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

Scale

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