Crunchy Oven-Fried Okra

Fried okra straight from the garden is always a summer treat for us. This crunchy  “fried” okra recipe uses a fraction of the oil that you would need when pan frying This recipe also works with frozen okra—just thaw before breading and cook as directed below.

Crunchy Oven-Fried Okra  2 to 3 generous servings

2 cups fresh-cut okra

4 tablespoons cornmeal

6 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs 

2 tablespoons seasoned flour

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 eggs, beaten

3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil 

Optional—Serve with Comeback Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. 
2. Combine the cornmeal, panko, seasoned flour, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a ziplock-style bag.
   
3. In a separate bowl, gently toss the okra with the beaten egg until evenly coated.
   
4. Pour oil onto a rimmed baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for just a few minutes to warm up the oil--be careful to not let it start to smoke.
5. In the meantime, add the wet okra a little at a time to the bag and shake until coated. 
6. Carefully add the okra to the hot baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender, turning the okra halfway through baking. To get a nice golden brown, increase oven heat to broil and watch carefully, stirring as needed.
   
8. Serve with Comeback Sauce if desired.

Recipe without photos . . . 

Crunchy Oven-Fried Okra  2 to 3 generous servings

2 cups fresh-cut okra

4 tablespoons cornmeal

6 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs 

2 tablespoons seasoned flour

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 eggs, beaten

3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil 

Optional—Serve with Comeback Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. 
2. Combine the cornmeal, panko, seasoned flour, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a ziplock-style bag.
3. In a separate bowl, gently toss the okra with the beaten egg until evenly coated.
4. Pour oil onto a rimmed baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for just a few minutes to warm up the oil--be careful to not let it start to smoke.
5. In the meantime, add the wet okra a little at a time to the bag and shake until coated. 
6. Carefully add the okra to the hot baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender, turning the okra halfway through baking. To get a nice golden brown, increase oven heat to broil and watch carefully, stirring as needed.
8. Serve with Comeback Sauce if desired.