Air Fryer Okra Fries

This crispy air fryer okra recipe makes a delicious snack or easy side dish. It requires just a few ingredients and features no breading, making it a great option for Paleo, keto, and low carb diets.

People sometimes get turned off by okra.

I get it. If cooked a certain way, okra will have definitely have a slimy, gooey texture.

Gross.

But, if cooked hot and fast, okra can transform into a crunchy delight.

Now that’s what I call a turn on!

Air frying is the perfect method to ensure crispy delicious okra. The best part is there’s no need for breading or excessive oil.

So say goodbye to your slimy okra past, and hello to a future of crunchy okra fries.

Fun Facts about Okra

The more I learn about okra, the more I am amazed by this incredible plant.

For one thing, it is a member of the Malvaceae family which also contains hibiscus. One look at the flowering plant and the relationship is quite apparent.

The pods also come in more colors than just green. I grew a burgundy variety of okra this past year, and the color was stunning.

Another fun fact is that dried and roasted okra seeds can even be used to make coffee! I haven’t tried this yet, but it definitely on my to do list.

Anyway, I digress on my fascination with okra. On to the recipe!

Recipe Ingredients

For this recipe you’ll need:

• fresh okra: you’ll need roughly one pound of fresh okra pods
• garam masala: this Indian spice blend can be found in most grocery stores. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own.
• extra virgin olive oil: or avocado oil
• sea salt
• black pepper
• fresh lime wedges: a little lime juice add after frying really helps the flavors pop. Lemon juice also works great in a pinch.

I love the flavor that garam masala brings to the party, making the okra fries reminiscent of kurkuri bhindi, a traditional Indian okra dish.

Definitely feel free to mix up the spices to your liking though. Things like Cajun spice blends, cumin, or chili powder can all make great additions.

How to Make Air Fryer Okra Fries

Start by rinsing the okra, then dry it extremely well on a cloth or paper towels. This is an important step to make sure it gets crispy and not steamed.

Cutting Okra

Another key point to ensure crispy okra is to slice it thin.

Here’s an easy technique I picked up to help cut okra into even slices:

1. Start by making a vertical cut down from the top of the pod all the way through the center through the tip.
2. Rotate the pod 90 degrees, then make another vertical cut down through the center and through the top.
3. Now just trim off the stem end of the pod. Like magic you’ll have four thin okra wedges!

Next, mix the olive oil, garam masala, sea salt, and black pepper together in a large mixing bowl.

Add the sliced okra to the bowl, then toss until it is well coated in the spices.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then add the okra to the basket.

Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through, until the okra is well browned and crisp.

Transfer the okra to a dish and squeeze some fresh lime juice on top. Enjoy!

More Okra Recipes

• Pickled Okra
• Fish Stew with Okra and New Potatoes

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