Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy on the outside, tender and tangy on the inside—these Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes deliver all the Southern comfort of the classic dish with a lighter, modern twist. Golden and crunchy without deep frying, this recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Serve them up with a creamy dipping sauce and watch them disappear!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Deep Frying – Perfect crunch with less oil
Light & Flavorful – A healthier version of a Southern favorite
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes
Great for Snacking or Entertaining – Crowd-pleasing appetizer
Pairs with Any Dipping Sauce – From ranch to remoulade

Ingredients You’ll Need
2–3 medium green tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tbsp milk (any type)
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray (olive or avocado oil)

Optional for Serving
Ranch dressing or remoulade sauce
Hot sauce
Fresh herbs for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Three shallow bowls (for dredging)
Tongs
Baking sheet or plate for resting coated tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Wash and slice green tomatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
In a third bowl, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Tomatoes
Dredge each tomato slice in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb-cornmeal mixture.
Place breaded slices on a plate and let sit for 5 minutes to help the coating adhere.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tomatoes
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Spray both sides of the tomatoes with oil and place in the basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve Hot
Remove and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with herbs if desired.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Use Firm Green Tomatoes – Ripe red ones are too soft
Press the Coating – Gently press breadcrumbs onto the tomatoes for a solid crust
Don’t Crowd the Basket – Ensures even crisping
Flip Halfway Through – Helps get both sides golden
Make it Spicy – Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg mixture

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer with ranch or spicy remoulade
Side dish with grilled meats or seafood
Topped with pimento cheese or avocado
Layered on a sandwich or burger

How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness
Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for an easy swap.

Can I use yellow or heirloom tomatoes?
Only if they’re firm and underripe—otherwise, they’ll be too soft for breading.

Do I need both breadcrumbs and cornmeal?
For the best crunch, yes! But you can use just one if preferred.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are crispy, tangy, and full of nostalgic flavor with a lighter, modern twist. Perfect for entertaining or satisfying a Southern craving without the mess of frying oil, they’re sure to become a favorite in your air fryer rotation.

Try them once and you’ll be hooked—don’t forget the dipping sauce!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Southern / Modern Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 servings):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Carbs: 24g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 320mg

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