Crispy Okra Recipe – Besan & Turmeric Air Fryer Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Okra Recipe – Besan & Turmeric Air Fryer Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And let me tell you, this crispy okra recipe is a total game-changer. It’s unbelievably crunchy, packed with flavour, and surprisingly easy to make – especially with the help of an air fryer! I first made this when I was craving something savoury and didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s boiled okra (unless your grandma was a secret air fryer enthusiast!). We’re talking seriously crispy, golden-brown goodness, coated in a fragrant blend of Indian spices. It’s perfect as an afternoon snack, a side dish with your favourite meal, or even a party appetizer. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 12 oz (approx. 340g) okra
• ¼ cup (approx. 30g) besan (chickpea flour)
• 1 Tbsp (approx. 8g) rice flour
• ½ tsp (approx. 2.5g) garam masala
• ½ tsp (approx. 2.5g) turmeric powder
• ½ tsp (approx. 2.5g) salt
• 1 Tbsp (approx. 15ml) lemon juice
• ¼ tsp (approx. 1.25g) red chili powder
• Light oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil work great)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results:

Besan (Chickpea Flour) – A Protein-Rich Base

Besan is the star of the show! It gives the okra a lovely coating and adds a subtle nutty flavour. You can usually find it in Indian grocery stores or online.

Rice Flour – For Extra Crispiness

Don’t skip the rice flour! It takes the crunch factor to the next level. It helps create a super light and airy coating.

Garam Masala – The Heart of Indian Flavor

Garam masala is a blend of warming spices that adds incredible depth of flavour. Every brand is a little different, so feel free to use your favourite!

Turmeric Powder – Color, Flavor, and Health Benefits

Turmeric not only gives the okra a beautiful golden hue but also boasts amazing health benefits. Plus, it adds a lovely earthy flavour.

Okra – Choosing the Right Variety

Smaller, more tender okra pods are best. They tend to be less slimy. Look for bright green pods without any blemishes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give your okra a good wash and pat it dry. Then, slice it into thin strips – you can halve them or quarter them depending on their size. I usually quarter larger ones.
2. Now, in a bowl, toss the okra with the lemon juice, salt, and a light spray of oil. Make sure everything is nicely coated. This helps reduce sliminess, trust me!
3. In a separate bowl, combine the besan, rice flour, garam masala, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Give it a good mix.
4. Add the okra to the spice mixture and toss until it’s evenly coated. Let it rest for about 5 minutes – this helps the spices adhere.
5. Arrange the okra in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it! A light spray of oil over the top helps with extra crispiness.
6. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 9-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You want it to be golden brown and wonderfully crispy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the lemon juice! It really does help with the sliminess.
• Make sure the okra is dry before coating it in the spices.
• For extra crispiness, air fry in batches.
• Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is gluten-free, as long as your garam masala is certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy): Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. Start with ¼ tsp for mild, and increase from there. My husband loves it with a full teaspoon!
• Festival Adaptation (Diwali Snack): This makes a fantastic Diwali snack! You can serve it alongside other savoury treats.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy okra is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with:

• A dollop of plain yogurt or raita.
• A sprinkle of chaat masala.
• Your favourite chutney.
• As a side dish with dal and rice.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as it loses some of its crispiness over time. You can try reheating it in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up again, but it won’t be quite the same.

FAQs

What type of okra works best for this recipe?

Smaller, more tender okra pods are ideal. They have less of the slimy texture that some people dislike.

Can I make this without an air fryer? (Oven/Pan-Fry Options)

Absolutely! You can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Or, you can pan-fry it in a shallow layer of oil until golden brown and crispy.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Simply adjust the amount of red chili powder. Start small and add more to taste.

What is besan and where can I find it?

Besan is chickpea flour, a staple in Indian cooking. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online retailers.

How do I prevent the okra from becoming slimy?

The lemon juice is key! It helps break down the mucilage that causes sliminess. Also, make sure the okra is dry before coating it in the spices.