Air-Fried Green Tomatoes: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Yes, you can make fried green tomatoes in an air fryer! This cooking method lets you put a healthier twist on this Southern comfort food without compromising on taste.

The recipe is simple: slice your green tomatoes, dredge them in flour, dip them in a mixture of egg and buttermilk, and then coat them in breadcrumbs and cornmeal. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you like. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, place the tomatoes inside, and spritz the tops with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tomatoes halfway through and spritzing with oil again.

Serve your air-fried green tomatoes with a dip like ranch, sour cream, salsa, or comeback sauce. Enjoy!

How to prepare the tomatoes for frying

Preparing the tomatoes for frying is a straightforward process, but it requires several steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your tomatoes for air frying:

Firstly, select the right tomatoes. Choose firm, green tomatoes that are just starting to show a hint of blush or a slight yellow hue. They should have a little give when gently pressed but remain under-ripe. Avoid rock-hard, fully green, and opaque tomatoes.

Next, slice the tomatoes into uniform pieces, roughly 1/4-inch thick. This thickness will ensure even cooking and prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soft in the air fryer.

After slicing, pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the coating adhere better and create a crispier texture. Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper to taste.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. You will need three shallow dishes or pie plates. In the first dish, place some all-purpose flour. You can also add other dry ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the flour for extra flavour. In the second dish, whisk together some eggs and milk or buttermilk. The egg and milk mixture will act as a binder for the coating. In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs and cornmeal. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese and additional spices to this mixture for enhanced flavour.

With your dredging station set up, it's time to coat the tomatoes. Start by coating each tomato slice lightly in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. You want a thin coat of flour that allows the tomato flesh to show through.

Next, dip the floured tomatoes into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess to drip back into the dish before moving on to the final step.

Finally, press the tomatoes into the breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture, generously scooping the mixture over the top and gently pressing to help it adhere. Flip the tomatoes and repeat on the other side. Gently shake off any excess coating, and your tomatoes are now ready for frying!

Repeat this process for all your tomato slices, and you'll have perfectly prepared tomatoes ready for the air fryer!

The best oils for frying

Yes, you can make fried green tomatoes in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for you to try:

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup plain panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed

Instructions:

• Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
• Place the flour into a shallow dish. Beat the eggs and buttermilk together in a second shallow dish. Mix the panko bread crumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, and paprika together in a third dish.
• Dredge the tomato slices in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip them in the egg mixture, then press both sides into the cornmeal mixture.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Brush the fryer basket with olive oil.
• Place the breaded tomatoes in the prepared fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Brush the tops with olive oil.
• Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12 minutes, then flip the tomatoes, and brush again with olive oil. Continue cooking until crisp and golden brown, for another 3 to 5 minutes.
• Remove the tomatoes and place them on a paper towel-lined rack to keep them crisp.

Now, onto the best oils for frying. When frying, it is important to consider the oil's smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke and burn, creating a bitter flavour. Oils with a high smoke point include:

• Peanut oil (450°F)
• Safflower oil (450°F)
• Soybean oil (450°F)
• Grape seed oil (445°F)
• Corn oil (410°F)
• Olive oil (410°F)
• Sesame seed oil (410°F)
• Sunflower oil (410°F)

In addition, blended vegetable oils, which often include corn oil, also work well for frying. Canola oil, a favourite in Japanese tempura eateries, is another good option for a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

Some cooks prefer to deep fry with animal fats like lard (374°F smoke point) and beef tallow (400°F), as they impart great flavour and make the ingredients crispier. However, these options may be less suitable for those who prefer a neutral-tasting oil.

While frying is not typically associated with healthy cooking, avocado oil is a healthier choice when frying, as it contains large quantities of Omega-9 and Omega-3 fatty acids and is particularly high in oleic acid, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

How to make the breading stick

To ensure the breading sticks to your fried green tomatoes, follow these steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Tomatoes and Breading

Start by seasoning the green tomato slices with salt and pepper on both sides. The salt will bring out the natural flavour of the tomatoes. Then, prepare your breading station using three different small bowls for each component of the breading. This will make it easier to dip the tomatoes and avoid getting sticky fingers.

Step 2: Dredging the Tomatoes

First, dip each seasoned tomato slice into the flour to coat both sides. This will help to soak up the tomato's moisture and create a base for the rest of the breading. Next, dip the tomatoes into the egg mixture. The eggs will add stickiness, helping the final breading layer to adhere. Finally, dip the tomatoes into the cornmeal and/or breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are covered.

Step 3: Double Dredge (Optional)

For an even crunchier coating, you can double-dredge your tomato slices. After the initial coat of flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, repeat the process by dipping the tomatoes back into the flour, egg, and then a final coat of just the crumbs.

Step 4: Press the Breading

After coating the tomatoes, gently press the breading onto the top, bottom, and sides of the slices. This will help ensure the breading adheres and create an even crispier texture.

Step 5: Spray or Brush with Oil

Before placing the tomatoes in the air fryer, spray or brush them with a light coating of oil. This will help the breading crisp up and turn golden brown.

Step 6: Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

When cooking the tomatoes, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This will ensure the tomatoes cook evenly and help maintain the desired temperature.

Step 7: Flip and Spray/Brush Again

Halfway through the cooking process, flip the tomatoes and spray or brush them with oil again. This will help ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Step 8: Drain on Paper Towels

Once the tomatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate or rack. This will help remove excess oil and keep the coating crispy.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your breading sticks to your fried green tomatoes, resulting in a delicious and crispy treat!

How to avoid soggy tomatoes

Yes, you can make fried green tomatoes in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to avoid soggy tomatoes:

Firstly, choose the right type of tomatoes. Plum tomatoes are a good option as they are less watery. You can also try cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, but if you opt for larger varieties like Roma tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces before cooking.

Before cooking, remove excess moisture from the tomatoes. You can do this by soaking them between two paper towels for about 10 minutes. Then, sprinkle salt on the tomatoes and let them sit for another 10 minutes. The salt will draw out any remaining moisture.

When preparing the tomatoes for frying, coat them with a light layer of oil using an oil mister. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, opt for an air fryer-safe spray like avocado oil or light olive oil.

Make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the tomatoes. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the tomatoes during the cooking process.

Finally, if you want even crispier tomatoes, you can add a little more cooking spray to the tomatoes before and after flipping them over midway through the cooking process.

How to reheat fried green tomatoes

There are several ways to reheat fried green tomatoes, each with its pros and cons. The best method will depend on your desired texture and taste, as well as the appliances available to you. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating fried green tomatoes using different techniques.

Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the fried green tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each tomato for even heat distribution.
• Reheat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they regain their crispiness.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully stack the fried green tomatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air-fry for 1 to 2 minutes if the tomatoes are already cooked, or 5-8 minutes if they are frozen.

Skillet Method:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet—just enough to coat the bottom.
• Once the skillet is hot, place the fried green tomatoes in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
• Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and the interior is warmed through.

Tips for Best Results:

• Allow the fried green tomatoes to come to room temperature before reheating.
• Do not overcrowd the tomatoes in the oven, air fryer, or skillet. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• For gluten-free options, use almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
• To enhance the flavour, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes before reheating.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil, to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions