Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
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Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes are crispy, golden bites of goodness with a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb coating. They’re seasoned to perfection and make for an irresistible snack or side that’s sure to impress! Pan fry, Air fryer + Gluten-free Option.
I’m a huge fan of tomatoes—whether it’s herb-roasted, homemade vodka sauce, or adding them to pasta dishes, soups, and salads. But the true Southern side of me really shines when I whip up these Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes. The texture is irresistibly crunchy, making them the perfect side or appetizer.
The secret to getting these extra crispy is using homemade panko breadcrumbs. The result? A perfectly crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tangy, tart inside. Each bite is a juicy, irresistible taste of summer and the perfect way to enjoy those unripened tomatoes!
If you’re a fan of Southern food, you’re in for a treat! Be sure to check out the 'Southern' category on the site for some real crowd-pleasers. Some of my personal favorites are Hot Honey Southern Cornbread, Creamy Southern Cheese Grits, Candied Yams, and Southern Smothered Chicken. And if you’re craving even more, head over to my roundup of 21 Soul-Satisfying Southern Comfort Food Recipes.
Jump to:
- What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
- Why Green Tomatoes?
- Why You Will LOVE Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
- How To Make Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
- Ingredients
- Cooking Options For Fried Green Tomatoes
- How To Serve Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
- How To Ripen Green Tomatoes
- Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe Q + A's
- Comforting Tomato Recipes To Try Next
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Air Fryer Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are exactly what they sound like—unripe green tomatoes with a tangy bite, coated in a crispy breading, and fried to golden perfection. Their firm texture and tart flavor make them a delicious Southern classic!
Why Green Tomatoes?
Green tomatoes are a must for frying because they’ve got that firm texture that holds up beautifully, staying nice and crisp instead of turning to mush. Their tangy, slightly tart flavor pairs perfectly with a crunchy coating, making them a deliciously different take on your usual tomato. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of those tomatoes that aren’t quite ripe yet!
Why You Will LOVE Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
- Perfectly crispy with a delightful crunch in every bite --- The golden, seasoned coating is downright irresistible.
- They’re the ultimate summer snack or side dish.
- A fun + tasty way to enjoy unripe tomatoes.
- Easy to make, yet impressive to serve.
- They’re comfort food at its best—simple + satisfying.
- One bite, and you’ll be hooked on that crispy goodness!
How To Make Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
First, slice up your tomatoes, then whip up your dredging batter and coating. Once that’s ready, coat each tomato slice, and you can choose to air fry or pan fry them to crispy, golden perfection.
Ingredients
GREEN TOMATOES:
- Green tomatoes. Sliced ½-inch thick (These are unripe tomatoes)
- All-purpose flour + cornstarch. I find that combining flour and cornstarch together for the dusting creates the crispiest result. For a GF-friendly option, you can sub with GF flour or arrowroot starch.
- Breadcrumbs. You can also make your own Seasoned Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs or use GF breadcrumbs for a GF-friendly option.
- Spices + seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme + a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Eggs. Acts as a great binder for the wet marinade when coating the tomatoes.
- Almond milk. You can sub with whole milk or your fave plant-based milk.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS DISH!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes recipe. Everything from my fave cast iron pans, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Cooking Options For Fried Green Tomatoes
For the crispiest green tomatoes, you can’t go wrong with the classic pan-frying method. But if you’re like me and love the air fryer life, it’s a great way to get that crunch with less oil.
PAN FRYING OPTION:
In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil (enough until it's about 2" deep on the sides). Once heated + nice and hot, add the tomato slices (working in batches) and deep fry them until golden and crispy on the outsides, about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove from oil using a skimmer, which helps to drain out excess oil and place fried tomatoes onto a plate lined with paper towel. Continue until all batches are made.
AIR FRYER OPTION:
Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to keep the tomatoes from sticking.
Transfer the prepped coated tomatoes (working in batched) to the prepared Air Fryer basket and cook for 5-10 minutes or until tomatoes are golden and crispy in texture. Continue to work in batches until all are fried.
How To Serve Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
These are perfect as a snack or appetizer, but they also make a fantastic side dish. My favorite ways to enjoy them are::
- On a burger, add them to your fave burger for an extra crunch + tangy kick.
