Step 1

For this recipe, it is better to start a few hours or a day/night ahead. I usually wash and air dry the okra a night before. Make sure that okra is completely dry before proceeding to next step.

Step 2

Trim & discard the ends (both crown and pointed edge) of okra. Using a sharp knife, slit each okra lengthwise without cutting it in two parts. The okra should remain whole (intact).

Step 3

Using your thumb and finger to gently open the cavity and make sure that there are no bugs or black or brown seeds. If there are worms, discard the okra. Remove the dried seeds if any. Repeat for all okra.

Step 4

In a small bowl combine together all the spice powders, crushed fennel seeds and salt. Using a spoon, mix well.

Step 5

Stuff the dry spice mix that we made in the okra one by one. Dont overstuff, I use about a teaspoon of masala for each okra. Tip:- I find using a butter knife easier than a spoon, you can stuff with fingers too. Save the leftover spice powder.

Step 6

In a wide pan(10 inch or wider) or a kadai, heat up the mustard oil, add green chillies and ginger garlic paste and saute for 30-40 minutes. Dont let brown, we just want to flavor the oil. Tip:- Using a wide shallow pan or kadai will make sure that okra will not get watery/slimy during cooking.

Step 7

Layer the stuffed okra in a single layer on the pan. Keep stove on low medium. Let cook on one side for 4 minutes. Gently flip using a flat spatula and let crip on other side too for 3-4 minutes. You will notice that okra will change color to dark green.

Step 8

Cover the pan and let cook for 5 minutes. Time it. Dont cover for more than 5 minutes - makes sure that they don't get slimy. Uncover and sprinkle the leftover spice powder that we saved. Also, add the onions if you are using.

Step 9

Gently mix everything together and let cook for another 2-3 minute still onions soften a bit. I like the onions with a bit of crunch in this dish. Dont cook o high else the dry masalas will burn. Tip: Avoid stirring often to make sure that the okra dont break or get slimy.

Step 10

Switch off the stove and finish with some chopped cilantro. Done!

Step 11

Once you have stuffed the okra, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle or brush 2 tablespoon oil and air fry them at 350F for 12-14 minutes. Remove the basket, flip using tongs and fry for another 8 minutes. You can serve air fried stuffed okra as a starter.