Air-Fried Green Tomatoes: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, offering a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook. So, it's no surprise that you can use an air fryer to make fried green tomatoes, a Southern comfort food. This method of cooking fried green tomatoes is healthier than traditional frying methods and can be done in a short amount of time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fried green tomatoes in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also recommended that you cook the tomatoes in batches to ensure even cooking.

One recipe suggests cooking the tomatoes for a total of 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispiness on both sides. Another recipe calls for an initial cooking time of 5 minutes, followed by flipping the tomatoes and cooking for an additional 3 minutes. A third recipe recommends cooking the tomatoes for 3 minutes per side, for a total of 6 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tomato slices and the desired level of doneness. Thicker slices may require a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may cook more quickly. It is also recommended to shake or flip the tomatoes during cooking to ensure even crispiness and prevent sticking.

Additionally, some recipes suggest using cooking spray or oil to coat the tomatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This can help to ensure a crispy texture and prevent sticking. However, it is important to use an air fryer-safe spray, as some aerosolized sprays can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket.

Preparing the tomatoes

Slice the tomatoes into uniform, 1/4-inch thick slices. This helps the tomatoes cook evenly and prevents burning. Before coating the slices, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the coating adhere better and ensures crispiness.

Next, season the tomatoes with salt and pepper, or Cajun seasoning salt for an extra kick. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of Tabasco sauce to the egg mixture later on if you prefer spicy food.

Now, it's time to create the breading. Place flour into a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, beat eggs and buttermilk together. You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or a non-dairy alternative, and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help the coating stick. In a third dish, mix the breading. This typically includes panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Creole seasoning. You can also add hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra flavour.

Finally, dredge the tomato slices in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, coat them thoroughly in the breading. Press the coating onto the tomatoes to ensure it sticks.

Preparing the breading

Next, prepare three separate dishes for the breading. In the first dish, place flour. You can season the flour with salt and pepper if you wish, or even Cajun seasoning salt for an extra kick. The second dish should contain a mixture of eggs and buttermilk, whisked until smooth. You can also add hot sauce to this mixture for some extra spice. The third dish should contain a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and your desired seasonings. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.

Now, you are ready to bread the tomatoes. Start by dredging the tomato slices in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tomatoes in the cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture, pressing the mixture onto the tomatoes to ensure an even and thorough coating.

Dipping sauce

There are several dipping sauces that go well with fried green tomatoes. Here are some options:

Remoulade

Remoulade is a mayonnaise-based sauce with a tangy, complex flavour. It is a blend of mayonnaise and other seasonings, typically including Creole mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Some recipes also include horseradish, Creole seasoning, capers, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne for a spicy kick. You can adjust the spices to your taste and make it as mild or spicy as you like.

Ranch

Ranch sauce is a blend of buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, and herbs. It is a versatile sauce that can also be used as a salad dressing or served with chicken wings or raw vegetables for dipping. It is a great option if you prefer a milder, less spicy sauce.

Sriracha Mayo

Sriracha mayo is a simple combination of sriracha and mayonnaise, with a sweet and tangy heat that pairs well with fried green tomatoes. It is a versatile sauce that can also be used as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers, fries, and chips. You can add texture by including a dab of spicy relish or chopped sweet or sour pickle.

Comeback Sauce

Comeback sauce is a tangy sauce that includes mayonnaise, chili sauce or ketchup, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It is a great option if you are looking for a sauce with a bit of a kick, as it includes hot sauce and black pepper.

Yum Yum Sauce

Yum yum sauce is another option mentioned by a home cook who substituted regular milk for buttermilk in their fried green tomato recipe. They used this sauce instead of adding hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Reheating

If you are reheating a larger batch of fried green tomatoes, work in batches to ensure even heating. You can also spritz the tomatoes with olive oil or avocado oil for added flavour and crispness.

Additionally, you can experiment with different sauces to accompany your reheated fried green tomatoes. Some popular options include ranch dressing, Sriracha mayo, salsa, or even a simple dip made with Greek yoghurt and herbs.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy fried green tomatoes without the hassle of traditional frying methods.

Frequently asked questions