Crispy Air Fryer Fried Okra
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh okra
- 1 cup buttermilk
(or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar) - 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional seasonings (recommended):
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (for heat)
Instructions
1. Prep the Okra
- Wash okra and pat completely dry.
- Trim ends and slice into ½-inch rounds.
2. Coat
- Toss okra in buttermilk until fully coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional seasonings
- Dredge okra in the dry mixture, pressing coating on well.
(For extra crunch: dip in buttermilk → dry mix twice.)
Air Fryer Cooking
- Preheat air fryer
- 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare basket
- Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Cook
- Place okra in a single layer.
- Lightly spray tops with oil.
- Cooking time
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes
- Shake basket halfway
- Extra Crispy Finish
- Increase to 400°F (205°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
✔ Fresh okra is best (frozen works but won’t be as crisp)
✔ Dry okra thoroughly to reduce slime
✔ Don’t overcrowd basket
Serving Ideas
- Serve hot with ranch or remoulade
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning
- Great as a side or snack 🌶️
