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Crispy air fryer okra served on white speckled plate with orange dipping sauce and fresh parsley garnish

Air Fryer Okra: Ultimate Crispy Southern Recipe Guide


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  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy, golden air fryer okra that transforms this Southern vegetable into the perfect healthy comfort food. Ready in just 12 minutes with a crunchy cornmeal coating and tender interior.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh okra, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

  • Prep Your Okra: Rinse okra and pat completely dry. Slice into ½-inch rounds.
  • Wet Coat Dip: Whisk egg with buttermilk in a shallow bowl.
  • Southern Crust Magic: Combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
  • Double Dunk: Dip okra in buttermilk mixture, then coat thoroughly in cornmeal mixture.
  • Air Fryer Time: Place in air fryer basket in single layer. Spray lightly with oil.
  • Crispin’ Up: Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
  • Serve ‘Em Hot: Season with additional salt and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Fresh okra works best for optimal texture and flavor
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking
  • Pat okra completely dry before coating to prevent sogginess
  • Best served immediately while hot and crispy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 oz)
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg