Crispy Fried Okra Bites

Here’s a detailed recipe for Crispy Fried Okra Bites that you can make at home! These bites are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit.

Crispy Fried Okra Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Okra:

1 lb fresh okra (washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
1 large egg

For the Coating:

1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 tsp baking powder (to make them fluffier)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil or canola oil (for deep frying)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Okra:

Start by washing the okra thoroughly. Trim off the ends of each okra and slice them into approximately 1-inch pieces. If you prefer smaller bites, you can cut them into even smaller pieces, but this is the standard size for fried okra.

2. Soak the Okra:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg. Add the sliced okra pieces to the mixture and stir to coat them completely. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This helps the breading stick better when frying.

3. Prepare the Coating:

In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and baking powder. Mix everything together until well combined.
This combination of cornmeal and flour creates the perfect balance of crispiness and texture on the outside of the okra.

4. Coat the Okra:

Once the okra has soaked, use a slotted spoon or your hands to take a small handful of the okra pieces from the buttermilk mixture. Gently shake off the excess liquid and immediately toss the okra into the coating mixture.
Stir the okra in the coating until they are evenly covered. Make sure each piece is well-coated, as this will give you that crispy texture we’re going for.

5. Heat the Oil:

Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large pot or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect frying temperature.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of bread or okra into the oil to see if it sizzles and turns golden brown quickly. If it does, your oil is ready!

6. Fry the Okra:

Carefully place a few of the coated okra pieces into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pot — fry in batches if necessary).
Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the okra turns golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip the okra pieces halfway through frying for an even crisp.
Once done, transfer the fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve:

Serve the crispy fried okra bites immediately while they’re hot and crispy! They go perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, hot sauce, or a spicy aioli.

Tips & Variations:

Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or sprinkle some chili powder into the coating mixture.
Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a lighter version, you can air fry the okra. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and spray the okra with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serving Ideas: These crispy bites are great on their own, but they’re also awesome paired with other Southern-inspired dishes like fried chicken or coleslaw.