Frozen Okra In Air Fryer – No Breading Healthy Recipe

Have you ever wanted to try cooking okra but not known how or felt too intimidated to try? Well now you can follow my recipe for frozen okra in the air fryer, which is so easy and quick. You’ll have delicious okra in no time at all!

Did you know that okra is actually a fruit? Although we tend to think of it as a vegetable, okra is really a seed pod from a flowering plant!

It is grown in Africa and South Asia and comes in two colors – red and green.

You will see okra more often in southern cuisine, especially in gumbo!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Okra

• Crispy Perfection Without the Oil: This air fryer frozen okra recipe gives you perfectly crispy okra without the need for deep frying. The air fryer circulates hot air around the okra, making it crispy on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Plus, there’s no greasy mess to clean up afterward!
• Quick and Convenient: This recipe is incredibly easy and fast to prepare. With just a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious snack or side dish ready to go. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying. No need to thaw the okra beforehand, just toss it straight into the air fryer!
• Versatile and Flavorful: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite seasonings. Whether you like your okra spicy, savory, or with a hint of garlic, this recipe can adapt to your taste preferences. The air fryer helps lock in those flavors, making each bite a burst of deliciousness. It’s also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a tasty way.
• Minimal Ingredients: All you need is a bag of frozen okra and some basic seasonings to make this dish. There’s no need for a long list of ingredients or complicated instructions. This simplicity makes it a go-to recipe when you want something nutritious with minimal effort. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for anyone looking to make the most of what they have in their pantry.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side dish for dinner, or something to bring to a potluck, this air fryer frozen okra is a great choice. It pairs well with a variety of meals and can be served as a finger food at parties. The crowd-pleasing crunch and flavor make it a hit every time.

Health Benefits of Okra

There are some great nutrition benefits to eating okra!

Okra contains many nutrients, particularly vitamins C and K. Normally fruits don’t provide protein, however, okra does!

Also, okra is high in antioxidants, which are helpful for reducing risk of diseases like heart disease or cancer. It also helps to promote brain health through polyphenols.

Try adding some okra to your diet today!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Okra

• Frozen Okra: The star of the recipe, frozen okra is convenient and doesn’t require any prep work. Using frozen okra means you can have this delicious dish ready at a moment’s notice without the need to thaw or clean fresh okra.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: A light coating of olive oil or cooking spray helps the okra get that perfect crispy texture in the air fryer. It also helps the seasoning stick better to the okra, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
• Salt: A simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the okra. It’s a must-have ingredient that brings out the best in this veggie.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor. The black pepper complements the okra’s earthiness and gives the dish a slight kick.
• Optional Seasonings (such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper): Customize your okra with these optional seasonings to match your taste preferences. Garlic powder adds a savory note, paprika offers a smoky flavor, and cayenne pepper brings extra heat for those who like it spicy.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Okra

• Air Fryer: The essential tool for this recipe, the air fryer cooks the okra evenly and gives it that desired crispy texture without needing much oil. It’s quick, easy to use, and perfect for making healthier versions of fried foods.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: This is used to lightly coat the air fryer basket to prevent the okra from sticking. It also helps achieve that perfect crispiness without adding too much oil.
• Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is needed to toss the frozen okra with the oil and seasonings. This helps ensure that each piece of okra is evenly coated for the best flavor and texture.
• Large Spoon: A large spoon is useful for mixing the okra with the seasonings in the bowl. It ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed over the okra.
• Measuring Spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring out your oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Precise measurements help you achieve consistent results every time.
• Serving Plate: After the okra is done cooking, a serving plate is ideal for presenting the crispy okra. It’s also great for serving dipping sauces alongside the okra.

How to Cook Frozen Okra in the Air Fryer

You can use any brand of frozen okra for this recipe.

The first step is to spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking oil spray to prevent the okra from sticking.

Next open the package of okra and pour into the air fryer.

Next set the temperature to 400F and the cook time to 15 minutes and start cooking.

