Air Fryer Okra Recipe – Crispy Bhindi with Gram Flour & Spices

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Okra Recipe – Crispy Bhindi with Gram Flour & Spices

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy your veggies. And let me tell you, this air fryer okra recipe is a total game-changer. I used to shy away from making okra because of the whole “sliminess” thing, but this method? Seriously crispy, perfectly spiced, and SO easy. You won’t believe how good bhindi can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s okra (unless your grandma also has an air fryer, that is!). We’re taking the humble bhindi and transforming it into a crispy, flavourful snack or side dish in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just when you’re craving something satisfyingly crunchy. Plus, the air fryer means less oil and a whole lot more flavour.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 350 grams Bhindi / Okra
• 3 tablespoons Besan / Gram Flour or Chickpea Flour
• 1 tablespoon Rice Flour
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Garam Masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder
• 2.5 tablespoons Olive Oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because getting these right makes all the difference!

Bhindi / Okra – Choosing the Best

Look for firm, bright green okra pods. Avoid any that are bruised or have brown spots. Smaller pods tend to be less seedy and a little more tender, but honestly, any good quality okra will work beautifully.

Besan / Gram Flour – Protein Powerhouse

Gram flour (besan) is the star here! It gives the okra a lovely coating and adds a subtle nutty flavour. It’s also a great source of protein.

Rice Flour – For Extra Crispiness

Don’t skip the rice flour! It’s the secret to achieving that extra crispy texture. It helps create a light and airy coating that gets wonderfully crunchy in the air fryer.

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – Color and Mild Heat

Kashmiri chili powder is my go-to for adding a vibrant red colour and a mild, fruity heat. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular chili powder, but start with less – it can be quite spicy!

Garam Masala – The Heart of Indian Flavor

Garam masala is a blend of warming spices that adds depth and complexity to the okra. Every blend is a little different, so feel free to use your favourite brand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, wash and thoroughly dry the okra. This is super important. We want to get rid of as much moisture as possible to avoid sliminess. I usually air-dry mine for about 10 minutes – it really helps!
2. Trim the ends of the okra and slice them lengthwise. As you slice, wipe your knife frequently with a damp cloth. This prevents the slime from building up and making things messy.
3. In a bowl, combine the sliced okra with the gram flour, rice flour, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala powder, olive oil, and salt.
4. Mix everything together really well, making sure the okra is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
5. Now, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 2-3 minutes. Lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.
6. Arrange the okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to work in batches.
7. Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the okra halfway through using tongs for even crispiness.
8. Repeat with any remaining batches. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chaat masala or your favourite dipping sauce!

Expert Tips

• Dry, Dry, Dry: Seriously, the drier the okra, the crispier it will be. Don’t skip the air-drying step!
• Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer will steam the okra instead of crisping it up. Work in batches for best results.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking.

Variations

• Aloo Bhindi: My family loves adding diced potatoes to the mix! Just toss in about 100 grams of diced potatoes along with the okra.
• Onion & Ginger Boost: Sauté a finely chopped onion and a little grated ginger in a teaspoon of oil before adding the okra. It adds a lovely aromatic flavour.
• Friend’s Favourite – Lemon Zest: My friend Priya swears by adding a little lemon zest to the spice mix. It brightens up the flavour beautifully.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check that your garam masala doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yep, this recipe is gluten-free too! Gram flour and rice flour are both naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Spicy

Want it milder? Reduce or omit the Kashmiri red chili powder. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili.

Festival Adaptations – Janmashtami & Fasting Options

During Janmashtami, this okra is a fantastic offering and a delicious way to enjoy a vrat-friendly (fasting) meal.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer okra is amazing on its own as a snack, or as a side dish with:

• Dal and rice
• Roti or naan
• A hearty Indian curry
• Yogurt dip (raita)

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this okra is best enjoyed immediately. It tends to lose its crispiness as it sits. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to try and restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

What is the best way to reduce the sliminess of okra?

Drying the okra thoroughly is key! Air-drying for 10-15 minutes, and wiping your knife while slicing really helps. The rice flour also helps absorb moisture.

Can I bake this okra instead of air frying?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy as air frying, but still delicious.

What other flours can I use besides gram flour and rice flour?

You could try using cornstarch instead of rice flour, but it won’t give you the same level of crispiness.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can mix the okra with the spice mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. But I recommend air frying it just before serving for the best results.

What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer okra?

So many! Yogurt dip (raita), mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a simple sweet chili sauce are all fantastic options.