Air-Fried Green Tomatoes: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Air fryer fried green tomatoes are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. This Southern comfort food is crispy, tender, and juicy, with a tangy tomato taste. Using an air fryer means you can achieve that delicious taste with only a little oil, making it a healthier option. The recipe is simple and easy to make, requiring green tomatoes and a few pantry staples for the coating. The tomatoes are sliced, coated in flour, dipped in a wet mixture, and then coated in breadcrumbs and cornmeal before being air-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, tasty treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

How to prepare the tomatoes for frying

Preparing the tomatoes for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your tomatoes for frying in an air fryer:

Slice the Tomatoes:

• Start by selecting firm, unripe green tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that have reached their mature size but are still green and firm, not hard.
• Slice the tomatoes into uniform pieces, roughly 1/4-inch thick. This thickness will ensure even cooking and a nice texture.

Season the Tomatoes:

• After slicing, season the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
• You can also add other seasonings like Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give them an extra kick.

Prepare the Dredging Stations:

• Set up three separate shallow dishes or bowls for dredging (coating) the tomatoes.
• In the first dish, place all-purpose flour.
• In the second dish, whisk together eggs and, optionally, buttermilk and/or hot sauce.
• In the third dish, mix the breading. This typically includes breadcrumbs (regular or panko), cornmeal, and optionally Parmesan cheese and/or Italian seasoning. You can also add in spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour.

Coat the Tomatoes:

• Now, it's time to coat the tomato slices. Use a fork to dip each slice first into the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Next, dip the floured tomatoes into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
• Finally, press the egged tomatoes into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure all sides are evenly coated.

Rest the Tomatoes (Optional):

Some recipes suggest letting the coated tomatoes rest for about 10 minutes before air frying. This allows the coating to adhere better.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help the tomatoes crisp up and prevent sticking.

Place Tomatoes in the Air Fryer:

• Place the coated tomato slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap and have some space around them.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Spray the Tomatoes:

Lightly spray or brush the tops of the tomatoes with oil. This will help them brown nicely and add to the crispy texture.

Now that your tomatoes are prepared, you can proceed to air fry them according to your recipe's instructions. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried green tomatoes!

The best oils to use

When it comes to the best oils to use in an air fryer, it's important to consider the smoke point of the oil, as well as its flavour and health benefits. Here are some of the best oils to use:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great choice for air frying due to its exceptionally high smoke point of around 520°F (270°C). It has a mild flavour and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, making it a healthy and versatile option.

Peanut Oil

With a smoke point of around 448°F (230°C), peanut oil is another good option for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and is commonly used in stir-frying and deep frying, making it suitable for a variety of dishes.

Light/Refined Olive Oil

If you're looking for a heart-healthy option, light or refined olive oil is a good choice. With a smoke point of 465-470°F, it has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. However, it's important to note that the term "light" refers to the colour and flavour, not the calorie or fat content.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking and has a smoke point of around 420°F (216°C). It has a high smoke point, a mild flavour, and is a good source of vitamin E and unsaturated fats, making it a versatile and healthy option.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another light, mild-tasting oil with a high smoke point of around 450°F (232°C). It is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats, making it a healthy choice that won't overpower the flavour of your food.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a popular choice for air frying due to its high smoke point of around 400°F (204°C) and neutral flavour. It is a versatile oil that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, making it a good staple to have in your kitchen.

Coconut Oil (Refined)

If you're looking to use coconut oil, be sure to choose refined coconut oil, which has a smoke point of 400°F (204°C). Unrefined coconut oil has a much lower smoke point and is not suitable for air frying.

When using oil in an air fryer, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. A light coating of oil is all that's needed to prevent food from sticking and to achieve that crispy texture. You can brush the oil directly onto the food or use an oil sprayer for a more even coating.

