Description
Crispy Okra Fries are a delicious Southern American snack or side dish featuring fresh okra coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, then fried to golden perfection. With a crunchy exterior and tender inside, these okra fries are perfect for serving with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.
Ingredients
Scale
Okra and Coating
- 1 pound fresh okra, stems removed and sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola), about 1/2 inch depth
Instructions
- Prepare Okra: Rinse the fresh okra under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Remove the stems and slice each okra pod lengthwise to create thin strips ideal for frying.
- Make Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and two tablespoons of milk until fully combined, creating the egg wash for dipping the okra slices.
- Mix Coating: In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to distribute all the spices evenly.
- Coat Okra: Dip each sliced okra piece into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer to the seasoned cornmeal-flour mixture. Press lightly so the coating adheres well on each piece.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable or canola oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches frying temperature (about 350°F or until a small piece of coating sizzles immediately).
- Fry Okra: Carefully place the coated okra in batches into the hot oil. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until the okra fries turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried okra fries with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Optionally, sprinkle with extra salt to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, bake the okra fries at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Alternatively, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Pair with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or any favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Make sure the okra is thoroughly dried before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
