Crispy Masala Okra

Ingredients

For the Okra:

• 1½ cups okra (about 8-10 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish:

• Fresh chilies, sliced
• Lemon wedges
• Flaky sea salt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For Deep Frying (Optional Method):

• Neutral oil for frying (about 2 cups)

Instructions

1. Wash and Dry the Okra Wash the okra thoroughly under cold running water. This is the most important step! Pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. The okra must be entirely dry for a crispy finish with no slime. Take your time with this step and make sure there's no moisture left on the okra.
2. Trim and Slice Trim off both ends of each okra pod. Slice the okra lengthwise into slender strips, about ¼ inch thick. You should get 2-4 strips per okra depending on size. Slicing them lengthwise rather than into rounds gives you more surface area for crispiness.
3. Make the Spice Coating In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, rice flour, garam masala, curry powder, minced garlic, chili powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined and there are no lumps. The cornstarch and rice flour are key for that extra crispy texture!
4. Coat the Okra Add the sliced okra strips to the bowl with the dry spice mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the spices. Use your hands to really work the coating into all the crevices.
5. Add Oil Drizzle the olive oil over the coated okra. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all the okra pieces are well-coated with oil. The oil helps the coating stick and promotes even browning.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. While it preheats, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
7. Air Fry the Okra Arrange the coated okra pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd! The pieces should not be touching or overlapping. Work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 14-18 minutes at 350°F, shaking the basket or using tongs to turn the okra halfway through at the 7-9 minute mark. The okra is done when it's golden brown, crispy, and the edges are slightly charred.
8. Garnish and Serve Transfer the crispy okra to a serving dish. Immediately garnish with sliced fresh chilies, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and chopped cilantro. Serve hot while still crispy!

Alternative Deep Frying Method:

If you prefer to deep fry instead of air frying, heat about ¾ inch of neutral oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F. Carefully add the coated okra in small batches (don't overcrowd or the temperature will drop) and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown all over. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining batches. Garnish and serve immediately.