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The Best Crispy Southern Fried Okra Recipe

A close-up of a mound of golden brown, crispy fried okra slices served on a white plate.
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Make easy, homemade fried okra with a golden, crispy crust and tender interior. This classic Southern comfort side dish eliminates slime using a simple dredging technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs fresh okra, washed and sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the okra: Wash the okra pods thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Slice the okra into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Coat the okra: Dip the sliced okra into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Immediately transfer the wet okra to the flour mixture. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. For extra crispiness, dip the coated okra back into the buttermilk briefly, then return it to the flour mixture for a second coating.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) until it reaches about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Fry the okra: Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully add the coated okra to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy okra.
  6. Cook until golden brown: Fry the okra for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried okra from the oil. Place the okra on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Serve immediately: Serve your crispy fried okra hot as a vegetable appetizer or a best southern side dishes option.

Notes

  • To prevent sliminess, ensure your okra is completely dry before you begin coating it. The buttermilk and cornmeal coating locks in the texture.
  • If you prefer an air fryer okra recipe, toss the double-coated okra lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • This recipe works well as a kid friendly vegetable side when served with a simple dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/best-crispy-fried-okra-southern-recipe/