Description
Craving something crispy, tangy, and irresistibly Southern? These Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are the perfect guilt-free twist on a classic comfort food. With a crunchy golden crust and tender, tart interior, they make an ideal appetizer, snack, or side—minus the mess and extra oil of deep frying.
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Ingredients
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3 medium green tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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½ cup cornmeal
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Optional for Serving:
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Ranch dressing or remoulade sauce
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Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
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Lemon wedges
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Hot sauce drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Slice & Salt the Tomatoes
Cut the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
Lay them out on paper towels and sprinkle both sides lightly with salt.
Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Bowl 1: Add flour and black pepper.
Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk.
Bowl 3: Mix panko, cornmeal, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Tomato Slices
Dredge each tomato slice in the flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, coating completely.
Then press into the breadcrumb-cornmeal mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Place on a plate and repeat with remaining slices.
Step 4: Air Fry the Tomatoes
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Lightly spray the basket and the tops of the tomatoes with olive oil spray.
Place slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Dip
Transfer to a serving plate.
Garnish with chopped herbs and serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, remoulade, or sriracha mayo.
Notes
Don’t Skip Salting – It helps remove moisture and intensifies flavor.
Use Panko + Cornmeal – This combo delivers unbeatable crunch and classic Southern texture.
Spray Lightly with Oil – Helps achieve that golden, fried appearance without excess grease.
Flip Gently – Use tongs or a spatula to turn halfway through without breaking the coating.
Cook in Batches – Avoid overlapping slices to keep them evenly crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern / American