Air-Fryer Green Tomatoes: Can They Be Saved?

Green tomatoes can be fixed in an air fryer by first coating them in flour, then dipping them in a mixture of eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce, and finally coating them in breadcrumbs and cornmeal. They are then placed in the air fryer for around 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. This method of cooking green tomatoes is healthier than deep-frying, as it uses less oil, but still results in a crispy and delicious dish.

How to prepare the tomatoes for frying

Preparing green tomatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, cut your green tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices. You can season the slices with salt and pepper if you wish. Next, prepare three separate dishes with different coatings for the tomatoes. The first dish should contain flour, which you will place the tomato slices in, shaking off any excess. The second dish should contain a mixture of beaten eggs and, if you wish, buttermilk. The third dish should contain a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal, which you can season with spices like paprika, cayenne, or garlic powder. You can also add parmesan and Italian seasoning to this mixture.

Now, you can begin the dredging process. Take a tomato slice and dip it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg mixture. Finally, press both sides of the tomato slice into the cornmeal mixture. Repeat this process for all your tomato slices.

The coating/breading process

Firstly, set up your breading station with three separate shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place the flour. You can use regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if you prefer. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk. This mixture will act as a base to help the coating stick to the tomatoes. For a vegan alternative, you can use a non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and cornmeal. You can use plain panko breadcrumbs or season them with spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to this mixture for enhanced flavour. If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative.

Now you're ready to start the coating process! Begin by dredging the tomato slices in the flour, making sure they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured tomatoes into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Finally, press the tomatoes into the cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the coating onto all sides of the tomato slices.

If desired, you can double-coat the tomatoes by repeating the process, which will result in an even crispier texture.

Once all the tomato slices are coated, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are placed in a single layer and do not overlap, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Give the coated tomatoes a light spray with water or oil to help the coating adhere better and promote crispiness.

Now you're ready to air fry your green tomatoes! Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and cook the tomatoes for about 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy and delicious air-fried green tomatoes. Serve them immediately while they're still hot and crispy, and enjoy them as a snack or with your favourite dipping sauce.

Air-frying instructions

Ingredients

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

Optional Ingredients

• Parmesan
• Italian seasoning
• Ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for dipping

Utensils

• Shallow dishes
• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Paper towels

Method

• Cut the tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices.
• Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
• Place the flour into a shallow dish.
• Beat the buttermilk and eggs 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 the tomatoes in the egg mixture, then press both sides into the cornmeal mixture.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• 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 of the tomatoes with olive oil.
• Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12 minutes, then flip the tomatoes and brush again with olive oil.
• Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
• Remove the tomatoes to a paper towel-lined rack to keep them crisp.
• Repeat with any remaining tomatoes.

Tips

• You can reheat the tomatoes by carefully stacking them in the air fryer basket and air-frying at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 to 2 minutes.
• For extra crispy tomatoes, add a little more cooking spray to the breaded tomatoes before placing them in the air fryer, and again once you flip them over.
• Be sure to use an air fryer-safe spray, such as avocado oil or light olive oil.

Reheating and storing instructions

When reheating fried green tomatoes, it is important to preserve their crunchy breading and tangy flavor. To achieve this, you can use an oven, air fryer, or skillet.

If you are using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them for even heat distribution. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they regain their crispiness.

For the air fryer method, place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes. This technique allows the breading to crisp up while keeping the tomatoes warm and tart.

The skillet method involves heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a small amount of oil to coat the bottom. Once hot, place the tomatoes in a single layer in the skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until the exterior is crispy and the interior is warmed through.

To store leftover fried green tomatoes, allow them to cool completely to prevent moisture buildup. Line an airtight container with parchment paper to absorb any excess oil and maintain the crispness of the crust. Place the tomatoes in a single layer in the container, separating them with additional parchment paper if stacking is necessary to prevent the breading from becoming soggy. Store in the refrigerator and consume within two to three days.

When reheating, it is important to note that the tomatoes should not be reheated directly from the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before placing them in the oven or air fryer. Additionally, preheating the oven or air fryer before reheating ensures uniform heat distribution.

What to serve with fried green tomatoes

There are many options for what to serve with fried green tomatoes. They can be served as a side dish or an appetiser, and are often served with a sauce for dipping.

Some sauce options include:

• Remoulade
• Ranch dressing
• Sriracha mayo
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Comeback sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Buttermilk ranch dressing
• Greek yogurt and cucumber tzatziki dip
• Roasted tomato sauce
• Avocado salsa verde

Fried green tomatoes can also be served as part of a sandwich, such as a BLT or a roast beef sandwich. They can also be served with crab cakes, corn salsa, or black-eyed peas and cornbread.

Frequently asked questions