Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Okra Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer okra is a crispy, flavorful snack that’s easy to make and healthier than traditional frying. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to golden perfection, it’s a great way to enjoy this southern favorite with less oil and mess.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Ranch dressing or marinara (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 380℉ for at least 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Trim and discard the ends of the okra, then cut into ½-inch slices.
- Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the whisked eggs and milk, and one with the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper mixed together.
- Step 4: Toss a handful of okra in the flour to coat completely, shake off excess, then dip into the egg mixture letting extra drip off. Next, coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs onto all sides and shaking off the excess.
- Step 5: Arrange the breaded okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spritz with non-stick cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until okra is tender and golden brown. Work in batches if needed.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with ranch dressing, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for a smoky or spicy twist.
- Try serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover air fryer okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350℉ for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?
Fresh okra is best for air frying to ensure crispiness. If using frozen okra, make sure to thaw and pat dry thoroughly before breading to prevent sogginess.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the breaded okra on a lined baking sheet at 425℉ for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, or fry them in a skillet with oil until golden and crispy.
Print
Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Okra Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Okra recipe offers a crispy, flavorful way to enjoy fresh okra without deep frying. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then air fried to golden perfection, this snack or side dish is quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying. Serve with ranch dressing or marinara for an easy appetizer or accompaniment.
Ingredients
Okra Preparation
- 1 pound fresh okra
Breading Stations
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving
- Ranch dressing or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your 6-quart air fryer to 380°F for at least 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prepare the Okra: Trim off the ends of the fresh okra pods and slice them into ½-inch pieces for uniform cooking and easy breading.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, prepare your coating steps: one with all-purpose flour, the second with whisked eggs and whole milk, and the third with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Okra: Working in batches, coat the okra pieces first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash allowing excess to drip off. Finally, transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs firmly on all sides for an even and thorough coating.
- Air Fry the Okra: Arrange the breaded okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spritz with non-stick cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning, until tender and golden brown at the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with ranch dressing or marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the okra in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the level of heat in the breading.
- Spritzing the okra with non-stick cooking spray helps mimic the texture of deep-fried okra with less oil.
- Use fresh okra for optimal texture; frozen okra may result in soggier breading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
Keywords: Air Fryer Okra, crispy okra, healthy fried okra, air fryer side dish, Southern recipe, quick appetizer
