Okra Chips Recipe

We're going to roast okra slices first for flavor, and then slow-bake to get that perfect, crunchy chip texture. So, let's get those oven mitts ready and whip up a healthy snack that's so good, you'll be surprised it's homemade! 

These crispy okra chips are an excellent way to enjoy the many benefits of okra, especially for those who might find the texture of the vegetable in its raw or cooked form less than desirable. 

Fresh okra is known for its somewhat slimy texture when cooked, which can be a deterrent for some people despite its incredible nutritional value. This sliminess, while ideal for thickening dishes like gumbo and stews like bamya, is not everyone's cup of tea. 

However, when you bake okra into chips, this slimy texture completely disappears, leaving you with a delightful crunch and mild flavor that's easy to love. You will enjoy okra in a whole new way!

Making these okra snacks is a game-changer for those who want the health benefits of okra without slime.

If you like okra snacks, you might also want to see our breaded okra recipe in air fryer.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You're going to absolutely adore these baked okra chips, and here's why:

• No Slime: When baked into chips, all the slime disappears. It's the best way to enjoy okra without the characteristic slime, making it a fantastic option for those who want the benefits of okra in a more palatable form. 
• No Dehydrator Needed: Despite yielding the perfect crispy crunch, this recipe doesn't require any specialized equipment like a dehydrator. Just your standard oven will do the job perfectly!
• Healthiness: This is a snack you can feel good about munching on. Okra is packed with fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Baking the okra, rather than frying, keeps this snack low in fat and calories.
• Versatility: These chips can be a unique addition to your snack repertoire, perfect for a movie night, a healthy side dish, or even as a garnish to a main meal. They can also be seasoned with a variety of spices to suit your taste.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for everyday pantry items, nothing fancy. Just okra, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.

About The Ingredients

• Okra: It's essential to use fresh okra for this recipe because it crisps up beautifully in the oven. Frozen okra holds excess water and won't yield the same crispy texture, so it's not recommended here.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used in this recipe to help the okra crisp up and to evenly distribute the spices. It's chosen for its health benefits and its pleasant, light flavor that doesn't overpower the okra. If you prefer, a good alternative to olive oil is cooking spray. It will give you a similar result with possibly fewer calories.
• Garlic Powder and Kosher Salt: These are simple, classic seasonings that add a lovely depth of flavor to the okra chips. They enhance the natural taste of the okra without overwhelming it. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your palate.
• Vinegar: Vinegar serves two important functions in this recipe: it helps to clean the okra pods and also prevents them from becoming slimy, a common characteristic of okra. In case you don't have vinegar on hand, lemon juice makes a good alternative as it performs the same functions due to its acidity.

Have frozen okra? Check out our Frozen Okra Recipe in Air Fryer!

Alternative Spices

While the classic combination of garlic powder and salt wonderfully complements the flavor of okra, don't feel limited to these seasonings. There's a world of spices out there to experiment with, and okra makes a fantastic canvas for a range of flavors. Here are some alternative spices and combinations you could try:

• Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper or Black Pepper: If you like a kick to your snacks, adding chili powder or cayenne pepper can spice things up. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice will give your okra chips a smokey, barbecue-like flavor. It's a great way to make them taste like a classic savory snack.
• Cumin and Coriander: A combination of these two spices will lend an earthy, slightly citrusy flavor to your okra chips, giving them a unique, Middle Eastern-inspired taste.
• Parmesan Cheese and Italian Seasoning: For a cheesy, Italian-style twist, sprinkle some dried Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese over the okra before baking.
• Nutritional Yeast: This is a fantastic option if you want a cheesy flavor but prefer to keep the snack vegan. Nutritional yeast has a natural cheesy flavor and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

How To Make It

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!

Baking okra into crispy chips is a fairly simple process, but it does require a bit of time. Here's how to make okra chips in the oven:

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Soak your fresh okra pods in a mixture of water and vinegar. This helps to eliminate any sliminess or mucilage and cleans the pods.
3. Rinse the okra under cold water and then pat them dry thoroughly.
4. Cut the okra pods in half lengthwise. No need to cut the stem off. See our tips for cutting okra here.

