Air-Fryer Okra

Crispy, savory and smoky air-fryer okra is an easy vegetable side dish to add to your repertoire. Okra recipes abound in southern cooking, but many home cooks shy away from okra because it can be slimy in some preparations. Fried okra in the air fryer is a great place to start. The mild-flavored vegetable becomes appealingly crispy and savory in an air fryer, with a smoky hint from paprika.

Though fried okra in the air fryer tastes decadent, air-fryer recipes are much lower in fat than deep-fried recipes since they call for far less oil. Serve air-fryer okra alongside pulled pork sandwiches, grilled meats and seafood, and southern staples like shrimp and grits.

Air-Fryer Okra Ingredients

• Fresh okra pods: Fresh okra is in season from early summer to fall, usually peaking around July and August. Look for firm pods without bruises or blemishes.
• Olive oil: One major benefit of using an air fryer? It uses much less oil than a deep fryer, and you can use healthy, flavorful olive oil.
• Lemon juice: Tossing okra in lemon juice adds brightness to counterbalance the savory spices.
• Seasonings: In addition to plain salt and pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder jazz up okra’s natural sweet, mild flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Season the okra

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss the okra in the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder and pepper.

Step 2: Air-fry the okra

Place the okra on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.

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Air-Fryer Okra Variations

• Change the spices: Since okra is fairly plain-tasting, it pairs well with many herbs and seasonings. Spice up this recipe with a pinch of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning mix.
• Finish with herbs: A sprinkle of minced fresh herbs, such as parsley, marjoram or basil, would be delicious too.
• Use a different oil: We love olive oil, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can use another type of oil, such as canola.

How to Store Air-Fryer Okra

Air-fryer fried okra is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three or four days.

How do you reheat air-fryer okra?

Reheat air-fryer fried okra on a baking sheet in the oven at 350° for five to seven minutes until warmed through and recrisped. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the okra soggy.

Air-Fryer Okra Tips

Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

Can you air-fry frozen okra?

Yes, you can air-fry frozen okra! There is no need to defrost it first. Just use it directly from the freezer, season it and place it directly into a preheated air fryer. It may take a couple of extra minutes to cook, but it’s a great way to enjoy okra out of season.

Can you slice or chop the okra?

We don’t recommend cutting up the okra before frying. Okra is an unusual vegetable: When sliced, it releases a slightly slimy substance, which isn’t the most pleasant to eat. By air-frying the okra whole, you avoid any chance of slime and can enjoy a delightfully crispy texture instead.

Can you make this okra recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake okra in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. To roast okra, preheat the oven to 400°. Prepare the okra as directed here, then arrange it in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and roast it until tender and lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes.

What can you serve with air-fryer okra?

We like to serve air-fryer okra with classic summer dinners, such as quick barbecue chicken or grilled brats. It’s also delicious with any of your favorite southern recipes, from shrimp po’boys to pecan-crusted catfish to country fried chicken. Even better: air-fryer fried chicken!