Air Fryer Okra
Discover a quick and healthy way to enjoy crispy okra using an air fryer. This easy recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, crunchy okra pods in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal guilt-free snack or side dish. With simple ingredients and versatile seasoning options, this air fryer okra is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor—perfect for satisfying cravings while keeping it wholesome.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Okra pods, about 1 pound, washed and dried
- 1–2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Cornmeal or Panko Breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (to finish)
- Prepare the Okra: Wash the okra pods thoroughly and pat them completely dry to prevent sogginess. Slice the okra into evenly sized pieces about half an inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Okra: In a mixing bowl, lightly drizzle olive oil or spray cooking oil over the sliced okra. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and if desired, cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning and coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve optimal crispiness from the start.
- Air Fry the Okra: Place the seasoned okra in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate freely. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the okra once golden and crispy. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors. Serve warm for best texture and crunch.
Notes
- Ensure the okra is fully dry before seasoning to prevent sogginess and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; spacing allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Shake or toss the okra halfway through cooking to crisp all sides uniformly.
- Use fresh okra pods as they contain less moisture, which improves texture.
- Cooking times may vary by air fryer model; check a few minutes early to avoid burning.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing air fryer okra is not recommended due to moisture causing sogginess on reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: air fryer okra, crispy okra, healthy okra snack, gluten free snack, quick appetizer, air fryer recipes