After about 7 minutes, remove the basket and shake the okra. This will ensure even cooking.

Return basket to the air fryer and let it finish cooking.

Once done, remove the basket and pour the okra into a mixing bowl.

Season the okra with salt, pepper, garlic powder and olive oil. You can add in any other seasonings of your choice. Use as much or as little as you like!

Then stir to combine.

Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Frozen Okra

• Perfect Side Dish: Serve your crispy air fryer okra alongside classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, or cornbread. The crunchiness of the okra complements these comfort foods beautifully, adding a delightful texture to your meal.
• Healthy Snack: Enjoy the air fryer okra on its own as a healthy snack alternative to chips. It’s perfect for munching during movie nights or as a quick afternoon snack. Pair it with a dipping sauce like ranch, hot sauce, or even sour cream dip to boost the flavors.
• Topping for Salads: Add some crunch to your salads by sprinkling the air-fried okra on top. It’s a great way to add both flavor and texture to your greens. Try it over a Caesar salad or mixed into a grain bowl for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Appetizer or Party Food: Arrange the crispy okra on a platter with an assortment of dips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s a fun finger food that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. You can even pair it with other air-fried vegetables for a colorful and tasty spread.
• Taco or Wrap Filling: For a unique twist, use the air-fried okra as a filling in tacos or wraps. It adds a nice crunch and pairs well with ingredients like avocado, shredded lettuce, and spicy mayo. This makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.

Tips For Success

To ensure your Air Fryer Frozen Okra turns out perfectly crispy and delicious every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: One of the most important tips for using an air fryer is to avoid overcrowding the basket. When cooking frozen okra, make sure to spread the pieces out in a single layer. If you pile them on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with soggy spots. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s better to cook in multiple batches to ensure every piece gets that perfect crispiness.
• Use a Light Coating of Oil: While the air fryer is known for making healthier versions of fried foods, a small amount of oil is still necessary to achieve that crispy texture. Use a light spray of cooking oil or toss the okra with just a teaspoon of olive oil before cooking. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures the okra gets golden and crispy.
• Shake the Basket Halfway Through Cooking: To ensure even cooking and browning, it’s a good idea to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps to move the okra around so that all sides get exposed to the hot air. Shaking the basket also prevents the okra from sticking together.
• Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! The basic salt and pepper are great, but you can also add a variety of spices to suit your taste. Garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add extra flavor. Just be sure to season the okra before cooking so that the spices can cook into the okra.
• Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your okra pieces. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the end of the suggested cooking time. The okra should be crispy and golden brown. If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Serve Immediately: Air-fried foods are best enjoyed right away while they’re still hot and crispy. Once the okra is done, serve it immediately to enjoy the best texture. If you need to reheat, the air fryer is also great for restoring the crispiness—just pop the okra back in for a few minutes.

These tips will help you achieve the best results when making your Air Fryer Frozen Okra. Enjoy the crispy goodness!

What to Serve with Air Fried Okra

You can serve this okra as a healthy snack, or add some additional sides to make it a full meal. There are plenty of great options to serve with okra!

Here are some of my recommendations:

• Almond Flour Breaded Chicken
• Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipe
• Instant Pot Keto Chili Recipe Without Beans
• Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Variations And Substitutions

One of the great things about this Air Fryer Frozen Okra recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Spicy Okra: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also use a spicy seasoning blend like Cajun or Creole seasoning. This variation gives the okra a kick and pairs well with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
• Garlic Parmesan Okra: For a savory and cheesy twist, toss the okra with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese before cooking. The garlic adds depth of flavor, while the Parmesan creates a deliciously crispy coating. This variation is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack with a marinara dipping sauce.
• Lemon Pepper Okra: Brighten up the flavor by using lemon pepper seasoning. This combination of zesty lemon and black pepper adds a fresh and tangy flavor that’s perfect for summer meals. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked okra for an extra burst of citrus.
• Gluten-Free: The original recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t require any breading. However, if you want to add a crispy coating, use a gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free crackers. Simply toss the okra in the flour or crumbs before air frying to achieve a crunchy texture.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses only plant-based ingredients. For added flavor, you can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste that’s entirely vegan. Nutritional yeast is a great way to add umami flavor to the dish.
• Breading Variations: If you prefer a more traditional fried okra with a breaded coating, you can create a simple breading by dipping the okra in a beaten egg (or plant-based milk for a vegan option) and then coating it with seasoned breadcrumbs or cornmeal before air frying. This gives the okra an extra crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

