Deep-fried okra is an indulgence. It’s not something you can make daily because you have to deep fry it, but an air-fried version can be made daily with no fuss! Not only is it quicker to make, but you only use a couple of teaspoons of oil. Bhindi is the Hindi word for okra. In India, okra is prepared in many ways, but the most loved are masala bhindi, bhindi do pyaza, and crispy bhindi. It’s a dish I have been obsessed with since I was a child. It goes so well with dal rice and kadhi chawal and now I can make it easily with the help of the air fryer. You can use the same process to make an air fryer lotus stem, beans, and capsicum. This is a healthier, quicker, and hassle-free version of fried bhindi.
How to make Crispy Bhindi in Air Fryer
Step 1: Cut the okra
Wash the ladiesfinger(okra) and dry it with a paper towel. Whenever you cook okra, always dry it with a paper towel to avoid it getting slimy. You want to cut the lady’s finger lengthwise into two halves. Do not cut it too thin, as that tends to turn rubbery and burn quickly. If the okra is too long, you can half them.
Step 2: Toss in spices
Mix the ground spices- salt, turmeric, red chili, coriander, and mango powder with the chickpea and rice flour. Toss the sliced bhindi in the spice mix and two tablespoons of water. Let it rest for 10 minutes before preheating the air fryer.
Step 3: Air fry
Add oil and give it another toss. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, moving the air fryer basket in between. The okra should turn dark green, shrink in size, and have a bite to it.
How to serve Crispy Bhindi
This dish is best served straight from the air fryer. It tends to become chewy if kept for more than 1 hour, though you can quickly air fry it for a couple of minutes to bring it back to its former glory. If you prefer to deep-fry, here is a deep-fried okra recipe. I usually make this dish for lunch every day with plain rice and dal or as a side to my dal khichadi. OR with stuffed parathas like cheese paratha and zucchini paratha. You can store it for a couple of days, but air fry it before serving. Another great short cut Indian recipe is my crispy baked masala potatoes.We have been loving it with everything!
