This Air Fryer Okra gives you the crispy, golden crunch of classic fried okra with way less oil. Lightly breaded and air-fried to perfection, it’s a quick, easy, and healthier take on a Southern favorite. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer!
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: ~180 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh okra, trimmed and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk)
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Prep the Okra:
Rinse and dry fresh okra, then slice into ½-inch rounds.
2. Coat the Okra:
In a bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Dip the okra into the egg mixture, then coat with the seasoned cornmeal mixture.
3. Air Fry the Okra:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated okra in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve immediately with ranch dressing, remoulade, or hot sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it extra crispy by doubling the coating for a thicker crust.
- For a gluten-free version, use only cornmeal or substitute flour with almond flour.
- Spice it up by adding extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
This Air Fryer Okra is crunchy, flavorful, and so easy to make—you’ll never miss the deep fryer!
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Crispy Air Fryer Okra – A Healthy Southern Classic
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
This Air Fryer Okra gives you the crispy, golden crunch of classic fried okra with way less oil. Lightly breaded and air-fried to perfection, it’s a quick, easy, and healthier take on a Southern favorite. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh okra, trimmed and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk)
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
Rinse and dry fresh okra, then slice into ½-inch rounds.
In a bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Dip the okra into the egg mixture, then coat with the seasoned cornmeal mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated okra in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Serve immediately with ranch dressing, remoulade, or hot sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make it extra crispy by doubling the coating for a thicker crust.
- For a gluten-free version, use only cornmeal or substitute flour with almond flour.
- Spice it up by adding extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 per serving