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Air Fryer Okra

Air Fryer Okra
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This Air Fryer Okra recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious Southern-style snack that delivers perfectly crispy okra pods without deep frying. Ready in under 20 minutes, it features a flavorful coating of cornmeal and spices, making it a versatile, kid-friendly, and customizable treat that’s great as a side dish, appetizer, or salad topper.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Okra Preparation

  • 1 pound small to medium fresh okra pods, rinsed and dried

Seasoning and Coating

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1/3 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Variations (to customize)

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour (as cornmeal substitute for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or rosemary for herb infusion)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (to sprinkle after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Okra: Rinse the okra pods thoroughly and dry them completely using paper towels. Trim off the stems, then slice the pods into roughly ½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  2. Season and Coat: In a mixing bowl, toss the okra with a light coating of olive oil or spray. In a separate dish, combine cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the okra, tossing well to coat every piece. Add optional seasonings here if desired.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) for 3-5 minutes to reach the ideal temperature for crisping.
  4. Cook the Okra: Arrange the okra pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even crispiness. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
  5. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Once the okra is golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute or two, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest.

Notes

  • Dry Okra Thoroughly: Moisture can cause sogginess, so ensure the okra is completely dry before seasoning.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between okra pieces in the basket to allow air circulation and even browning.
  • Use Fresh Okra: Choose small to medium pods for best texture; older or larger pods can be slimy or fibrous.
  • Shake Basket Midway: Shaking the basket halfway through air frying helps achieve uniform crispiness.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste-test and modify salt and spices before cooking to suit your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air fryer okra, crispy okra, healthy snack, Southern recipe, gluten free snack, quick appetizer

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/air-fryer-okra/