Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and flavorful without deep-frying.
• Simple ingredients and quick prep.
• Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or sandwich topping.
• A lighter twist on a Southern comfort food favorite.
• Works great with dipping sauces like ranch or remoulade.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Firm green tomatoes (sliced about ¼-inch thick)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Eggs (for coating)
• Milk or buttermilk
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika or cayenne (optional for spice)
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil

Directions

1. Prepare the tomatoes
   Wash and slice green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Set up dredging stations
   • Bowl 1: Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs mixed with milk or buttermilk.
   • Bowl 3: A mixture of cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, and paprika.
3. Coat each slice
   Dip each tomato slice first in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-cornmeal mix. Press lightly so crumbs stick.
4. Preheat the air fryer
   Preheat to 190 °C (≈ 375 °F) for about 3–5 minutes.
5. Arrange and cook
   Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place tomato slices in a single layer (do not overlap). Lightly spray the tops with oil.
   Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden and crisp.
6. Serve immediately
   Serve hot with ranch dressing, remoulade, or spicy aioli for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 (as an appetizer or side)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg wash for extra heat.
• Cheesy crust: Mix Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Southern-style: Use more cornmeal than breadcrumbs for a coarser, traditional coating.
• Italian twist: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and serve with marinara sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best eaten fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for 3–5 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

FAQs

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

Use firm, unripe green tomatoes. They hold up well to coating and cooking.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

No—keep the skins on for structure and texture.

Can I skip the egg wash?

The egg wash helps the coating stick. If avoiding eggs, use a mixture of plant-based milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch as a binder.

Why use both cornmeal and breadcrumbs?

Cornmeal adds a classic Southern crunch, while breadcrumbs help with an even, crisp coating.

Can I make these without flour?

Yes, but the flour helps the coating adhere better. You can substitute with cornstarch or rice flour if needed.

How do I keep them from getting soggy?

Pat the tomatoes dry before coating, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—good airflow is key.

Can I freeze them?

It’s best to freeze them before cooking. Coat the tomato slices, place them on a tray to freeze, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What dips go best?

Ranch, remoulade, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli pair perfectly.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes—bake at 220 °C (425 °F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for crispiness.

What can I serve them with?

They’re great as a side for burgers, sandwiches, or seafood dishes, or served as an appetizer platter.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are the ultimate combination of crispy and tangy, offering Southern comfort with a lighter twist. With their crunchy golden crust and juicy interior, they’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or topping your favorite sandwich.

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

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Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are a light and crispy Southern classic made healthier. Tart green tomato slices are coated in a crunchy cornmeal breading and air-fried to golden perfection—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3–4 medium green tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or light oil (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Slice green tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
2. Set up the dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish. In another, whisk eggs and buttermilk together. In a third, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the tomato slices: Dredge each tomato slice in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture. Press lightly to help the coating stick.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 200°C (400°F) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
5. Air fry: Lightly spray both sides of coated tomato slices with oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Serve hot with ranch dressing, remoulade, or spicy aioli for dipping.

Notes

• Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches for even crisping.
• Adjust seasoning to taste (add cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth).
• Can substitute cornmeal with all breadcrumbs for a softer coating.
• For extra crunch, double dip: egg wash → crumb → egg wash → crumb again.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3–4 slices)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg