Hand Battered Fried Okra Recipe

Prepare the Okra

Wash the fresh okra thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the tops and tails of the okra, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable; add a little more milk if too thick.

Heat the Oil

In a large, deep skillet or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.

Coat the Okra

Dip the sliced okra pieces into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow excess batter to drip off before frying.

Fry the Okra

Carefully place the battered okra into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the okra and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve

Serve the hand-battered fried okra hot, optionally with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.