Air Fryer Okra Poppers

Put a Southern twist on classic poppers by using okra instead of jalapeños. These are filled with creamy pimento cheese, wrapped in bacon, and fried to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Serve with tangy homemade remoulade sauce for dipping.

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut each okra pod in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard.

2. 2

   Arrange the okra, cut-side up, in a shallow glass dish. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the okra. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.

3. 3

   While the okra marinates, make the pimento cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimiento peppers, jalapeño, salt, and cayenne. Mix with an electric hand mixer on low-medium speed until well combined, 2–3 minutes. Transfer the filling to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

4. 4

   Make the remoulade sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice, parsley, green onions, paprika, cayenne, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, whole grain mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

5. 5

   Assemble the poppers: After the okra has marinated, drain and rinse under cold water. Place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat the insides dry.

6. 6

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Cut the tip off of the piping bag with the pimiento cheese filling and pipe the filling into each okra half. Wrap a half-slice of bacon around each okra half, using toothpicks to secure if needed.

8. 8

   Working in batches of 5–6 at a time, air fry the okra poppers for 10 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and crispy.

9. 9

   Arrange the okra on a platter and serve with the remoulade sauce alongside.

10. 10

    Enjoy!

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