My crisp Air Fryer Okra Recipe is perfect for the summer gardens that are just around the corner. This recipe is simple, crunchy, and delicious. All you need is just a 3 ingredients and an air fryer!
This okra recipe is also the perfect addition to any dinner or potluck. My kids love it as a snack, and when I make a batch, it disappears quickly. It's a wonderful dish that will very likely go missing before it even makes it to the table!
Let's get started!
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This air fryer okra recipe is inspired by a local restaurant we frequent. On the menu, it's called blistered okra. It's nothing more than deep fried okra seasoned with salt and it's addictive. Anytime we go, you can be sure we order at least two plates.
The simplicity is my favorite part. Nothing but that fantastic okra flavor with a little salt. The air fryer keeps this a bit lighter than what we enjoy at the restaurant, but the crunch and flavor shine through. When I make this at home, it disappears. We love it so much and I hope you'll fall in love with it, too!
This air fryer okra recipe is more of an appetizer/snack situation. The okra pieces become super crisp and are the most perfect poppable thing ever! We can plow through a recipe of this stuff in minutes.
A Little Okra 101
Okra is arguably one of our favorite summertime garden stars. I love, love it. It's easy to grow and there are a ton of ways to enjoy it. This air fryer okra is just one of them.
If you have not had okra, let's talk. Okra is mild, slightly sweet and is very reminiscent of a green bean in flavor. We all love it and the kids got nuts over it!
While we grow it in the garden, its widely available in my area in the summer. It can be fried (glorious), stewed (delectable), and even put into a shrimp and okra gumbo for a classic comfort food that will knock your socks off! Pickled okra?! You've got to try it!
The texture of the seeds and membrane on the inside can be somewhat slimy if it's prepared incorrectly. No need to worry about that here. The outside of the okra becomes crispy and the inside is nice and tender.
And, if you're looking for another lovely green veg to enjoy, try my Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Oven Roasted Green Beans!
What You'll Need (Just 3 Things!)
- Fresh Okra - Look for okra that is firm and green without any black spots. It's a summer vegetable, so other times of year it may not be available.
- Avocado Oil - You can also use extra virgin olive oil.
- Kosher Salt - My preferred seasoning salt. Don't use iodized. It will make it too salty!
Tools Of The Trade: Let's Talk About Air Fryers
I am not a gadget gal. I prefer simple, good quality tools in the kitchen. I fought against getting an air fryer for the longest time. Mostly because the originals had a basket the size of a thimble and it wasn't big enough to cook more than 2 chicken nuggets at the same time. Things have changed.
I found the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. I've had it for a few years now and I use it all the time. Not only does it air fry, but is also toasts, dehydrates, bakes, and even functions as a warming oven. Highly recommend if you're in the market for an air fryer.
*I bought this with my own monies. Not sponsored at all. Just love the product.
Buy Now → 
How To Make It
This crispy air fryer okra recipe could not be more simple. It's a 3-ingredient wonder that's both easy to throw together and even easier to eat. Here's a brief rundown on how to prep it and cook it.
The key to the crispiness of the okra is to make sure the okra is COMPLETELY DRY before you cut it and add it to your air fryer. I wash mine thoroughly and lay them out on a clean dish towel to dry.
Next, cut off the woody ends of the okra. Discard those or add them to your compost pile. Cut the remaining okra pods into bite-sized pieces.
Toss the okra in a large bowl with avocado oil and season with kosher salt to taste. The okra needs to be well and evenly coated in the oil, but not dripping with it. The salt should also be evenly distributed.
Arrange the okra pieces in a single layer and cook in a preheated 425° air fryer. Toss every ten minutes and cook until the okra is a deep golden color and crispy - approximately 25-30 minutes. I know this seems like a long time, but the wait will be completely worth it! Just keep your eye on it. Different air fryers cook differently.
After the okra has developed its color and is crunchy, remove from the air fryer and enjoy! I love this air fryer okra finished with a little fresh ground pepper and smoked Maldon sea salt.
Tips, Tricks, And Variations
Because this air fryer okra recipe is so simple, there is little that needs to be changed. However, I've got a few pro tips and a couple of variations you can incorporate!
- Make sure the okra is dry as you can get it before cooking.
- If you need to make this recipe in batches in order to keep a single layer of okra, please do so if you want crispy okra. Otherwise, it just kind of steams.
- If you just want tender cooked okra, you can remove them from the air fryer after about 20 minutes. They won't be crunchy, but they'll still be wonderful!
- Use your favorite all-purpose seasoning instead of just salt if you prefer.
- Add a little cayenne if you want to make it spicy!
- Watch the okra as it cooks. Different air fryers cook differently. Yours may get hotter than mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use fresh okra for this recipe?
While fresh is best, fresh okra is not readily available all year. Frozen okra is a great substitution. Just be sure that the okra is thawed completely and is as dry as you can get it before you air fry it. It will not get the crispy texture if it is not dry.
Is the air fryer okra recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally both gluten and dairy-free. It's also vegan. It's winner-winner-okra-dinner. Apologies. I've had a lot of caffeine today.
Are there any other seasonings you recommend?
This particular air fryer okra recipe is the simplest version, but you could season the okra any way you like. Use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend or even something like an Everything Bagel Seasoning. The sky is the limit and use what you love!
Storage Instructions
This air fryer okra recipe doesn't do well left over. It's one of the few recipes I can think of that just doesn't stay good. It loses it's crispy texture and can become gummy. The okra is best enjoyed right after cooking.
Definitely don't freeze it. Please.
Air Fryer Okra Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz) containers fresh okra
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 425°.
- Wash and completely dry the okra. The okra must be dry in order to achieve the crispiness we are looking for.
- Next, cut the woody ends off of the okra. Cut the remaining okra pods into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss okra in a large bowl with avocado oil and season with kosher salt.
- Arrange the okra pieces in a single layer in the air fryer. Toss every ten minutes and cook until okra is a deep golden color and crispy - approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you guys make this Crispy Okra Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Air Fryer Okra recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or YouTube! And, please leave a comment or star rating in the recipe card above. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. It makes my heart so happy! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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