Delight in the flavors of the South with this delectable recipe for Air Fryer Okra. With a yield of 4 servings and a preparation time of just 15 minutes, this vegetarian dish offers a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved southern staple of fried okra. Paired with summer favorites like fresh corn on the cob, purple hull peas, and sliced tomatoes, this dish creates a feast that captures the essence of southern comfort. The air fryer’s prowess in handling okra ensures that you can savor the crispy goodness of deep-fried okra without the extra oil and hassle. Get ready to relish a delightful treat that celebrates the South’s culinary tradition.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–17 minutes
Total Time: 27–30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 7–8 ounces fresh okra
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for misting or cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Okra Prep: Start by removing the stem ends from the fresh okra. Slice the okra into ½-inch pieces, ready for coating.
- Egg and Milk Bath: In a medium bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Add the sliced okra to the bowl and stir to ensure the okra is evenly coated in the egg mixture.
- Breadcrumb Coating: In a sealable plastic bag or a container with a lid, combine the breadcrumbs and salt. This will form the crispy coating for the okra.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Take the okra slices out of the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Transfer the okra to the bag with breadcrumbs. Seal the bag and shake it gently to ensure the okra is thoroughly coated in the breadcrumbs.
- Prep for Cooking: Place the coated okra into the air fryer basket. For this step, it’s not necessary for the okra to cook in a single layer, and misting or spraying the top with oil or cooking spray is sufficient. A good spritz will work wonders.
- Air Fry at 390°F: Cook the okra at 390°F for 5 minutes. After this time, shake the basket gently to redistribute the okra and give it another spritz of oil as you shake.
- Further Cooking: Cook the okra for an additional 5 minutes. Shake the basket once again and give it another quick spray. Continue cooking for 2 to 5 more minutes until the okra turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches that coveted crispy texture.
TIP:
- To ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the okra, make sure the okra is well drained before placing it in the breadcrumb mixture. Lift a small amount of okra at a time using a slotted spoon, allowing excess egg wash to drip off before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture.
With this recipe, you can revel in the delight of southern fried okra while embracing a healthier and more convenient approach. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or incorporating it into a larger southern spread, this Air Fryer Okra captures the essence of southern cuisine in a way that’s both easy and delicious.
