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Crispy Air Fryer Okra Bites

crispy air fryer okra bites - featured image

These crispy air fryer okra bites are a quick, easy, and addictive snack perfect for summer. They deliver a satisfying crunch with a flavorful coating, making okra a snack-worthy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh okra, washed, dried, and sliced into ½-inch pieces
  • ½ cup cornmeal (60 grams)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg, beaten (room temperature)
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Wash 12 oz fresh okra and pat completely dry with paper towels. Trim the stem ends and slice into ½-inch pieces.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup cornmeal, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Beat 1 large egg in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. Dip the okra pieces into the egg, letting excess drip off, then toss them in the dry mix to coat evenly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated okra in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh okra for best results; frozen okra tends to be soggy. Dry okra thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Shake basket halfway through cooking for even browning. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crunch. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or chickpea flour. For vegan version, replace egg with flax egg and use dairy-free coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: okra, air fryer, crispy snack, summer snack, easy recipe, healthy snack, gluten-free option