Tasty, simply seasoned fresh okra is extra crispy when you make it in the air fryer! This recipe for Air Fryer Okra will be your new favorite way to cook okra, guaranteed.
“I'm so happy to have found your air fryer recipe, it turned out perfectly. Thanks :)”
A Healthier Okra Option
I wanted to make a healthier version of that breaded okra that was still crispy and flavorful, and used fresh okra pods – and here it is!
Unbreaded fresh okra is sliced in half, seasoned with warm, savory spices, and air-fried at high heat.
You’ll get perfectly browned and crisp Okra in under 15 minutes.
What You’ll Need
- 1lb Okra. Look for pods that are all the same size so that they cook evenly. Wash the okra and be sure that you dry it well.
- Olive Oil. A small amount of oil gets the party started in the air fryer, without completely soaking your veggies in fat.
- Seasonings. I use a blend of kosher salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can experiment with your favorite seasonings, or just use salt and pepper.
How To make It
- Wash the okra pods, trim off the ends, and slice each one in half lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, add the salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add the okra to a bowl and toss with olive oil and the spice blend. Mix until each piece is evenly coated.
- Add the seasoned okra to the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between each piece and avoiding overlapping too much.
- 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!
Avoiding the Slime
Generally, okra will be sort of slimy when you cook it…
But…air frying helps with that!
Okra pods include a type of soluble fiber called mucilaginous, which turns into a gooey, slimy substance once cooked. In dishes like shrimp and okra gumbo, that slimy substance helps thicken the dish!
Cutting the pods in half lets that slime dry out during the cooking process. So, you won’t be eating it!
How to Serve
This air fryer roasted okra makes a wonderful healthy side dish!
- Serve it with hamburgers, sandwiches, or air fried chicken.
- Enjoy crispy okra spears in place of french fries or tater tots.
- Add okra to salads, rice or grain bowls, or soups. This edamame okra grain bowl looks so delicious!
- Enjoy air fryer okra as a snack or appetizer, dipped in your favorite sauce.
Storing and Reheating
Keep any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze air-fried okra for up to 6 months!
Reheat refrigerated okra in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes, until crispy again.
From frozen, air fry at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, stirring or tossing halfway through.
Recipe FAQs
Yep! Place the frozen okra in the air fryer without thawing it, and be sure to leave lots of room around each piece so that the okra doesn’t steam.
Yep! Breaded “fried” okra can also be made in the air fryer! Check out my recipe for frozen breaded air fryer okra, or modify my crispy air fryer eggplant or air fryer zucchini fries recipe to use okra instead.
Air Fryer Okra
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
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.
Video
Notes
- Slicing the okra in half helps them get really crispy in the oven and prevents the insides from getting slimy.
- You can change up the spice blend and use your favorite spices. Even just salt and pepper is delicious on this air fryer okra.
- Depending on the air fryer you use, you may need to cook the okra in batches. Keep the first batch of okra warm in the oven. Alternatively, after cooking the 2nd batch, you can add the first batch back into the air fryer basket with the 2nd batch and cook for 2 minutes, until they are warm and crispy again.
Nutrition
I’m so happy to have found your air fryer recipe, it turned out perfectly. Thanks 🙂
Glad we could make your favourite veggie even more delicious for you, Norah! 🙂