Air frying is the new trend in cooking, and for good reason. It makes it possible to prepare your favorite dishes without all the oil and excess grease. Okra is a vegetable that is often fried, but cooking it in an air fryer produces a delicious, crispy texture without the added oil. Here, we will guide you on how to cook okra in an air fryer.
Why Cook Okra in an Air Fryer?
Okra is often breaded and deep-fried, leading to a lot of oil being absorbed in the process of cooking. However, using an air fryer allows you to cook the okra without immersing it in oil. You will still get a crispy, crunchy texture without all the added fat. This makes air-fried okra a healthier alternative to traditional fried okra without sacrificing the taste and texture you desire.
Air Fryer Okra Recipe
Here is an easy recipe to follow when cooking okra in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Wash and slice your okra, discarding the tops and tails.
- In three separate bowls, place the flour in one, whisk the eggs in another, and add panko breadcrumbs and salt and pepper in the third.
- Coat each piece of okra with flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated okra into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that each piece is not touching one another.
- Spray the okra with cooking spray.
- Cook the okra in your air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, tossing them halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Remove the cooked okra from the air fryer and place them on a plate.
- Serve them hot with dipping sauces of your choice.
Tips for Cooking Okra in an Air Fryer
Cooking okra in an air fryer is relatively simple. Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing your okra.
1. Prep Your Okra
Before cooking, you will need to wash your okra and pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut off both the stem and the tail ends of the okra pods before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Use Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent option for air frying. They have a light and airy texture, and their larger size provides better coverage, giving it a crunchier texture than other breadcrumbs. For more flavor, you can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cumin to the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure that the okra cooks evenly on all sides. This will also reduce the cooking time.
4. Cook in Small Batches
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. It’s essential to cook in small batches for the okra to cook evenly and be crispy all around. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in soggy and mushy areas.
5. Shake the Basket
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking for all pieces; this will also break them apart if they’re stuck together. If you see any parts that are undercooked, you can always put them back in for another minute or two.
6. Don’t Overcook
Overcooking your okra will lead to a burned and dry texture. It’s always better to undercook and add extra time rather than trying to salvage overcooked okra.
Serving Options
Air-fried okra can be served as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce. You can serve it alone, pair it with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or aioli.
Okra is also a tasty addition to many dishes, including stews, curries, gumbo, and stir-fries. The air-frying process makes it easy to add okra to these dishes without having to worry about the extra oil and grease.
The Verdict
Cooking okra in an air fryer is an excellent way to enjoy this vegetable without adding unnecessary oil, fat, and calories. With a few tips and tricks, you will have perfect crispy okra every time. Whether served alone or added as a side dish to your favorite meal, air-fried okra is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try and see why so many people are air frying their foods these days.
