Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer fried green tomatoes are a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to the traditional Southern comfort food. With a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, this dish is perfect for those who want to indulge without the guilt. Using an air fryer means you can achieve that delicious taste with only a little bit of oil, making it a healthier option. In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of making fried green tomatoes in an air fryer, from the ingredients you need to the cooking instructions. So, get ready to enjoy a tasty treat that will leave you wanting more!

Choosing the right tomatoes

Firmness:

Look for firm green tomatoes. Avoid ripe red tomatoes as they tend to be softer and sweeter, which will significantly alter the taste and texture of your fried dish. Green tomatoes are firmer and less juicy, making them ideal for breading and frying.

Size:

Select medium to large-sized green tomatoes. This will ensure you have enough tomato flesh to work with after slicing.

Colour:

Make sure the tomatoes are completely green. Avoid any signs of ripening, such as a hint of red. Heirloom varieties of tomatoes that are green when fully ripe should also be avoided.

Freshness:

Opt for fresh tomatoes that are in season. If you're growing your own tomatoes, pick them when they have reached their full size but are still green. This will ensure the best flavour and texture for frying.

Texture:

Feel the tomatoes to ensure they are structurally solid. Green tomatoes that are unripe will have a firm texture, which is essential for maintaining their shape during the frying process.

Quantity:

Plan the quantity of tomatoes you need based on the number of servings. As a guide, two to three medium-sized green tomatoes should be sufficient for a small group.

Remember, the key to choosing the right tomatoes for air-fried green tomatoes is selecting firm, unripe green tomatoes that are free from any signs of ripening. This will ensure your dish turns out crispy, tasty, and true to the classic Southern-style fried green tomatoes.

Preparing the coating

Firstly, grab three separate shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place your flour. You can use plain or all-purpose flour here. In the second bowl, whisk together your eggs and milk or buttermilk. In the third bowl, mix your cornmeal and breadcrumbs, and any seasonings you wish to include. For a simple seasoning, use salt and pepper, but you can also add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. If you want an extra crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs.

Now you're ready to coat your tomatoes! Start by dredging your tomato slices in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them into your egg mixture, and finally, press both sides into the cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture. You can sprinkle a little more salt on them at this stage, if you wish.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried green tomatoes vary slightly depending on the recipe, but generally, you'll want to air fry at 400°F for around 10 minutes, flipping the tomatoes halfway through.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking air-fried green tomatoes, including the cooking time and temperature:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

• Cut green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Pat the slices dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

• Place flour in one shallow dish.
• In another shallow dish, beat eggs and mix with milk or buttermilk.
• In a third shallow dish, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and seasonings (such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.).

Step 3: Coat the Tomatoes

• Dredge each tomato slice in flour, shaking off the excess.
• Dip the floured tomatoes in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
• Finally, coat the tomatoes in the cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tomatoes

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the coated tomato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Spray the tops of the tomatoes with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip the tomatoes and spray the other side with oil or cooking spray.
• Continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the tomatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately.
• You can enjoy them as is or with a dipping sauce like ranch, remoulade, comeback sauce, or sriracha mayo.

By following these steps and paying attention to the cooking time and temperature, you'll end up with delicious, crispy air-fried green tomatoes!

Dipping sauces

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

Ranch

A blend of buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, and herbs. This sauce is perfect if you want something creamy and tangy to go with your fried green tomatoes. It also works well as a salad dressing or a dip for chicken wings or raw vegetables.

Remoulade

Remoulade is a tangy, complex sauce that pairs well with fried green tomatoes and other fried foods like fish, shrimp, shellfish, and onion rings. It typically includes mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice, pickles, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce.

Sriracha Mayo

The sweet and tangy heat of sriracha pairs well with the fried green tomatoes. This sauce is a simple combination of sriracha and mayonnaise with a dash of lemon juice and garlic. It also works great as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers, fries, and chips.

Comeback Sauce

This sauce is a fabulous southern sauce named after Mississippi's famous farewell, "Come back, y'all!" It's an excellent choice for fried green tomatoes, fried chicken tenders, catfish, or roasted vegetables. It typically includes mayonnaise, chili sauce or ketchup, vegetable oil, minced onion, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Yum Yum Sauce

This sauce is mentioned as a pairing with air-fried green tomatoes. However, there is no specific recipe or list of ingredients provided.

Honey Mustard

A simple combination of honey and mustard can be a great dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes.

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

This sauce is mentioned as a pairing with air-fried green tomatoes, but there is no specific recipe or list of ingredients provided.

The Famous Fry Sauce

This sauce is mentioned as a potential dip for air-fried green tomatoes, but there is no recipe or list of ingredients provided.

When preparing these sauces, it is recommended to make them ahead of time and chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together and enhance your dipping experience.

Storing and reheating

Storing your fried green tomatoes is an important step to ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. To store them, allow the tomatoes to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess oil and maintain crispiness. Place the tomatoes in a single layer, and if you need to stack them, separate the layers with additional parchment paper. Consume your fried green tomatoes within two to three days for the best taste and texture.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few methods you can use. You can use an oven, air fryer, or skillet. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until they are crispy again.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and cook the tomatoes for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a skillet on medium heat with a slight coating of oil or butter. Place the tomatoes in a single layer and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the exterior is crispy and the interior is warmed through.

Frequently asked questions