- Toss them on top of a fresh salad for added texture and flavor.
- Alongside a Po’ Boy for a true Southern experience.
- Add them to a charcuterie board for a crunchy + savory addition.
- Pair with Southern staples like collard greens or cornbread for a full, comforting meal.
My Fave Dipping Sauces For Fried Green Tomatoes
- Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
- Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
- Ultra Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
- Easy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
How To Ripen Green Tomatoes
If you have too many green tomatoes and want to ripen them up, start by placing them in a sunny spot like a windowsill where they can soak up some warmth + light. For a quicker ripening boost, try putting them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple—those fruits release ethylene gas that speeds up the process. Just be sure to keep an eye on them and avoid refrigeration, which can stop the ripening and affect their flavor.
Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe Q + A's
Although it's best when eaten within the same day----leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days in an airtight container once cooled. To reheat, you can put them in the oven, air fryer, or an oiled skillet until they're crispy and warmed through again.
To make these fried green tomatoes gluten-free, simply substitute with GF-friendly 1:1 baking flour (I love Bob's Red Mill the most) and ensure that breadcrumbs and cornstarch are GF-friendly.
Look for firm, unripe tomatoes. They should be green with no signs of ripening. The firmer texture helps them hold up during frying and provides the perfect contrast to the crispy coating.
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; too cool and the coating can become soggy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer, as this can lower the temperature and affect crispiness.
While this recipe is best with firm, green tomatoes, you can use ripe tomatoes if you like. Just be aware they may be softer and could become mushy during frying.
Comforting Tomato Recipes To Try Next
This Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes recipe is always a smash hit, so if you like this one, you will love these other tomato recipes!
- Herbed Butter Tomato Pizza
- Creamy Jumbo Shell Garlic Tomato Pasta
- Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese
- Spicy Vodka Rigatoni Pasta Bake
- Delicious Vegan Lasagna Soup
- The Best Vegan Meat Sauce + Gnocchi
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Air Fryer Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
GREENT TOMATOES:
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced ½-inch thick (These are unripe tomatoes)
- 1 ½ cups organic all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsps cornstarch
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (You can also make your own Seasoned Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 large organic eggs
- ½ cup Almond milk (You can sub with whole milk or your fave plant-based milk)
Instructions
PREP THE TOMATOES:
- To start, rinse your tomatoes, pat dry, and slice them ½-inch thick---discarding the top/bottom parts since they are uneven.
TO MAKE THE DREDGING BATTER + COATING:
- In a bowl, add the breadcrumbs along with the following: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and dried parsley, tossing everything together until combined. In a another bowl, add the flour and cornstarch, mixing them together to combine. Finally, in another bowl, whisk the eggs.
DREDGE THE TOMATOES:
- Now, dip one sliced tomato into the flour followed by the egg mixture (shaking off any excess) and then add it into the breadcrumb coating mixture-----tossing it around until both sides of tomato is well coated. You can lay prepped tomatoes unto a baking sheet or plate until all are made!
PAN FRYING OPTION:
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil (enough until it's about 2" deep on the sides). Once heated + nice and hot, add the tomato slices (working in batches) and deep fry them until golden and crispy on the outsides, about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove from oil using a skimmer, which helps to drain out excess oil and place fried tomatoes onto a plate lined with paper towel. Continue until all batches are made.
AIR FRYER OPTION:
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to keep the tomatoes from sticking.
- Transfer the prepped coated tomatoes (working in batched) to the prepared Air Fryer basket and cook for 5-10 minutes or until tomatoes are golden and crispy in texture. Continue to work in batches until all are fried.
- Serve as-is along with your favorite dipping sauce or condiment or add to your favorite burger, sandwich, salad (roughly chopped), etc.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Although it's best when eaten within the same day----leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days in an airtight container once cooled. To reheat, you can put them in the oven, air fryer, or an oiled skillet until they're crispy and warmed through again.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these fried green tomatoes gluten-free, simply substitute with GF-friendly 1:1 baking flour (I love Bob's Red Mill the most) and ensure that breadcrumbs and cornstarch are GF-friendly.
Nutrition
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