Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Get ready to enjoy a delicious Southern classic with a healthier twist—Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes!

These crispy, tangy delights are made with fresh green tomatoes, coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, and air-fried to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these fried green tomatoes are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

If you love easy appetizer recipe, try my recipe for AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FRENCH FRIES, INSTANT POT CHICKEN, AND GNOCCHI SOUP (OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT), AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH and AIR FRYER COPYCAT KRISPY KREME DONUTS.

Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or just looking for a new way to enjoy tomatoes, Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are a must-try!

Why You Will Love Fried Green Tomatoes In An Air Fryer!

• Ease and Convenience: Air fryers are known for their convenience and ease of use. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for those not experienced in the kitchen. Plus, the air fryer’s quick cooking time allows you to enjoy this dish without waiting.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying achieves a wonderfully crispy exterior on the tomatoes. This method ensures that the breading becomes golden and crunchy, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender tomato inside.
• Flavorful and Tangy: Green tomatoes have a unique, tangy flavor beautifully complemented by the breading and seasonings in this recipe.
• Versatility: These Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes can be served in various ways – as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, as a side dish for a Southern-inspired meal, or even as a topping for salads and burgers.
• Less Mess: Traditional frying can be messy, with oil splatters and a lot of cleanup. Air frying is much cleaner, keeping your kitchen tidy and reducing cleanup time.
• Customizable: The recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasonings in the breading or experiment with different dipping sauces to create a variety of flavors.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need, as each ingredient adds its unique touch to this healthier twist on a Southern classic.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Large Green Tomatoes: Choose firm, unripe tomatoes. They provide a tangy flavor and maintain their shape well during cooking.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for creating the initial coating. It helps the egg mixture adhere to the tomato slices.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder for the breadcrumbs, ensuring a good crust on the tomatoes.
• Breadcrumbs: You can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs. They create the crispy exterior that is characteristic of fried green tomatoes.
• Cornmeal: Adds a pleasant crunch and a hint of sweetness to the breading, complementing the tanginess of the tomatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and the breading.
• Optional Seasonings (like Paprika or Garlic Powder): These add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Paprika offers a mild heat and smokiness, while garlic powder brings a savory note.
• Cooking Spray: A light cooking oil spray or olive oil spray helps achieve a golden and crispy finish in the air fryer without deep frying.

Each ingredient is crucial in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes.

How To Make Fried Green Tomatoes In Air Fry

Here’s a step-by-step guide for making fried green tomatoes air fryer recipe:

Step 1: Preparation

• Wash and slice the green tomatoes into approximately 1/2-inch thick slices. This thickness ensures they cook evenly and maintain their structure.
• Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first shallow bowl, place all-purpose flour. In the second, beat a couple of eggs. In the third, combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and your choice of seasonings (like salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder).

Step 2: Dredging

• Dip each tomato slice into the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated on all sides.
• Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb-cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Air Frying:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior without burning.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the breaded tomato slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Lightly spray the tops of the tomatoes with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden color.
• Set cook time for 12-16 minutes, flipping the green tomatoes, halfway during the cooking process.

Step 4: Serving

• Once cooked, remove the fried green tomatoes from the air fryer, place them on a wire rack, and let them sit for a few minutes. This resting period helps the coating to set.
• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like a creamy ranch, marinara sauce, or spicy remoulade.

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe Variations

• Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes No Cornmeal: If you are looking for a recipe for fried green tomatoes without cornmeal, use panko breadcrumbs instead.
• Keto fried Green Tomatoes Air Fryer: Use pork rinds for the coating, as well as using almond flour or coconut flour, for low-carb options.
• Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes Air Fryer: Make sure all of your ingredients are labeled vegan.

Pro Tips Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

• Choose the Right Tomatoes: Select firm, unripe green tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes can become too soft and mushy when cooked.
• Uniform Slices: Cut the tomatoes into a uniform thickness, about 1/2 inch, for even cooking. Uneven slices can lead to some pieces being overcooked or undercooked.
• Seasoning the Flour: Add seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the flour for an extra flavor boost. This ensures every layer contributes to the overall taste.
• Let the Coating Set: After dredging the tomatoes, let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. This ensures a crispier exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the tomatoes in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
• Flip Carefully: Halfway through cooking, gently flip the tomatoes to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Spray Lightly with Oil: A light oil spray on the breaded tomatoes before air frying can help achieve a more golden and crispy exterior.
• Use Parchment Rounds: To prevent sticking and for easier cleanup, you can use parchment rounds with holes cut in them, specifically designed for air fryers.
• Rest Before Serving: After air frying, the cooked tomatoes rest for a few minutes. This allows the exterior to set and become crispier.
• Keep an Eye on the Cook Time: Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model, so keep an eye on the tomatoes, especially the first time you make them.

Recipe For Fried Green Tomatoes In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I make Fried Green Tomatoes in the air fryer if they are not green? Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Ripe tomatoes are softer and sweeter, so they may not hold up well during cooking.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off? First, dredge the tomato slices thoroughly in flour, dip them in egg, and then coat them well with the breadcrumb mixture. Letting them rest for a few minutes before air frying also helps the coating stick.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs? Absolutely! For air fryer fried green tomatoes panko, use Panko breadcrumbs will give your fried green tomatoes a lighter, crispier texture.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer? Yes, preheating helps cook the tomatoes evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Can I stack the tomato slices in the air fryer? It’s best not to stack them. Overlapping or stacking can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy outcome. Cook in batches if necessary.

How do I know when the tomatoes are done cooking? They are done when the coating is golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them? While best served fresh, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

Are air fryer fried green tomatoes healthier than traditional fried ones? Air frying requires significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative than a deep fryer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version.

What’s the best way to serve air fryer fried green tomatoes? They’re great as an appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, hot sauce, sour cream, and remoulade or as a side dish with your main meal.

How to store: Let the green tomatoes cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. The air fryer green tomatoes will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. 

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