Crispy fried okra is a quintessential Southern staple that has the potential to convert even those who think they dislike okra. These crispy little bites make a fabulous side dish that many find irresistible. Think you don't like okra? You probably have never had it fried. Several variations exist, including air-fried, oven-baked, and traditional frying methods, all adaptable for a keto lifestyle.
Why Okra?
Okra is a super healthy summer vegetable, is low in calories, and contains valuable vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Once only in the South, you can now find okra in most parts of the country. Look for okra pods that are a maximum of 3-inches in length. Smaller pods tend to be more tender.
Preparing Okra
I recommend cutting the okra into pieces that are about ½-inch. If your okra feels a bit slimy, let it soak in a bowl with a tablespoon of lemon juice for about 15 minutes. Using fresh okra is best for this recipe! Don't worry too much about cutting your okra uniformly. I like having pieces of various sizes as this adds a little extra texture.
Keto-Friendly Breading Options
Traditional fried okra relies on flour or cornmeal for its crispy coating, which are not keto-friendly. Fortunately, there are several low-carb alternatives that provide the same satisfying crunch:
- Almond Flour: The breading in this recipe is made from almond flour, spices, and some Parmesan cheese. Almond flour creates a slightly nutty and smoky flavor.
- Pork Panko: Pork panko is basically panko breadcrumbs made from pork rather than a grain! It’s the perfect grain-free and low-carb solution for breadcrumbs, and it’s way more flavorful.
Keto Fried Okra Recipes
Air Fryer Keto Fried Okra
My favorite way to make this recipe is in the air fryer because it takes the work of babysitting oil out of the picture. There are a couple of things to remember with air frying. Finally, every air fryer is a bit different. I have two, and they don't cook the same.
Read also: Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- Okra, cut into ½-inch pieces
- Eggs
- Almond flour
- Parmesan cheese
- Baking powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil spray
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs in a shallow dish.
- In a separate dish, combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, baking powder, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the okra slices in the eggs and then coat them in the almond flour mixture.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and continue with the remaining okra.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer well with oil.
- Arrange the okra in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Spray the okra with oil.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip and cook for 5 to 8 minutes longer until golden brown.
- Serve while it is hot with your favorite dipping sauce (optional).
Oven-Baked Keto Fried Okra
This cleaned-up version of fried okra is actually baked in the oven and made with pork panko instead of a traditional batter! This crispy okra tastes just like fried okra but it’s made in the oven!
Ingredients:
- Okra, chopped into round bite-sized pieces
- Coconut milk
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pork panko
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pepper
- Yogurt (for dip, optional)
- Seasonings (for dip, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the okra well and chop into round bite-sized pieces, discarding the ends.
- Prepare the pork panko coating by combining the panko, garlic and onion powder, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl combine the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
- With one hand, submerge a piece of okra in the coconut milk and allow the excess milk to drip off.
- Add the okra to the pork panko coating with your other hand and roll to thoroughly coat (using a wet/dry hand keeps the dry mixtures from getting too wet).
- Place on the baking sheet and repeat with all of the okra.
- Transfer the okra to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and crisp, flipping halfway through.
- Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
- Prep the dip by combining the yogurt and seasonings.
Traditional Fried Keto Okra
This is low carb twist on one of my favorite childhood recipes. If you've never had fried okra (AKA Southern Popcorn), then you are really missing out! It's a delicious side dish or snack and it's SO easy to make.
Ingredients:
- Okra, sliced into approximately ¼ inch slices, removing stems
- Beef tallow, or other suitable frying oil
- Almond flour
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions:
- Slice the okra into approximately ¼ inch slices, removing stems
- Heat the tallow in a large cast iron skillet, or other heavy skillet suitable for frying on medium high heat.
- In a medium bowl, or a large zip top bag - combine the almond flour with the salt and pepper, then add the sliced okra.
- Toss until the okra is thoroughly coated.
- Add the okra to the hot oil and gently stir continuously.
- Fry the okra until golden and crispy. If your okra feels a bit slimy, let it soak in a bowl with a tablespoon of lemon juice for about 15 minutes.
Tips for the Crispiest Okra
- Don't overcrowd: Whether air frying or pan-frying, avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Hot Oil: For frying, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the okra. The oil is ready when a drop of almond flour begins to sizzle. Don’t get the oil too hot, because it is going to burn the almond flour, while the okra remains raw.
- Consume Immediately: If you want the okra to remain crispy, you should consume this appetizer right away. The longer it sits out the breading absorbs moisture from the air and from the okra and it gets less crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe pairs well with simply paired chicken as the main course. I like to serve it with a side of Ranch Dressing, which isn't traditional. But I love it all the same. I love this as a side for Keto Salisbury Steak!
Variations
- Crispy Roasted Okra and Bacon: only 2 ingredients plus salt and pepper are needed to make this awesome low carb side. Scatter the bacon evenly on and around the okra. Use 2 baking sheets if you need to.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the almond flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Read also: Healthy Keto Fried Rice
Read also: Low-Carb Fried Cheese Sticks