Can you plant a braided fig tree outside in Iowa?

No. Braided ficus are usually Ficus benjamina. It is only hardy to zone 10b. See info on website below!

Can you plant a braided fig tree outside in Iowa?
do the research to find the best variety.

better pamper it a few years in a pot so you can bring it inside for the winters. After that plant it by a south facing wall so it can absorb some of the heat the wall will radiate. You still might need to use frost protection for the winters. Remember: figs are mediterranean.