Southern comfort meets modern convenience with these irresistible Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have crispy, golden-brown slices that deliver all the traditional flavor with significantly less oil.
This healthier twist on the classic Southern staple packs only 211 calories per serving while maintaining that perfect crunchy exterior and tangy center. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these air-fried green tomatoes prove that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
- Green Tomatoes: 2 large ones, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices for perfect crispiness
- Panko Crumbs: 3/4 cup, ensures extra crunchiness (use gluten-free if needed)
- Cornmeal: 3/4 cup, adds wonderful texture and golden color
- Eggs: 2 whole eggs (can substitute with maple syrup for egg-free version)
Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: Clean and dry tomatoes thoroughly. Season sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper, then rest on paper towels
- Prepare Coating Station: Set up one bowl with whisked eggs and another with combined panko and cornmeal
- Coating Process: Dip each tomato slice in egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with panko-cornmeal mixture on both sides
- Air Fryer Setup: Place coated tomatoes in air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness
- Cook to Perfection: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 12 minutes until beautifully golden on both sides
- Serve: Plate your crispy tomatoes while hot, pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra enjoyment
Serving Suggestions
These crispy green tomatoes are super versatile! Serve them as a fun appetizer with ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping. They also make an amazing side dish alongside grilled meats or sandwiches. For a southern-style brunch, try them stacked with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce on top.
Smart Substitutions
Need to switch things up? You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, though panko gives the best crunch. For egg-free coating, the recipe suggests maple syrup – about 3 tablespoons should do the trick! If you’re gluten-free, just grab some gluten-free panko and you’re all set. The cornmeal adds amazing texture, but you can use all panko if that’s what you have on hand.
Storage Tips
Green tomatoes are best eaten fresh from the air fryer while they’re hot and crispy! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back that wonderful crunch. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
Extra Success Tips
Want the crispiest results? Pat those tomato slices really dry before coating – this helps the breading stick better. Don’t skip the oil spray – it’s the secret to getting that golden-brown crust! If your tomato slices are extra thick, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. And remember to leave some space between the slices in your air fryer basket so the air can circulate properly.
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large green tomatoes sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices
- 3/4 cup panko crumbs use GF if needed
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 2 eggs sub maple syrup if egg-free
Instructions
- Wash and dry the green tomatoes. You will want to start with the tomatoes sliced and place them on paper towels. I like to season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare a bowl of panko or bread crumbs and a bowl of whisked eggs. Dip the sliced tomatoes into the beaten eggs and then into the panko and cornmeal mixture. Be sure to cover both sides.
- Place tomatoes into the air fryer basket. I would suggest spraying with a spray oil to help the panko crumbs crisp up.
- Cook until golden on both sides at 400F/204C for 12 minutes.
- Plate up your crispy tomatoes. I like to serve mine with a dipping sauce too!
