Description
Crunchy and golden, these Crispy Okra Fries are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that transforms fresh okra into a flavorful, crispy treat. Perfectly seasoned and either baked or fried to perfection, they offer a healthy alternative to traditional fries with a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh okra, firm and bright green – about 1 pound
- All-purpose flour or cornmeal – ½ cup
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Egg or buttermilk – 1 large egg or ½ cup buttermilk
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil) – for frying or brushing before baking, about 2 tablespoons
Optional Ingredients
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
Variation Ingredients (Optional)
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder – ¼ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon for spicy kick
- Almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal – substitute for flour for gluten-free option
- Flaxseed meal or aquafaba – as vegan egg replacer
- Dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary – ½ teaspoon each for herbed flavor
- Nutritional yeast or grated cheddar cheese – ¼ cup for cheesy batter
Instructions
- Prepare the Okra: Wash the fresh okra thoroughly and dry completely using a kitchen towel. Trim off the stems and slice the okra lengthwise into thin strips to maximize crispiness.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour or cornmeal with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices you prefer. In another bowl, whisk the egg or buttermilk until smooth to prepare for coating.
- Coat the Okra: Dip each okra strip first into the egg or buttermilk mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every side is evenly coated. For extra crunch, you can double dip by repeating this step once more.
- Cook the Fries: Choose your cooking method: For frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the okra in batches for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. For baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), arrange the coated okra on a greased baking sheet (preferably on a wire rack), lightly brush with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the crispy okra fries while they are hot and crunchy, ideally paired with your favorite dipping sauce for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Dry okra completely before coating to ensure maximum crunch and reduce sliminess.
- Slice okra thinly to avoid sogginess and achieve the best crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or baking sheet; cook in small batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- Double dipping the okra in wet and dry mixtures enhances the crunch factor.
- When baking, using a wire rack helps air circulate around the fries, resulting in a crisper finish.
- Leftover fries store best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in oven or air fryer to retain crispness.
- Uncooked, breaded fries can be frozen on a parchment-lined tray, then transferred to bags; cook from frozen, adding extra cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 4 ounces)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Crispy okra fries, baked okra fries, fried okra fries, healthy snack, appetizer, vegetarian snack, gluten-free okra fries, vegan okra fries