Crispy Air Fryer Okra Recipe – Besan & Spice-Coated Indian Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Air Fryer Okra Recipe – Besan & Spice-Coated Indian Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And if that snack can be crispy, even better! I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Air Fryer Okra. It’s a fantastic Indian-inspired treat that’s way healthier than deep-fried versions, and seriously addictive. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it all the time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy – seriously, minimal effort involved. The air fryer does most of the work! It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy okra if you’re usually a little hesitant. The spices and coating create a delightful crunch and flavour that completely transforms this often-underappreciated vegetable. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for those snack cravings that hit just right.

Ingredients

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

• 300 grams okra
• 2 tbsp besan (chickpea flour)
• 2 tbsp rice flour
• ¾ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• ¾ tsp garam masala
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1-2 tsp lime juice
• ¼ cup water (approximately 60ml)
• 2 tbsp oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Okra Varieties – Choosing the Best for Frying: I prefer using the smaller, thinner okra varieties. They tend to get crispier. Lady’s finger okra works beautifully.
• Besan (Chickpea Flour) – Its Role in Crispy Texture: Besan is the star when it comes to that lovely, golden-brown crispiness. It creates a fantastic coating that holds all the spices.
• Kashmiri Chilli Powder – For Colour and Mild Heat: This is my secret weapon! It gives a gorgeous red colour without a ton of heat. If you want more spice, feel free to add a pinch of regular chilli powder.
• Spice Blend – Understanding Garam Masala: Garam masala is a warm, aromatic spice blend. Every family has their own version, so feel free to use your favourite!
• Oil Selection – Best Oils for Air Frying: I usually use vegetable oil or canola oil for air frying. They have a high smoke point, which is important.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash the okra thoroughly and pat it completely dry. This is key for crispiness! Trim the ends and quarter lengthwise – if you’re using longer okra, halve it first, then quarter.
2. In a bowl, combine the okra with salt, turmeric powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, garam masala, besan, and rice flour. Toss everything together really well, making sure every piece of okra is nicely coated.
3. Now, add the lime juice, water, and oil. Mix it all up until you have a nice spice paste clinging to the okra. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
4. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, lightly grease the air fryer basket.
5. Arrange the okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it – you want them to get crispy, not steamed!
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (356°F), shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Serve immediately! I love mine with a little ketchup or a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra flavour kick.

Expert Tips

Want to take your air fryer okra to the next level? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Achieving Maximum Crispiness: Drying the okra really well is the biggest tip. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket!
• Preventing Okra Sliminess: The besan and lime juice help to combat sliminess, but drying the okra thoroughly is the most important step.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of chilli powder to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add some heat.
• Air Fryer Model Variations: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on the okra during the last few minutes of cooking. You might need to adjust the time slightly.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already vegan!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level – Mild, Medium, Hot: Control the heat with the amount of chilli powder. My family loves a medium spice level.
• Festival Adaptations – Janmashtami or Diwali Snack: This makes a fantastic festive snack! It’s perfect for serving during Janmashtami or Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

Okra is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

• As a side dish with your favourite Indian meal.
• As a snack with a cup of chai.
• Sprinkled with chaat masala for a tangy kick.
• Served with a cooling yogurt dip.

Storage Instructions

Leftover okra is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have any, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating won’t restore the crispiness, but it will still be tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of okra works best for this recipe? Smaller, thinner okra varieties like lady’s finger are ideal.
• Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? You can try shallow frying in a pan, but it won’t be as healthy and you’ll need to use more oil.
• How can I reduce the sliminess of the okra? Drying the okra thoroughly and using the besan and lime juice will help.
• Can I use other flours instead of besan and rice flour? You can experiment with other flours, but besan and rice flour give the best texture.
• How do I adjust the spice level to my preference? Adjust the amount of chilli powder.
• What is the best way to reheat leftover air-fried okra? Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes, but it won’t be as crispy as when it was first made.