, brings mild heat
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon, delivers savory notes
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, adds subtle spiciness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Okra: Trim ends and slice each pod lengthwise – this helps seasoning stick better!
- Mix Seasonings: Combine salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl
- Season: Toss okra in a bowl with oil and spice blend until evenly coated
- Arrange: Place okra in air fryer basket in single layer with space between pieces for optimal crispiness
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F for 10-14 minutes, shaking basket halfway through
- Finish: Remove when edges are nicely browned and serve right away for best texture
Cooking Techniques
Air frying okra creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender – and yes, without any sliminess! The key to success is leaving enough space between the okra pieces in your air fryer basket. Think of it like giving each piece its own little spot to get nice and crispy. If you crowd the basket, you’ll end up with steamed rather than crispy okra.
Variations
Love playing with flavors? This recipe is super flexible! Try these tasty spice switches:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky twist
- Sprinkle with cajun seasoning instead of the spice blend
- Toss with parmesan cheese right after cooking
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat You can also try coconut oil instead of olive oil for a subtle tropical note.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy okra makes an amazing side dish or snack! Serve it hot right from the air fryer with:
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch or remoulade work great!)
- As a side to grilled meats or fish
- Mixed into rice bowls They’re also perfect for munching on their own, just like french fries!
Storage Tips
While these tasty bites are best eaten right away when they’re super crispy, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! Just keep in mind they might not be quite as crispy as when freshly made.
Air Fryer Okra
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra pods washed and dried
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the okra and slice each pod in half lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, add the salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the okra to a bowl and toss with the oil and spice blend.
- Place the okra in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece of okra to allow air to circulate around it. Cook in batches if need be.
- Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-14 minutes, until the okra is browned on the edges. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through.
- Serve immediately.
