Okra is called 'Bhindi' in Hindi (native Indian language) .Bhindi masala or bhindi fry is one of the easiest Indian curries. bhindi or bendakaya is commonly known as okra ladies finger in India. It might look slimy to some but it has beautiful yellow flowers just before the vegetable starts to grow. You may fry it to make your kurkuri bhindi, air fry it or have it pan fried. However, frying okra takes lot of oil.
Crispy fried okras make any meal better. The outside is crunchy and the inside is tender - you won't even remember the slimy okra you had before. This air fryer okra dish is simple and speedy to whip up, plus it uses little oil than the deep-fried version.
Learn to make this air fryer okra curry recipe here. You can also make this crispy okra with corn meal. We make a Sindhi okra curry in a pan with okra, potatoes and tomatoes. You can also coat it with gram flour and cook it with some peanuts.
Okra is an easy veggie. You can always buy it frozen okra if raw is not available in season. It cooks fast and most kids like it. You can pair it with rice or roti for a quick meal. However for crispy and kurkuri air fried bhindi. The best results for this air fryer recipe when cooked with fresh and young okra.
What veg can be cooked in air fryer?
There are many air fryer vegetable recipes that you can make. Surprised? It is not just for frozen fries and pizzas.
I love making air fryer brussel sprouts, air fryer potatoes, air fryer asparagus, air fryer corn, air fryer zucchini , air fryer yellow squash in it. air fryer red sweet potato, air fryer sweet potato ,air fryer whole cauliflower, air fryer mushrooms, air fryer beans, air fryer whole mushrooms ,air fryer broccoli are some easy air frying recipes. There is a huge range of recipes you can make.
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Equipment
- air fryer
- mixing bowl
- oil spray
Ingredients
- Okra / Bhindi
- oil
- turmeric powder(optional)
- red chili powder / paprika
- Coriander powder
- garam masala / pav bhaji masala or any masala spice mix
- salt as per taste
refer to recipe card for details
Instructions
Air-fried okra is easy recipe for those who are looking for a healthier version of the classic deep-fried okra. To get crispy air fryer okra, start by washing and drying the fresh okra pods .Chop the into okra slices, Then, toss them in olive oil or vegetable oil in a small bowl.
Put the okra in the air fryer in a single layer, heat it up, and let it cook until it's golden and crunchy. Make sure to flip the okra pieces halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Refer to detailed steps below.
Wash and dry the fresh okra.
Cut it down in small pieces. (ignore the tops)
Toss the okra with 1/1.5 tablespoon oil
In a preheated airfryer (10 mins at 170 C| 340 F) and place the okra in the basket without overlap. Air fry it for 10 mins at 170 C| 340 F.
In a mixing bowl, add the semi air fried okra spices and 1 tablespoon oil.
Now, further air fry the okra/bhindi 7-9 mins at 170 degrees C | 340 degrees F.
Cook more if you like it more crispy, serve with roti.
It tastes great with jeera rice, dal makhani or yellow dal tadka too.
Variation - Frozen okra in air fryer
- It involves the same steps as above, just toss the frozen okra/bhindi with oil first and cook for 11 minutes at 170C/340F in a preheated air fryer.
- In a mixing bowl, add the semi air fried okra spices and 1 tablespoon more oil.Mix it and transfer to air fryer basket.
- Now, further air fry the okra/bhindi 7-9 mins at 170 C | 340 F.
Variation - Air fried bhindi with onion
- Wash and dry the fresh okra. Cut it down in small pieces. Toss the okra with 1/1.5 tablespoon oil
- Preheat the air fryer for 10 mins at 170 C| 340 F and place the vegetable in the basket without overlap and drizzle oil on it. Air fry it for 10 mins at 170 C| 340 F.
- In a mixing bowl, add the semi air fried okra to sliced onions, red chili powder, ginger and garlic along with salt.
- Add the spices, oil with okra and onion. The onion and ginger/garlic is optional.
- Now, air fry the onions along with okra again for 8-10 mins at 170 C | 340 F.
- Coo for few more minutes if you like it more crispy
Serve hot with rice or roti.
Substitution
You can use frozen okra instead of raw for air fry okra. Cooking time might vary slightly.
You can add air fried potatoes to this above curry to make your own version of air fryer bhindi aloo.
Other Variations
You can also add some amchur or dry mango powder or lemon juice for more tangy air fryer roasted okra recipe.
You can air-fry leftover okra for a quick snack or side. Put the okra in the air fryer in one layer so they cook evenly. Have fun experimenting with different seasonings and spices to make okra in the air fryer.
You can also combine cornmeal with okra to make this southern style air fried okra.
Storage
Store this gluten free cut okra curry for 2-4 days in refrigerator. Store leftover cooked okra in airtight container. It tastes great the next day too.
Top tip
Always reheat the left overs. You may even add a spoonful of garlic powder and paprika or cayenne pepper while reheating to make it extra spicy.
FAQ
It is a good source of folates and very beneficial for pregnant women.
It aids digestion as it has a lot of fiber in it. Helps relieve constipation, bloating.
Related recipes
air fryer okra curry | air fried bhindi masala | air fryer okra recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 500 gm okra use fresh bhindi or frozen bhindi.
- 2-3 tbsp. oil
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder or pav bhaji masala or any masala mix
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder optional
- ½ tbsp. red chilli powder /paprika
- salt as per taste
Optional ingredients for variations
- 2 small onions red onion or white onion,optional
- 1 tbsp. ginger-garlic- green chilli chopped,optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the fresh okra.Cut it down in small pieces.Toss the okra with 1/1.5 tablespoon oil
- Preheat the air fryer for 10 mins at 170 C| 340 F and place the vegetable in the air fryer basket without overlap. Air fry it for 10 mins at 170 C| 340 F.
- In a mixing bowl, add the semi air fried okra spices and 1 tablespoon more oil.Mix it and transfer to air fryer basket.
- Now, further air fry the okra/bhindi 7-9 mins at 170 C | 340 F.
- Serve hot with rice or roti.
Frozen bhindi in air fryer
- It involves the same steps as above, just toss the frozen okra/bhindi with oil first and cook for 11 minutes at 170C/340F in a preheated air fryer.
- In a mixing bowl, add the semi air fried okra spices and 1 tablespoon more oil. Mix it and transfer to air fryer basket.
- Now, further air fry the okra/bhindi 7-9 mins at 170 C | 340 F.
Notes
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
Conclusion
All in all, air-fried okra is the easiest and healthiest way to get crunchy okra fries. This is a healthier version of the classic deep-fried okra and it's super easy to make at home. All the ingredients for this recipe are available at your local grocery store. Try this recipe and savor the crunchiest air fryer fried okra as a delightful and healthy snack or great side dish.
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