To make dried okra, wash and prepare the pods by cutting off the ends. Cut the pods into 1/4-inch rounds or 1 inch pieces, and place them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray. Dehydrate at 125°F for 4-8 hours. When crispy and dry, remove from the dehydrator and cool to room temperature.
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How to Dehydrate Okra in a Food Dehydrator
- To make dried okra in a food dehydrator, start with freshly picked okra pods.
- Wash your whole okra pods, then cut off both ends and discard them.
- Cut the fresh okra into 1/4-inch rounds or 1/2-inch pieces.
- Lay your sliced okra on a dehydrator tray in a single layer. Make sure none of the pieces are touching and that there is space between them for good airflow.
- Place the trays in the dehydrator and set the temperature to 125°F.
- It should take 4-8 hours for your okra to dry completely. Check every few hours, taking a piece out of the dehydrator to see if it is done. You will know okra is dried when it is crispy and has a crunchy texture with no traces of moisture.
- Remove the dried okra from the food dehydrator and allow it to cool.
- Once the okra has cooled, store it in an airtight container and place the container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Crispy Dried Okra Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Description
Dried okra chips are a delicious, southern-inspired recipe that works as a healthy snack, an appetizer, or a delicious side dish. Like other veggie chips, this okra recipe is low-carb and low-fat.
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2lbs fresh Okra
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash your okra, and then prepare it by trimming off the ends and discarding them. Slice each okra pod in half lengthwise.
- Take a large bowl, and drop in your sliced okra, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss together using your hands to make sure every piece is evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the okra slices on it in an even single layer.
- Place the okra in the oven and leave for 20 minutes, giving it a shake halfway through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the okra from the oven and reduce the heat to 170°F.
- Place the okra back in the oven – crack open the door using a wooden spoon to allow for better airflow and to reduce the risk of burning.
- Bake for 3 hours, checking regularly. Remove when crispy and dry.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature before storing in a cool, dry place.
Notes
To add a delicious twist to dried okra, sprinkle with chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, or cajun spices before dehydrating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 95kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 26mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 8g
How Long Does it Take to Dry Okra?
In a food dehydrator, it should take between 4 and 8 hours to dry okra. In an oven, it takes 3 hours due to the higher temperature.
What is the Best Way to Dehydrate Okra?
The best way to dehydrate okra is in a food dehydrator. Food dehydrators have excellent temperature control and are designed with a heating element and fan system made specifically to dry foods. Though an oven or air fryer can work, a food dehydrator is the best way to dehydrate okra for a consistent result.
What are the Benefits of Dried Okra?
Dried okra is rich in many nutrients, particularly vitamin C, vitamin K, and magnesium. It is also relatively high in protein compared with many other dried fruits or vegetables, such as zucchini.
It has numerous health benefits and may lower heart disease risk and help lower blood pressure.
Dried okra can be powdered and used as a natural thickener or added to smoothies for a boost of antioxidants.
How to Rehydrate Okra
To rehydrate okra, combine one cup of okra with three cups of boiling water. Allow the dried okra to soak for 30 minutes and then drain.
Once the okra is rehydrated, it can be used exactly as you would fresh okra – use it to make gumbo, soups, stews, or even fried okra!
How Long Does Dried Okra Last?
Dried okra has a shelf life of 1-2 years. Dried vegetables may last even longer when stored properly, but for optimal taste and texture, it is best to consume them in 6-12 months.
How Do You Store Dried Okra?
The best way to store dried okra is in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Mason jars and other glass canning jars work well for this purpose.
Dried okra can also be frozen. Place the dried okra in a vacuum-sealed bag and store it on a freezer shelf, being careful not to crush the okra by putting heavy things on top of it.