These Air Fryer Green Tomatoes give you all of the flavor of the original without all the extra unhealthy additives.
These classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes are a beautiful and fun side dish that rose to fame with the 90’s film “Fried Green Tomatoes.” This 4-point air fryer version is a healthy take on this crispy breaded finger food that’s perfect for summer.
Why should you try Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes?
- This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe clocks in at 4 points per serving, making it a great option. The air fryer method eliminates the need for excess oil, significantly reducing calorie and fat content.
- Fried green tomatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with red meat, poultry, and even fish. I enjoyed these with an air-fried salmon filet – a combination I highly recommend. They also make a great snack when served with ranch dressing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving Size: 3 tomato slices, about 250 g.
4 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)
Ingredients:
- 6 medium green tomatoes, 750 g.
- ¾ cup cornmeal (90 g)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (20 g)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) (10 g)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon oil for spraying (5 ml)
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the green tomatoes, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In the second, place the cornmeal.
- In the third, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Take each tomato slice and dip it in this order:
- First, coat it in the beaten egg.
- Then, dredge it in the cornmeal, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it back into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded slices on a clean plate or wire rack.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the breaded tomato slices in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Spray the top of the tomato slices lightly with oil.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip the slices. Spray the other side lightly with oil and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried green tomatoes and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Repeat with any remaining slices.
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free alternatives.
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading mixture for a kick.
- Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for the coating. This is a Keto diet friendly option
- Mix dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the breading for added flavor.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy touch.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
- Choose the greenest tomatoes you can find. I don’t store them in the fridge because tomatoes shouldn’t be refrigerated. The cold temperature affects their texture and flavor, making them mealy and less tasty. Prepare them as soon as possible after purchase to prevent ripening.
- Cut thick slices. While green tomatoes are firmer than their red counterparts, they can still fall apart if sliced too thinly.
- Pat the tomato slices dry before breading. This helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier exterior.
- Use a wire rack in your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
Spray the breaded tomatoes lightly with oil before air frying. This helps achieve that golden-brown color and enhances crispiness.
Air Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 6 medium green tomatoes, 750 g.
- ¾ cup cornmeal, 90 g
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 20 g
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional (10 g)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon oil for spraying, 5 ml
Instructions
- Wash and dry the green tomatoes, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In the second, place the cornmeal.
- In the third, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Take each tomato slice and dip it in this order:
- First, coat it in the beaten egg.
- Then, dredge it in the cornmeal, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it back into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded slices on a clean plate or wire rack.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the breaded tomato slices in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Spray the top of the tomato slices lightly with oil.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip the slices. Spray the other side lightly with oil and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried green tomatoes and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Repeat with any remaining slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.