Heat oil in fryer or large Dutch oven filled halfway, over medium heat on stove with a thermometer. Allow to reach 350°. Place buttermilk and dry ingredients into 2 different shallow bowls. Whisk the dry ingredients to incorporate. Take seven fresh okra and place in buttermilk, covering completely. Allow okra to sit in buttermilk for a few minutes.

Using one hand, pull the okra out of the buttermilk, one at a time, and place in the dry mixture. With your clean hand, coat the okra, and repeat the process. Do not work in large batches or the dry ingredients will clump.

Once grease hits 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place okra, seven at a time, in the hot oil, making sure to release the okra gently, and away from you so it doesn’t splash. Allow to cook in small batches until okra becomes golden in color.

Once removed from oil, place cooked okra on a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels to soak up grease. Repeat with remaining okra. Serve immediately.