Air-Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're looking for a healthier way to make fried green tomatoes, using an air fryer could be the answer. Air-fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

To make them, you'll need firm, unripe green tomatoes, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and oil for frying. You can also add spices like Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, or garlic powder to the breading mixture for extra flavour.

The process is simple: slice the tomatoes, coat them in flour, dip them in egg, and then coat them in the breading mixture. Then, place them in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

So, if you're looking for a tasty snack or side dish, why not give air-fried green tomatoes a go? They're a delicious and healthier take on a Southern classic.

Choosing the right tomatoes

First and foremost, opt for green, unripe tomatoes. These tomatoes are firmer and contain less moisture, making them ideal for breading and frying. They provide a good balance of sweetness and flavour while being substantially easier to cut into slices and work with. While there are green heirloom tomatoes available, this recipe only requires unripe tomatoes, which are typically more affordable.

When shopping for green tomatoes, look for firm ones with taut skin. The ideal tomato should have a slight give while still maintaining a nice, firm texture. This slight give indicates the presence of juices, which contribute to the flavour. Avoid tomatoes that are too hard, as they may lack the necessary juices.

It is also important to ensure that the tomatoes are entirely green. If they exhibit hints of yellow or red, it indicates that they will soon ripen and turn red. Such tomatoes will be challenging to air fry to perfection, as the juices will interfere with the frying process.

When selecting green tomatoes, it is best to choose ones that are medium-sized or large. This ensures that you have enough tomato flesh to work with and that your slices are of a suitable size for frying.

In addition to the colour and firmness, it is beneficial to source your green tomatoes from a reputable supplier or grocer. Look for tomatoes that appear fresh and are free from any visible blemishes or soft spots.

Lastly, if you are growing your own tomatoes, it is essential to pick them when they have reached their full size but are still green. This ensures that they are at the optimal stage of ripeness for fried green tomatoes.

Preparing the tomatoes

Firstly, select firm, unripe green tomatoes that are free from any hints of yellow or red. These tomatoes should be structurally solid, as they will be firmer and contain less moisture, making them ideal for frying. Look for tomatoes with tight skin that are slightly giving while remaining nice and firm.

Next, slice the tomatoes into uniform, quarter-inch slices. The uniformity in thickness will ensure even cooking. Generously coat the slices with salt and let them sit for at least five minutes. This step will help draw out any excess moisture and enhance their flavour.

Now, it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three separate bowls or shallow dishes. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can use any type of flour, such as plain or gluten-free, depending on your preference. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and, if desired, milk or buttermilk. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder to this egg mixture for an extra kick. The third bowl will contain the final coating: a mixture of cornmeal and breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. You can also add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to this mixture for enhanced flavour.

With your breading station ready, it's time to coat the tomato slices. First, pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as it will help the tomatoes remain firm during the air frying process. Next, dip each tomato slice into the flour, ensuring it's fully coated, then shake off any excess. After that, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it's well-coated again. Finally, dredge the slice in the cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating onto the tomato to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process for all your tomato slices.

Once all your tomatoes are coated, it's almost time to start air frying. Give the coated tomatoes a light spray of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. This step will help ensure a crispy exterior. Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the tomatoes with oil once they're in the basket.

Preparing the breading

First, place some flour in a shallow dish. You can use a pie plate or a paper plate for easy cleanup. Next, prepare the liquid mixture by whisking together eggs and buttermilk in another shallow dish. You can also use milk instead of buttermilk. In a third shallow dish, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and any additional seasonings of your choice. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour. If you want a spicier dish, you can include spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, or garlic powder.

Now you're ready to start coating your tomato slices! Dredge each slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge each slice in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat each slice entirely. As you finish breading the tomatoes, place them in a single layer on a plate.

Coating the tomatoes

Firstly, set up your breading station with three separate shallow dishes or bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can use any type of flour, such as plain flour or gluten-free flour. Ensure the flour is well-contained within the bowl to avoid spillage during the coating process.

In the second bowl, prepare an egg mixture by whisking together eggs and milk or buttermilk. The number of eggs may vary depending on the quantity of tomatoes, but a ratio of two large eggs to two green tomatoes is a good starting point. Whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly until well combined.

The third bowl will contain the final coating for your tomatoes. For this, you can use a combination of cornmeal and breadcrumbs. Some recipes suggest using Italian breadcrumbs or panko crumbs for an extra crispy texture. You can also add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or Creole seasoning to this mixture for enhanced flavour. If you're looking for a spicier kick, include spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, or garlic powder. Mix the dry ingredients in the third bowl until they are evenly distributed.

Now that your breading station is set up, it's time to coat the tomatoes. Start by gently dipping each tomato slice into the flour bowl. Ensure the tomato is evenly coated, and then gently shake off any excess flour. This initial flour coating will help the subsequent layers adhere better.

Next, dip the floured tomato slices into the egg mixture. Ensure each slice is well coated, allowing any excess egg mixture to drip off. This step will help the final coating stick to the tomatoes.

Finally, it's time for the crunchy coating! Press each tomato slice into the cornmeal or breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. You can use your fingers or a spoon to gently press the coating onto the tomatoes. This final layer will give your fried green tomatoes that desirable crispy texture.

Once all your tomato slices are coated, they are almost ready for the air fryer! Just remember to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) before placing the tomatoes inside.

Cooking the tomatoes

Now that your tomatoes are coated, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the tomatoes with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use an oil mister for this step, but avoid aerosolized sprays like PAM, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket.

Cook the tomatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over and spray the other side with oil. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer your tomatoes to be extra crispy, 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.

Once cooked, remove the tomatoes from the air fryer and serve with your desired dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating

Air-fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the tomatoes for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You can also freeze your cooked tomatoes to enjoy later. Let them cool completely, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer the tomatoes to a plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply pop them into the air fryer frozen and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes until heated through.

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