Oven-Baked Crunchy Okra

Originally posted November 24, 2015.

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This Oven-Baked Crunchy Okra tastes like the old fashioned fried version that everyone loves, but baked to perfection in no time!

This recipe is dedicated to my mom. When I think of okra I remember she would often make fried okra to go along with her famous meatloaf.  As a kid, I would dip each piece in a big pile of ketchup and devour every last bit of it.  It was hard to find anything else more comforting than my moms meatloaf and okra.

While I love her fried okra, I've learned to make it a lighter way, with no oil splattering the kitchen. It's just as crunchy and tasty, without the added calories. No one should have okra that leaves a greasy mess on your plate.   My Oven-Baked Crunchy Okra is sure to become a new family favorite!

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED FOR OVEN BAKED CRUNCHY OKRA?

• 1 lb fresh okra
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup flour (all purpose gluten free, if needed)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoon preferred oil (I used Avocado oil)

HOW DO I MAKE OVEN BAKED CRUNCHY OKRA?

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees.  While your oven is warming up, chop approximately 1 lb. of fresh okra into small bite size pieces.  In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and oil.

In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients.

Now for the messy part:  Take the okra pieces and toss them with the wet ingredients. Next toss them with the dry ingredients, and place onto a prepared baking sheet (preferably on a wire rack over a baking sheet, so that the okra can get more crispy).  

Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, then broil on high for 1-2 minutes.  This will be just enough time to brown the panko a little more.

**Make sure to watch the okra carefully when you turn on the broiler.  You do not want them to burn.  

You haven't had okra until you've tried my healthy version of southern fried okra.  It's easy to make and the perfect side dish for your next meal!  Nothing says good old home cooking like a big plate of Oven-Baked Crunchy Okra.

CHECK OUT MORE EASY SIDE DISH RECIPES BELOW:

• Easy Homemade Coleslaw
• Tomato Caper Salad
• Grilled Sweet Potatoes Two Ways
• Marinated Cheese & Peppers
• Easy Cucumber Salad

Oven Baked Crunchy Okra

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Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh okra
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup flour (all purpose gluten free, if needed)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoon preferred oil (I used Avocado oil)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Chop okra into small bite size pieces.
3. In a small bowl, combine egg and oil.
4. In a large bowl, mix together remaining dry ingredients.
5. Toss okra with wet ingredients then dry ingredients and place on a prepared baking sheet. (preferably on a wire rack over a baking sheet, so that the okra can get more crispy.)
6. Bake at 375 for approximately 15-20 minutes, then broil on high for 1-2 minutes. Just enough time to brown the panko a little more.
7. Remove from oven, let cool.