If you have ever grown okra you know the draw. Not only is it delicious to eat raw, but it also makes one of the most tasty, indulgent dishes – fried okra. Before we started growing it, this was something we only ever ordered on special occasions at restaurants.  

However, deep-fried foods have been shown to have some long-term ill effects. Fried foods have been known to increase the instances of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In order to make it healthier, we had to look at a different way of cooking it. 

Air fryers have become a popular way to fry foods using less oil. It works by using a heating element and a fan. While the heating elements warms the food, the fan helps circulate the air. The perforated basket increases the amount of contact the heated air has with the surface of your food which results in a crispy texture.

This is ideal for fried dishes, especially if you are looking to be more health conscious.   

green okra

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 ounces fresh okra
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon of pepper
  • Enough oil to spray the air fryer basket and coat the okra
  • Optional – if you like a little kick, use 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Clean okra and remove the end of the stem. Cut in uniform slices. ½ inch work best.
  2. Beat together egg and milk in a mixing bowl. When your milk and egg has combined, add okra slices and stir to coat.
  3. Mix together the breadcrumbs, pepper, and salt. A Ziplock bag works perfectly. * If you chose to add red pepper flakes this is the time to add it.  
  4. Carefully remove okra from egg/milk mixture with tongs. Gently shake off the excess and transfer into bag with your breadcrumbs and spices. Let the extra egg wash drip off before putting it into breadcrumbs or it will dribble into your bag and make a mess.
  5. Shake okra in crumbs, making sure to coat well.
  6. Spray the air fryer bask with oil and place the coated okra in a layer on the bottom, making sure not to crowd. This works best when the okra is laid out in a single layer. Lightly spray the top of the okra with oil.
  7. Set your air fryer to 375 F for 6 minutes. When the 6 minutes is up, shake the basket to reallocate and give it another oil spritz after you shake.
  8. Again, set your air fryer to 370 F for 5 more minutes. When done, repeat step 7 (shake and spray again). Cook for 4 minutes longer or until golden brown and crispy.

Air fryer okra is best eaten immediately after it cools down. It has a light, crispy texture and works well as a side. The seasoning isn’t overwhelming and allows you to taste the okra although it can easily be modified.

Making air fryer fried okra

Many people struggle to find different ways to eat okra in a way that doesn’t negatively impact their health. Air fryer fried okra is the perfect way to treat yourself without feeling like you could be making better food choices. It is easy, quick, and a simple way to use up any extra produce.  

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