Crispy Okra in an Air Fryer (Keto, Gluten Free)
I’ve created the recipe for crispy okra in an air fryer when we came back from this year’s vacation. During our last trip we ate so much deep fried and breaded foods. We needed to have something healthier and nourishing. That is why I decided to make my recipe lighter. For the breading I used almond flour, spices, and Parmesan cheese. I also used an air fryer instead of a deep fryer to prepare the okra.
My family loves crispy fried okra, so I surprised them by serving it as an appetizer before dinner. This recipe turned out so well that they asked me to make it again the next day. Everyone loved it so much that I had to share it with you.
Why should you make this Crispy Okra?
This is a nutritious recipe. Okra is seasonal vegetable that is low in calories. It also contains valuable vitamins, antioxidants and fiber.
The breading in this recipe is made from almond flour, spices, and some Parmesan cheese. Every serving of this appetizer is high in protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fats. This recipe is also low in carbs and gluten free.
Lactose intolerant people can consume the crispy okra without any unwanted side effects because the Parmesan cheese doesn’t contain lactose. The lactose in aged cheeses is eaten by the bacteria during the fermentation process.
This recipe is also very delicious. The crispy okra has a slightly nutty and smoky flavor that goes so well with a glass of cold beer. I highly recommend that combination.
Helpful tips about making the Crispy Okra
For this recipe I like to cut the okra horizontally to create fries. If you prefer you can cut it vertically or leave it whole if it is smaller in size. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the size.
I don’t buy cheese that is already shredded, because it contains a bunch of preservatives and anti-caking agents. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to consume that. That is why I grate my own Parmesan.
If you want the okra to remain crispy, you should consume this appetizer right away. The longer it sits out the breading absorbs moisture from the air and from the okra and it gets less crispy. I recommend serving and consuming while it is still slightly warm.
If you don’t have an air fryer you can fry the okra in a deep fryer or bake it in a convection oven. If you decide to deep fry it, make sure to preheat the oil to medium high beforehand. Don’t get the oil too hot, because it is going to burn the almond flour, while the okra remains raw. This will make this appetizer taste bitter.
Crispy Okra in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh okra
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- nonstick cooking spray I used avocado oil
Instructions
- Wash the okra and slice it in four pieces lengthwise.
- Break two large eggs in a bowl and whisk them well with a fork.
- In another bowl add the almond flour, smoked paprika, grated Parmesan, salt, onion and garlic powder. Mix well until combined.
- Dip the okra slices in the bowl with the eggs first and then in the almond flour mixture. Continue until you are out of okra.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F. When ready, spread the breaded okra in the fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the okra with a nonstick cooking spray before cooking. Air fry the okra for 10-12 minutes. Depending on the type and brand of air fryer baking time might be different. Check occasionally to prevent the okra from burning. Continue cooking in batches until you run out of okra.
- Serve while it is hot with your favorite dipping sauce (optional). I used ketchup for dipping.
Notes
