Kurkuri Bhindi or Crispy okra is vegan, gluten-free, and full of nutrients from the star—okra. Bhindi/Okra is a favorite ingredient in Indian cuisine as it holds up to a variety of flavors and cooking methods from stewing to frying, sautéing, and stuffing. Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Minstry of Curry For fans of okra, this dish celebrates a loved ingredient. And for those unfamiliar or who don’t think they like okra—Kurkuri Bhindi is the dish to try. Air frying the okra results in a delightful texture. The complex combination of turmeric, chili, garam masala, carom/ajwain seeds, and lemon will have you coming back for more! If you enjoy Air Fryer Recipes, check out these crispy kale pakoras and guilt-free onion pakoras.
Okra Tips
Buy tender long okra from Indian grocery stores, about 25 okra. The okra from regular US grocery stores is light green and thick - if using those cut each okra lengthwise into 6 pieces. Wash the okra first, and then dry them really well before you start cutting. Use a clean dry cutting board and knife. The knife may get sticky while cutting, notice the knife getting sticky, wipe it dry with a paper towel. If the okra is long, cut it in half after making the vertical slits so they cook evenly without losing the shape in the air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer cook the okra in 2 batches.
How To Make Fried Okra in The Air Fryer
Rinse and drain the okra and completely dry each one with a kitchen towel (photo 1). Cut the top and bottoms off of the okra. Then cut each okra into 4 quarters lengthwise. If the okra is thick you can also cut it into 6 pieces lengthwise (photos 2, 3, and 4).
Place the cut okra in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, gram flour rice flour, and ajwain seeds. Mix well (photos 5 and 6). Add lemon juice and water. Mix well coating all the ingredients well to the okra. Add the oil and mix well again (photos 7 and 8).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Evenly place the okra in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Having slightly layered okra is ok but spread out as much as possible within the basket (photos 9 and 10). Cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Shake the basket, lightly spray the okra with oil and then cook for an additional 2 minutes at 370 ° F (photos 11 and 12).
What To Serve With Kurkuri Bhindi
You can serve this bhindi dish as a meal with hot roti, parathas, or my favorite way to enjoy it is with kadhi & khichdi. To serve as an appetizer pair it with your favorite dip or ketchup! Eating spicy foods always puts me in the mood for something sweet. These are my favorite desserts to eat after a savory meal.
Mango Shrikhand Kalakand Badam Burfi
Storing
Kurkuri bhindi tastes the best fresh out of the air fryer. Eat them right away. If you want to store them for later, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will become softer the longer you keep them, so eat them soon. To enjoy them later, just reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer. Did you enjoy this easy Air Fryer Appetizer? Here are some more recipes to try:
Crispy Cauliflower Bites Buffalo Chicken Wings Tandoori Chicken Chilli Chicken Paneer Tikka Fish Sticks
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