Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Wash the okra thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Trim off the stems, leaving about a quarter-inch.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the okra into thin rounds about 2-3 mm thick. Uniform slices help ensure even crisping.
- Place the okra slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to coat all slices lightly and evenly.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest over the okra slices. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Spread the seasoned okra slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping or stirring the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them near the end until the edges turn deep golden brown and they emit a toasted aroma.
- Once crispy and browned around the edges, remove the chips from the oven and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes to firm up.
- Serve the baked okra chips immediately for maximum crunch, or store in an airtight container once cooled for up to a day. Reheat briefly at 180°C (356°F) if needed to restore crispness.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, sprinkle additional smoked paprika after baking. Use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices, which ensures even crisping. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
