The BEST Okra Recipes

You are going to LOVE these okra recipes and return to them again and again! They’re great for using up all that summer okra harvest, and for serving as a side dish to your favorite meal. 

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Okra

Previously I posted on how to grow okra from seed. It’s a heat loving plant that flourishes in the southern summers. It also produces for around 10-12 weeks. So, what should you do with all that okra? I have the best okra recipes you’re sure to love!

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Okra In The Air Fryer

If you love the taste of fried okra without all the oil and mess, this is a great recipe for you. It’s simple, delicious, and only takes a few minutes to make. I’m a busy mom of four, so quick and simple meals are a must for me. This recipe is ready from start to finish in less than 20-minutes!

We were gifted an air fryer several years ago, and now I can’t imagine cooking without it. Our first air fryer eventually quit on us, but I immediately replaced it with a different model.

Here’s what you’ll need for okra in the air fryer:

Air fryer– I recently bought this one, and I love it! It has two separate baskets for cooking different foods at once. It’s easy to clean, and has settings for air-frying, roasting, reheating, broiling, and dehydrating. It’s honestly my favorite kitchen appliance. 

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh okra
• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper 

Directions

• Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.  Wash the okra and allow it to completely dry. 
• Cut the okra into 1/3-inch slices. 
• Pour the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the okra. Toss it until it is coated well. 
• Cook the okra in the air fryer at 400° for around 12 minutes. Toss the okra midway to ensure it cooks evenly. 
• Serve the okra warm as soon as it’s finished cooking. 

Tips

This okra recipe has a crispy crust with a soft interior. Allow the okra to cook 2-5 minutes longer if you like really crispy okra. 

Always allow the okra to completely dry after washing it. This will decrease the “slimy” texture.

 

Oven Roasted Okra Recipe

Roasted okra is also a delicious way to prepare it. If you don’t have an air-fryer roasting is the next best thing. It brings out the flavor of the okra without being overly greasy. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• A heavy steel sheet pan . I prefer a set like this with a rack.
• Parchment paper 

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh okra 
• 3 tbsp olive oil 
• ½ tsp garlic powder 
• ½ tsp onion powder 
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt 
• ½ tsp pepper 

Directions

• Wash the okra and allow it to completely dry. There’s no need cut the okra if you are roasting it. 
•  Pour the oil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the okra, and toss it to evenly coat it. 
• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. 
• Spread the okra evenly over the sheet pain in 1 layer. 
• Roast the okra at 400° for around 30-minutes. 
• Shake the okra midway through roasting to ensure it cooks evenly. 
• Remove it from the oven and serve it warm. 

Tips

Be sure to spread the okra in an even layer. Stacking the okra on top of each other will make it soggy instead of crispy. 

Instead of adding cayenne pepper, sprinkle red pepper flakes on the top of the okra for a little spice. 

Okra FAQs

What effect does okra have on the digestive system?

Okra is very high in fiber which can aid in digestion and improve overall digestive health. 

Do you cut the top off the okra when cooking?

 I like removing the top of the okra when I’m roasting it. The top can be tough and chewy. However, it’s not entirely necessary. Be sure to wash the okra and let it dry completely before cutting the top off if you choose to remove it.

 I hope you enjoy these okra recipes! Thanks for visiting my little farm!

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