Enjoy the crispy goodness of fried okra without the guilt with this oven-fried okra recipe. The okra is coated in a crunchy, flavorful coating and baked to perfection, resulting in a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried okra. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy this favorite Southern vegetable.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash the okra and trim off the ends. Slice the okra into 1/2-inch rounds.
- In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each slice of okra into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the okra.
- Place the coated okra slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Lightly spray the okra with cooking spray to help promote browning and crispness.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the okra is golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let the okra cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the oven-fried okra as a side dish or appetizer, and enjoy the delicious crispiness!
Interesting Facts
Okra is a rich source of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.
The mucilage present in okra is known to have medicinal properties and can help soothe the digestive tract.
Oven-frying okra is a healthier cooking method compared to deep-frying, as it requires less oil and reduces the overall calorie content.