How to make the breading

The breading is a key part of the fried green tomatoes recipe, giving the dish its signature crispy texture and delicious flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect breading for your air-fried green tomatoes:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on the number of tomatoes you plan to prepare and your personal preferences. However, the basic ingredients for the breading typically include:

• Flour (all-purpose/plain)
• Eggs
• Milk/Buttermilk
• Cornmeal
• Breadcrumbs (plain/Panko)
• Salt and pepper

Step 2: Prepare the Dishes

Set up three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, place the flour. This will be used to coat the tomato slices initially. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk/buttermilk. This mixture will help the subsequent coatings stick to the tomatoes. In the third dish, combine the cornmeal and breadcrumbs. You can also add additional seasonings to this mixture, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese, to enhance the flavour of your tomatoes.

Step 3: Dredge the Tomatoes

Take your green tomato slices and coat them first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg/milk mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Finally, press both sides of the tomatoes into the cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture. This will create a crispy outer shell.

Step 4: Season and Spray

Before placing the tomatoes into the air fryer, season them with a little more salt and pepper, if desired. You can also sprinkle on some additional spices or seasonings to add extra flavour. Then, spray the tops of the tomatoes with olive oil or another type of cooking oil/spray. This step will promote even browning and help achieve the desired crispy texture.

Step 5: Air Fry

Place the breaded tomatoes into the preheated air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each slice. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tomatoes in batches. Air fry at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes, and then flip the tomatoes over. Spray the other side with oil and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Tips and Variations:

• When dredging the tomatoes, avoid using too much egg and flour, and shake off any excess before moving to the next step. This will ensure even cooking and help prevent sogginess.
• For a Cajun twist, add some Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal breading.
• If you want to add some spice, include a small amount of hot sauce in the wet ingredients, or sprinkle on some cayenne pepper when seasoning the tomatoes.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar.
• For extra crispiness, give the tomatoes an additional spray of cooking oil halfway through the cooking process, after flipping them over.
• Be careful not to overcook the tomatoes, as they can become too soft.
• Always use an air fryer-safe cooking spray to avoid damaging the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, air-fried green tomatoes!

How long to air fry for

Air fryer fried green tomatoes are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. They are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The air fryer requires only a tiny amount of oil, making it a healthier option.

The length of time needed to air fry your green tomatoes depends on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of crispness. Most recipes recommend frying for around 10 minutes in total, cooking in batches to ensure even cooking and crispness.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While this is heating up, prepare your tomatoes by slicing them into 1/4-inch thick slices. Pat the slices dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

Next, set up three shallow dishes for dredging. One with flour, one with a mixture of eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce (optional), and the third with a mixture of cornmeal and breadcrumbs.

Now you are ready to start frying. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the tomato slices inside, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the tomatoes with oil.

Air fry the tomatoes for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over, spray again with oil, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes. For a crispier texture, you can add a little more cooking spray to the tomatoes before placing them in the air fryer and again when you flip them over.

Your air-fried green tomatoes are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a snack or side dish, paired with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, salsa, or a homemade comeback sauce.

What to serve with fried green tomatoes

There are many options for what to serve with fried green tomatoes, whether as a side dish or an appetizer. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish:

• Crab cakes and corn salsa
• BLT sandwich
• Cheesy buttery grits and ham
• Pulled pork
• Roast beef sandwich
• Poached eggs
• Shrimp and grits
• Burrata on a bed of arugula with hot honey, aged balsamic, olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Prosciutto-wrapped halibut with a corn cream sauce
• Scallops
• Barbecue
• Char-grilled steak
• Po'boy sandwich with New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp and remoulade
• Caprese salad with fresh red tomatoes and mozzarella
• Open-face pastrami on rye or toasted sourdough
• Lump crab and hollandaise sauce with lightly dressed arugula
• BBQ, roast chicken, pulled pork, or pot roast
• Hash browns and fried eggs
• Black-eyed peas and cornbread
• Grilled meats

As an Appetizer:

• Ranch dressing
• Sriracha mayo
• Comeback sauce
• Remoulade sauce
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Honey mustard dip
• Garlic aioli
• Buttermilk ranch dressing
• Greek yogurt and cucumber tzatziki dip
• Roasted tomato sauce
• Creamy avocado salsa verde

Frequently asked questions