Seasoning and First Baking

1. Arrange the okra halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Toss the okra halves in olive oil or a light coating of cooking spray, ensuring they're all well-coated.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder and salt evenly over the okra. You can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your preference.
4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Second Baking for Crispiness

1. After the initial baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 170°F (77°C).
2. Allow the oven to cool down for about 10 minutes.
3. Return the okra to the oven, leaving the oven door slightly ajar to let out excess moisture.
4. Continue baking for another 2 hours or until the okra chips are crisp.

Pro Tip: Whole okra might not crisp up as well due to less surface exposure to heat in the oven. So we don't recommend it. Cutting the okra in half lengthwise allows it to bake evenly and become crisp, which is essential for achieving the chip-like texture. 

Other Cooking Methods

While our recipe primarily focuses on baking okra chips in the oven, there are indeed other ways to create this delightful snack. Here are a couple of alternatives:

1. Air Fryer Method: Air fryers are known for their ability to mimic the texture of fried food without using large amounts of oil. To use this method, follow the preparation and seasoning steps of the original recipe. Instead of baking, however, place the okra pods in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. Check out our Air Fryer Okra Recipe for the details.
2. Dehydrator Method: If you have a food dehydrator, it can also be used to make okra chips. Prepare and season the okra as in the original recipe, then spread the okra out on the dehydrator trays. Set your dehydrator to 135°F (58°C) and dehydrate for 5-6 hours or until crispy. Remember, dehydrating times can vary based on the humidity level in your environment.

Storing

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the crunch and freshness of your homemade okra chips. Here's how you can store them:

1. Cooling: Before storing, ensure that your okra chips are cooled completely. Storing them while still warm may result in condensation, which could make them lose their crunch.
2. Airtight Container: Store the okra chips in an airtight container or zip-top bag. This helps to protect them from moisture and keep them crisp.
3. Room Temperature: Keep the container or bag at room temperature. There's no need to refrigerate your okra chips; in fact, the humidity in the refrigerator might make them go soft.
4. Keep Dry: If you're in a particularly humid environment, consider adding a packet of food-safe desiccant (like those found in store-bought snacks) in the container to absorb excess moisture.

With proper storage, your okra chips should stay crisp and fresh for up to a week, but they're so delicious, they might not last that long!

Remember, if the chips lose their crunch over time, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 170°F (77°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Okra chips can be enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack alternative to traditional potato chips, but there are also other creative ways to serve them. Here are a few ideas:

1. Dipping Delights: Pair your okra chips with a flavorful dip. They pair excellently with hummus, Greek yogurt, or even artichoke sauce, beetroot dip and green olive dip. The mild flavor of these chips complements a wide range of dips, so don't hesitate to try different combinations.
2. Salad Toppers: For a fun and healthy crunch, try using the okra chips as a topping for salads. They add a unique texture and a burst of flavor that can elevate a simple salad like wheat berry salad or no mayo tuna salad.
3. Soup Sides: Just like croutons, okra chips can be served on the side with a bowl of your favorite soup. They would match wonderfully with roasted tomato soup.

Are Okra Chips Healthy?

Yes, okra chips are indeed a healthy snack option. They inherit many of the health benefits of fresh okra, which is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Here's why okra chips can be a great addition to a balanced diet:

1. Low in Calories: Okra chips are low in calories, making them a great snack for those who are watching their calorie intake or trying to lose weight.
2. High in Fiber: Okra is known for its high fiber content. Dietary fiber can help promote feelings of fullness, aid in digestion, and support heart health.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Okra contains a range of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and folate.
4. Antioxidant-Rich: Okra has a high antioxidant content, which can help protect your body against damage from harmful free radicals.
5. Lower in Fat: Baking the okra chips, especially when using a minimal amount of oil or a cooking spray, results in a snack that is lower in fat compared to traditional fried chips.
6. Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, okra chips can be a great gluten-free snack option.
7. Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly: Okra chips are naturally vegan and vegetarian, making them a great snack option for those following these dietary lifestyles.

However, while okra chips are a healthier choice compared to many store-bought snacks, they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 

The amount of salt and oil used can also affect the overall healthiness of the chips, so keep an eye on your intake if you're watching your sodium or fat consumption. But overall, okra chips can definitely be part of a healthy eating plan!

FAQs

Other Vegetarian Snacks

• Roasted Kernel Corn
• Roasted Oyster Mushrooms
• Spicy Popcorn
• Air Fried Okra
• Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
• Fried Zucchini Chips

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