SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://www.southernturk.versust.com/recipe/air-fried-simit-crusted-okra
Printed September 1, 2026
Printed September 1, 2026
Air Fryer Alchemist
Air-Fried Simit-Crusted Okra
Southern okra gets a Turkish makeover with a crunchy simit-inspired sesame coating. Say goodbye to slime, hello to addictive crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup nigella seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Cooking spray
Preparation
The first time I served okra to my Turkish mother-in-law, she was skeptical. The second time, I coated it like a simit and air-fried it. Now she asks for the recipe every visit.
Preparation
- Soak okra in buttermilk for 30 minutes to help reduce sliminess.
- In a shallow bowl, mix panko, sesame seeds, nigella seeds, garlic powder, sumac, cayenne, and salt.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the sesame mixture in a third.
- Drain okra and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Coat each okra pod in flour, then egg, then the sesame mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange okra in a single layer.
- Spray okra lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until deeply golden and crispy.
- Season with additional salt immediately after cooking.
Serving suggestion: Serve with a yogurt-tahini dipping sauce spiked with hot sauce for the perfect Southern-Turkish bridge.
