olive oil spray(optional, if needed to prevent sticking)
Instructions
First, start with the smallest okra you can find. Larger okra tends to be woody, which wouldn't work in this recipe.
Wash the okra. Trim off any excess stems, but do not cut into the okra pod itself.
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Spray a shallow baking dish with olive oil, if necessary, add okra, and season to taste. Give the okra one quick (1/2 second) spray with olive oil and put them into the oven. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes, until okra is browned on all sides, about 15 minutes. Serve hot out of the oven.
Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat a standard air fryer to 390F or a Breville Air to 425F. Toss the freshly washed okra with seasoning and spread it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Begin air frying, checking after about 7 minutes. Air fry until the okra is browning on all sides.
Notes
You can also jazz these up with spice blends such as garam masala, curry powder, chili powder, Creole seasonings, or jerk seasonings--whatever your taste demands. But simple salt and pepper is amazingly good and allows the fresh flavor of the okra to shine through.Air fried okra naturally has zero Smart Points under Weight Watchers Freestyle Program.