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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Air Fryer Okra

    Published: Jun 30, 2022 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    19 shares
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    Crisp, golden, and never slimy, air frying okra is a really simple way to cook this delicious summer vegetable. This recipe uses just 3 ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes!

    Okra topped with pesto.

    There is no better time to air fry okra instead of roasting it than in the middle of summer, when it is in season and it's too hot outside to turn the oven on.

    This is a no-frills, simple approach to cooking okra that allows the okra itself to shine without overpowering it with other ingredients.

    If you're wary of cooking okra because of its tendency to become "slimy", roasting/air-frying it is a great way to avoid that fate.

    Recipe features

    • Golden, almost-charred okra in just 15 minutes! The okra has a firm exterior and tender inside without any slime.
    • This simple air-fried okra recipe uses just 3 ingredients, allowing the okra to shine through.
    • The recipe works for whole-roasted okra or sliced okra.
    • Great as a side or appetizer in the summer months. Serve with homemade pesto or pesto aioli for extra flavor and pizzazz.

    Don't have an air fryer? Check out my recipe for simple roasted okra or try these bowls for another way to cook okra.

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients used to make air fryer okra.
    • Okra: I recommend fresh, in-season okra. Frozen okra does work but it takes more time to cook and it tends to end up less crisp than fresh okra.
    • Creole seasoning: This is my go-to seasoning blend for most cooking because it has a lot of different spices. I use Tony's Creole seasoning, which is very salty. I omit salt in this recipe because the creole seasoning provides more than enough, but feel free to add salt to taste.
    • Oil: I do recommend adding a touch of oil to air fryer recipes because it helps with color and flavor. I just use a small amount of canola oil, but most kinds of cooking oil work.

    How to air fry okra

    White bowl filled with okra and Cajun seasoning.

    I go back and forth between preparing the okra in a bowl and preparing the okra straight on the air fryer rack to save on dishes. This is up to you.

    Simply toss the okra with the oil and seasonings until it is well coated.

    Okra on an air fryer rack before cooking.

    Transfer to the air fryer rack. Don't overlap any of the pieces of okra. Try to leave a little bit of space between the pieces.

    Air fry at 400F for 12-14 minutes. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through to encourage even cooking.

    Okra on an air fryer rack after cooking.

    The okra is ready when darkened and blackening in some spots. It's best enjoyed immediately.

    Tips and variations

    • Sliced okra: Slice okra into one inch pieces. It will cook more quickly than whole okra. Set the timer to 8 minutes and shake the basket halfway through. Add an extra 2 minutes as needed.
    • Frozen okra usually comes sliced into one inch pieces. Follow the instructions for sliced okra above, adding an extra minute to allow the okra to thaw.
    • Okra stem: Just to make things super easy, I don't chop off the okra stem. It's great as a handle of sorts to hold the okra by, but should not be eaten.
    • Salt: The Creole seasoning that I use contains a lot of salt. If using a Cajun/Creole seasoning without salt, I recommend adding a dash or two of salt to the okra.
    • Dipping sauces: Most of the time I just eat air-fried okra on its own in about 2 minutes flat, but a good dipping sauce never hurts. If serving the okra as an appetizer, add a drizzle of pesto for appearance and a huge burst of flavor. Pesto aioli and chipotle ranch are also great dip options.

    Looking for more air-fryer recipes?

    • Air Fryer Kale Chips
    • How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
    • How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas (3 Ways!)
    • Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

    Did you try this recipe? You can leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the recipe card or a review down in the comments section. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow along on my YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest or sign up for my newsletter!

    Okra topped with pesto.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Air Fried Okra

    This simple recipe combines whole okra with Cajun seasoning for a simple way to enjoy this summer vegetable.
    Prep Time1 min
    Cook Time14 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Servings: 4 servings (a few pieces of okra each)
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces whole okra
    • 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil such as canola or olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning see note
    • salt to taste
    • pesto or pesto aioli for serving (optional)

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, toss the whole okra with oil and Cajun seasoning until well coated.
    • Transfer okra to the air fryer rack. Try to leave space between each piece of okra.
    • Air fry at 400F for 12-14 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking.
    • The okra is ready when golden. It will have a crisp exterior and tender interior. Serve with pesto or enjoy as-is.

    Video

    Notes

    1. Cajun seasoning: I use Tony's Creole seasoning, which is very salty. If using an unsalted Cajun/Creole seasoning, I recommend adding about ⅛ teaspoon salt or just salt to taste.
    2. Sliced okra option: Slice the fresh okra into one-inch pieces. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
    3. Frozen okra option: Follow the same instructions for sliced okra if the okra is sliced. Add an extra minute to thaw the okra.

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    Calories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 855IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg

    More Vegetarian Side Recipes

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    • White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
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    Hi, I’m Cassidy! I’m the registered dietitian behind Cozy Peach Kitchen, a food and nutrition blog sharing easy vegetarian recipes for every occasion.

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