Crispy Air Fryer Okra (Using Whole Okra)
This Air Fryer Okra is super crispy & flavorful without any breading or egg. We're using whole okra pods and roasting them to perfection in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh okra
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 425 degrees.
- Wash okra and pat dry with a paper towel. You can either cook the okra whole or slice it into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the okra with the olive oil and seasonings.
- Place okra in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes for whole okra or 15-18 minutes for sliced okra, flipping halfway through cooking, until the okra is browned and crisping at the edges.
Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Okra: Stick to fresh whole okra for this recipe. Frozen okra holds in far too much moisture, keeping the pods from getting properly crispy.
- Preventing Tough Okra: Choose whole okra pods that are 3 to 4 inches long. Oversized pods are fibrous, making them tough and stringy once they're air-fried.
- The Slime Secret: Keep the pods fully whole with the stem caps on. Cooking whole air fried okra traps the natural internal juices so they stay sealed, delivering a tender center with zero slime.
- Even Browning: Use kitchen tongs to flip your air fryer whole okra halfway through the cooking time instead of just shaking the basket. This makes sure every side gets direct heat for maximum crunch.
- Reheating Leftovers: Don't use the microwave to reheat leftover okra in the air fryer, or it will turn soggy. Instead, pop the pods back into a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back the crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 781mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 545IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 1mg
