Prepare to transform the often-overlooked vegetable into a crispy, addictive treat that will have everyone begging for more! Air Fryer Roasted Okra is not just a side dish; it's a culinary revelation that turns this traditionally slimy vegetable into a crunchy, golden delicacy that even okra skeptics won't be able to resist. With just minutes of preparation and the miraculous power of your air fryer, you'll create a Southern-inspired snack that's not only incredibly delicious but also healthier than traditional fried options.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Begin by washing the fresh okra thoroughly under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
- After washing, pat the okra dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important to ensure that the okra gets crispy in the air fryer.
- Trim the ends of the okra pods by cutting off the stem end. You can also slice the okra in half lengthwise if you prefer smaller pieces, but this is optional.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the okra with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the okra gently to ensure that it is evenly coated with the oil.
- Season the okra with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper at this stage. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to achieve a crispy texture.
- Once preheated, place the seasoned okra in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the okra in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the okra cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
- Check the okra for doneness; it should be golden brown and crispy. If you prefer it a bit more crispy, you can add an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the okra from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy as a delicious Southern-style side dish or snack!
Tips
- • Pat the okra completely dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary • Shake the basket midway through cooking for even, golden-brown results • Experiment with spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper • For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to your seasoning • Choose fresh, firm okra pods for the best texture and taste • If okra seems slightly tough, slice it lengthwise to reduce cooking time • Serve immediately after cooking to maintain optimal crispiness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
