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The Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Okra (Deep Fried & Air Fryer Options Included)

A close-up of a mound of perfectly golden and crispy fried okra pieces served on a light gray plate.
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This recipe delivers perfectly crisp, non-slimy fried okra using a buttermilk and cornmeal dredge. You get instructions for classic deep frying and a healthier air fryer method for this Southern favorite side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 3 cups)
  • Cooking spray, for air frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the okra: Rinse the fresh okra well and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Slice the okra into 1/2-inch rounds. This step helps remove surface moisture that causes sliminess.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Coat the okra: Dip the okra slices first into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Then, immediately dredge the okra thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Place the coated okra on a wire rack while you prepare the cooking method.
  4. For Deep Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Working in small batches, carefully add the okra to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the okra is golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (195 degrees C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated okra in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if necessary). Lightly spray the tops of the okra with cooking spray. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve immediately as a delicious golden brown okra side dish or snack.

Notes

  • To eliminate slime, ensure your okra is completely dry before coating. The buttermilk and double dredge technique prevents sliminess during cooking.
  • For an extra crispy texture in the deep-fried version, you can use a double dredge: coat in buttermilk, then flour, then back into the buttermilk, and finally back into the flour mixture.
  • If you want a gluten free fried okra version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/crispy-fried-okra-southern-recipe/