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Yields:
6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Crunch alert! This air fryer okra is so crispy, it may even be better than Southern fried okra! Fans of the air fryer know just how powerful this compact countertop hotbox can be—and we have plenty of delicious air fryer recipes as proof! This crunchy okra features a quick and easy breading method, a short ingredient list, and a super-fast cook time thanks to the air fryer. What's missing? A dipping sauce, of course! While you could dunk this okra is homemade ranch, the spicy, creamy dip recipe you'll find here takes this okra recipe up a notch.
How long does okra cook in the air fryer?
It only takes about 12 minutes to cook this okra to crispy perfection in an air fryer set to 400 degrees. Be sure to turn the okra halfway through so each side gets golden and crunchy.
How do I slice okra for the air fryer?
It's purely a matter of personal preference. Slicing the okra pods lengthwise allows more of the sometimes gooey inside to get breaded and fried, which dials up the crunch factor. But slicing the okra into 1/2-inch circles makes them supremely easy to pop in your mouth. Oh, the decisions!
What okra is best for air frying?
Although it might seem like bigger is better, choose smaller okra pods for air frying. Larger pods can be tough and "woody" so avoid them if you can.
Why kind of pickle juice is best for air fryer okra?
Good ol' classic dill pickle juice works great for this thanks to its salty, garlicky qualities. You can use any sort of pickle brine you'd like, but we suggest skipping juice from a jar of sweet pickles. Sweet is not the flavor you're going for here!
How do I season okra?
This recipe calls for Creole seasoning, which is a blend of salt, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices. If you can’t find it, mix together 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What if I don't like spicy foods?
No problem. Skip the Creole seasoning, and make the breading using the ingredient list above, without cayenne. Instead of hot sauce, use dijon mustard in the dipping sauce.
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Ingredients
For the Okra:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. Creole seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp. pickle juice (from jar)
- 1/2 lb. okra, halved lengthwise
- Nonstick cooking spray
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. pickle juice (from jar)
- 2 tsp. hot sauce or Sriracha
Directions
- Step 1To a zip-top plastic bag, add the cornmeal, flour, and Creole seasoning. Seal the bag and shake to combine. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and pickle juice.
- Step 2Add half of the sliced okra to the egg mixture; let it soak for 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon to let the egg mixture drain away, add the okra to the cornmeal mixture. Seal the bag, and shake to coat the okra.
- Step 3Transfer the breaded okra to an air fryer basket coated with nonstick cooking spray and space evenly. Spray the okra all over with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, turning the okra halfway through and spraying with more cooking spray.
- Step 4Place the cooked okra on a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven. Add the remaining okra to the egg mixture. Repeat the soaking, breading, and air frying.
- Step 5For the spicy dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, and hot sauce. Serve with the warm okra.
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