Name: Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 large Green Tomatoes; 2 large Eggs; 1/4 cup Milk; 1 cup Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Pepper; 1/2 cup Cornmeal; 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; Olive Oil Spray

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When summer rolls around, one of my absolute favorite snacks is Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes. I remember the first time I tasted them at a family gathering; they were fresh, crispy, and packed with flavor. It was a warm afternoon, and the scent of fried food wafted through the air, drawing everyone to the picnic table. The tartness of the green tomatoes complemented the crunch of the coating perfectly. Making these at home brings back those memories and often leads to new ones with friends and family gathered around the table.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
5 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Air Fryer

There’s something about the combination of textures in Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes that just captivates me. The exterior is golden and crispy, while the inside remains tender and juicy. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that wonderful crispy coating with much less oil than traditional frying. It’s a win-win! I love serving them as an appetizer or a side dish during summer cookouts or casual dinners. Everyone seems to enjoy this Southern classic, and I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear so quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Healthier Preparation

One of the reasons I love making Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes is that the air fryer provides a healthier option compared to deep frying. You still get that satisfying crunch without the excess grease, making it a more wholesome choice for gatherings.

Flavorful Ingredients

The blend of ingredients used in this recipe really elevates the tomatoes. With a mix of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, every bite bursts with flavor, making these tomatoes a treat for your taste buds.

Versatility

These fried green tomatoes can be served in many ways. Whether as a standalone snack, a side dish, or even on top of salads or sandwiches, their versatility makes them a great recipe to have in your repertoire.

Quick and Easy

Ready in about 20 minutes, Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are perfect for those busy nights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Just prep your tomatoes and let the air fryer do the work!

Perfect Summer Dish

There’s something inherently summery about Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes. They capture the essence of summer harvests and make for a great dish to enjoy outdoors while soaking up the sun.

FAQ

The best tomatoes to use for Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are firm, unripe green tomatoes. These tomatoes have a tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating and are less watery than ripe tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are bright green and free of blemishes for the best results. They hold up well during the frying process and provide that delightful crunch everyone loves!

While you technically can use ripe tomatoes for frying, I highly recommend sticking with green tomatoes for Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes tend to be mushy and can result in a soggy final dish. Green tomatoes maintain their firmness and provide the ideal texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating. If you can find them, go for the green!

Knowing when your Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are done is key to achieving that perfect crunch. Look for a golden-brown color on the outside, which indicates they have cooked through and developed a crispy texture. Depending on your air fryer model, this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes per side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.

You can certainly prepare the coating for Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes ahead of time by dredging the tomato slices and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. However, I recommend frying them fresh for the best texture. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but they will lose some crispiness over time. Reheat them in the air fryer to bring back some of that crunch!

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are a delightful twist on a classic Southern dish that brings a taste of summer to your table. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior make them an irresistible snack or side dish. I encourage you to try this recipe, gather your family or friends, and enjoy these delicious bites together. You won’t be disappointed—these fried green tomatoes are sure to become a staple in your summer celebrations!

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Craving something crispy and delicious? Try these Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes! With their golden crust and tangy flavor, they're a perfect appetizer or side dish. Quick to prepare and bursting with summer vibes, these treats are sure to impress at your next gathering!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 large Green Tomatoes
2 large Eggs
1/4 cup Milk
1 cup Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 cup Cornmeal
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Olive Oil Spray

Equipment

Air Fryer

Method

In a small bowl, add the eggs and whisk. Add the milk and mix well. In another small bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper to create a dry coating.
In yet another small bowl, mix together the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. This will be the final coating for the tomatoes.
Take each slice of green tomato and dredge it first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated well. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, coat the tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing down gently to ensure adherence. Repeat this process with all the slices.
Place the coated tomato slices in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with the olive oil spray to promote browning.
Cook the tomatoes in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
After the first cooking time, flip the tomatoes over, spray the tops again with olive oil spray, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, carefully remove the fried green tomatoes from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish and enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness!

Notes

Storage: Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the air fryer on a low setting instead of the microwave.
Variations: Experiment with different seasonings for the cornmeal coating to add unique flavors.
Serving: These fried green tomatoes pair beautifully with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.
Fresh Ingredients: Choose firm, unblemished green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.