These variations and substitutions allow you to customize the Air Fryer Frozen Okra to match your flavor preferences or dietary requirements. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make the recipe your own!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers of your Air Fryer Frozen Okra or want to make it ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat it while keeping it crispy and delicious:

• Storage: Allow the cooked okra to cool completely before storing it. Place the cooled okra in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It’s best to store the okra in a single layer to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to stack the okra, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to help maintain the crispiness.
• Freezing: If you want to store the okra for a longer period, you can freeze it. Lay the cooked and cooled okra out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the okra to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen okra can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, you can cook it directly from frozen without thawing.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: The best way to reheat air-fried okra is to use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover okra in the basket in a single layer. Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the okra is heated through and crispy again. This method restores the original texture, making the okra taste just as good as when it was first cooked.
• Reheating in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat the okra in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the okra out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method works well for larger batches.
• Microwave Reheating: While you can reheat okra in the microwave, it’s not recommended if you want to maintain the crispiness. The microwave tends to make the okra soggy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use this method, but for the best results, stick to the air fryer or oven.

These storage and reheating tips will help you enjoy your Air Fryer Frozen Okra even after it’s been stored. Keeping the okra crispy is key, and the air fryer is the best tool to achieve that when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Air Fryer Frozen Okra, along with detailed answers to help you achieve the best results:

Can I use fresh okra instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh okra in this recipe. If using fresh okra, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly before cooking. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so start checking the okra a few minutes earlier to prevent overcooking. Fresh okra will also have a slightly different texture compared to frozen, with a bit more firmness.

Do I need to thaw the frozen okra before air frying?

No, there’s no need to thaw the frozen okra before air frying. In fact, cooking it straight from frozen helps it stay crispy without becoming mushy. Just make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

How can I make the okra extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy okra, make sure to toss it in a small amount of oil before air frying. Additionally, spreading the okra out in a single layer in the air fryer basket is key. Overcrowding the basket will result in less crispy okra. For an even crispier texture, consider adding a light coating of cornmeal or breadcrumbs before cooking.

Why is my okra soggy instead of crispy?

If your okra turns out soggy, it could be due to overcrowding the air fryer basket, not using enough oil, or cooking at too low of a temperature. Ensure the okra pieces are spread out in a single layer and try increasing the cooking temperature slightly. Also, make sure to pat the okra dry if you’re using fresh okra to remove any excess moisture.

Can I season the okra after it’s cooked?

While it’s possible to season the okra after cooking, it’s generally better to season it before air frying. Seasoning beforehand allows the spices to cook into the okra, enhancing the flavor. If you prefer to season afterward, consider using a seasoning blend or grated cheese that doesn’t need additional cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with air-fried okra?

Air-fried okra pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic options include ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or honey mustard. For a tangy twist, try serving it with a yogurt-based dip or tzatziki sauce. If you like a bit of heat, a Sriracha mayo or hot sauce also makes a great accompaniment.

Can I reheat leftover okra in the air fryer?

Yes, reheating leftover okra in the air fryer is a great way to restore its crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the okra for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy again. This method is much better than using the microwave, which can make the okra soggy.

These FAQs should help address any questions or concerns you may have about making Air Fryer Frozen Okra. If you have more questions, feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you liked this recipe, check out some of my other go-to air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
• Air Fryer Keto Zucchini Fries With No Breading

See also:

• Air Fried Broccoli
• Air Fried Asparagus
• Air Fried Green Beans