This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This simple Air Fryer Okra recipe will be your new go-to way to make okra! Made without eggs or any breading, they come out super crispy and are a great veggie to snack on before dinner or serve as a side with your main dishes. Plus, this recipe takes just around 20 minutes to make!
Why I Air Fry Okra
Air frying is hands down my favorite way to make okra. If you’ve ever been put off by okra’s slimy reputation, this is the method for you: air frying gives you way less of that sliminess than you’ll get from steamed okra or boiling, and you end up with okra that’s super crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Here’s the part that surprises people: you don’t need any breading or batter to get it crispy. Traditionally, okra is coated in egg and cornmeal or flour and deep-fried for that crunch. But the air fryer’s hot, circulating air crisps up the outside all on its own, no breading, no egg, no deep frying, and way less mess. Just okra, a little oil, and salt.
I keep my pods whole (I love the taste, they stay more tender inside, and they’re perfect for dipping), but you can slice them if you prefer.
One note: skip the frozen okra for this recipe. It usually holds a lot of water, so it won’t crisp up the way fresh okra will. Fresh is the way to go!
This isn’t the traditional Southern way to make okra. If you’re after that classic breaded, crispy-coated version, my Baked Okra Nuggets is the recipe you want. But I’m betting that after one crispy bite of this air fryer okra, you’ll see there’s a whole other way to love it, no breading required.
How to Make Okra in the Air Fryer
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Toss the entire okra into the air fryer, spritz with some oil, sprinkle with salt (and any other seasonings you love), air fry for about 20 minutes and you’ve got crispy, delicious okra ready to go!
Want Your Kids to Try Okra?
Mine were hesitant at first. To encourage them to try it, I served it along side this Greek yogurt veggie dip, and before I knew it, they were dipping and eating a vegetable that, minutes before, they were certain they wouldn’t like! Another reason I love keeping the okra pods whole! They’re easier to dip than little bites.
My Tips for Perfect Air Fried Okra
- Look for browned, blistered edges. That’s your doneness cue. The pods should be crisp and lightly charred in spots. Give the basket a shake halfway through so they brown evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give your okra some room in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed.
- Okra loves bold flavors! Don’t skimp on your favorite seasonings. Whether it’s a blend of spices or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Serve them right away. Air fryer okra is at its crispiest straight out of the basket. I’ll be impressed if they all make it to the table before everyone sneaks a pod or two!
More Air Fryer Recipes
Once I got hooked on making air fryer vegetables, okra felt like the obvious thing to try next. I picked some up at the farmers market a couple summers ago, threw it in the air fryer, and now we’re all hooked. I could eat a whole batch myself! If you make this one, let me know what you think in the comments below.
Images by Ivan Solis
Air Fryer Fresh Okra (No Eggs or Breading!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place okra in the air fryer basket, spray with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, until crisp and golden.
- Serve with Weelicious Veggie Dip or sour cream for dipping.
Just made this-quick, easy, and delicious. I used avocado oil spray and Slap Ya Mama.
Excellent recipe
Thanks, Laura! 🙂