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The Best Crispy Southern Fried Okra

A close-up of a mound of perfectly golden, crispy fried okra pieces served on a white plate.
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Make perfectly crispy Southern fried okra using a buttermilk soak and cornmeal dredge. This recipe includes instructions for both traditional deep frying and a healthier air fryer method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the okra thoroughly. Slice the okra into 1/2-inch rounds.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced okra with the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps reduce sliminess.
  3. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  4. Remove the okra from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, but do not rinse.
  5. Dredge the okra pieces thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick coating. Shake off any excess coating.
  6. For Deep Frying: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the coated okra in a single layer, working in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt immediately.
  7. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated okra with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches). Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Notes

  • To ensure maximum crispness, do not overcrowd the skillet or air fryer basket during cooking.
  • For a gluten-free coating, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose blend or fine almond flour.
  • If you prefer a thinner coating, reduce the flour in the dredge mixture slightly.

Nutrition

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