Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Air fryer fried green tomatoes bring a fast and healthy spin to a classic Southern side dish!

These flavor bombs feature a crunchy, golden coating that gives way to succulent tomatoes. And every bite is better than the last.

So forget greasy pans and oil splatters! These air fryer fried green tomatoes promise an easy, delectable, and mess-free snack.

Air Fryer Green Tomatoes 

The air fryer truly is a marvel in the kitchen. It’s revolutionized how we cook everything from potatoes to pasta.

And that includes fried green tomatoes. 

Tart, sweet, and a little acidic, fried green tomatoes are a thing of beauty.

They’re juicy, fresh, and perfect beside chicken, mac and cheese, and more.

And thanks to this simple air fryer recipe, they’re healthier than ever.

Make the recipe as is, or make it your own with extra spices. Either way, make double – you’ll definitely need extra!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create an addictive side dish. Let’s break it down:

• Tomatoes: Not to be confused with tomatillos, you’ll need firm green tomatoes (aka unripe tomatoes).

• All-Purpose Flour: The first step to a great crust.

• Eggs and Buttermilk: To bind the breading to the tomato slices.

• Cornmeal and Panko Breadcrumbs: For the best taste and texture. This blend gives a ton of crunch!

• Seasonings: You’ll need garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. But that’s just to start – feel free to add smoked paprika, cayenne, or even mustard powder for a flavor twist.

• Olive Oil Spray: Did you know you’re not supposed to use regular cooking spray in most air fryers? It’s true! So be sure to use olive oil or coconut oil spray instead.

How to Make Air Fryer Green Tomatoes 

Give your average fried green tomatoes a crispy makeover with this air fryer recipe.

It’s simple, quick, and turns out deliciously golden every time.

1. Slice and season the tomatoes. Slice them about 1/4-inch thick, pat dry, then sprinkle on both sides with salt.

2. Prepare the coating. Place the flour in one bowl, and the eggs and buttermilk in another. Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a third bowl

3. Bread the tomatoes. Dip each slice in flour, then egg, and finally, the breadcrumb mix. Press the crumb mix gently so it sticks.

4. Fry the tomatoes. Lay the tomatoes in a single layer and cook at 400°F. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure an even crunch.

5. Serve and enjoy. Serve the tomatoes hot with this Southern comeback sauce or on the side of something tasty. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Fried Green Tomatoes

Here are some top tips to ensure your fried green tomatoes turn out perfectly crispy and delicious:

• Choose firm, green tomatoes with a slight give. Avoid those turning yellow or red, as they won’t air fry as well.

• Dry the tomatoes well. It helps the coating stick better, making for a better crust.

• Apply a thin layer of egg and flour. Shake off the excess before moving down the breading line.

• No cornmeal? No problem. Just increase the breadcrumbs in the coating. The recipe will still turn out great.

• Let them rest before cooking. A few minutes on the counter will let the coating adhere fully.

• Use air fryer parchment paper. Designed with holes, it promotes airflow and makes clean-up a breeze.

• Don’t crowd the basket. Try not to overlap the tomato slices. If they’re too packed in, they’ll steam and won’t be crispy.

• Adjust the cooking time for thickness. The cooking time listed below is an estimate based on my air fryer and 1/4-inch thick tomato slices. Check yours halfway through and adjust as needed.

How to Store Fried Green Tomatoes

As with most fried foods, these bad boys are best enjoyed right away. The longer they sit, the less crispy they’ll be.

And since they’re so quick to whip up, I always recommend making them fresh.

Having said that, if you have leftovers or really need to store them for later, here’s how:

To Store: Keep cold leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Arrange them in a single layer, or with parchment paper between layers.

To Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing cooked tomatoes, but you can freeze them un-cooked for up to 3 months. Slice, bread, and then freeze in a single layer on a baking tray until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag for storage.

To Reheat: Cook cold leftovers in the air fryer at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side. Cook frozen, breaded tomato slices from frozen at 350°F for 6-7 minutes per side.

More Air Fryer Recipes To Try

Air Fryer Peaches
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Air Fryer Pineapple
Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings