Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Discover a healthier twist on a Southern classic with our Air Fried Green Tomatoes—crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free! Inspired by the iconic dish from the 90s film “Fried Green Tomatoes,” this recipe is a modern take that cuts out the excess oil without sacrificing taste. Perfect for summer, these tomatoes are only 4 Weight Watchers points per serving, making them a delicious and diet-friendly choice. Versatile and quick to prepare, they pair well with a variety of dishes or make a satisfying snack with ranch dressing. In just 20 minutes of prep and 12-15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a crispy treat that’s as healthy as it is tasty.
Ingredients
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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)
Prep Tomatoes
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Wash, dry, and slice tomatoes into 1/2-inch rounds.
Set Up Breading Station
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Prepare three dishes:
- Beat eggs with salt and pepper.
- Add cornmeal to the second dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, salt, and pepper in the third.
Bread Tomatoes
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Dip each slice in egg, then cornmeal, back in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Arrange Breaded Slices
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Place coated slices on a plate or wire rack.
reheat Air Fryer
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Heat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange in Air Fryer
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Lightly oil the basket, arrange slices in a single layer.
Spray & Cook
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Spray tops with oil, cook for 6-7 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook until crispy.
Cool & Serve
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Remove and cool slices on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining slices.
Variations and Substitutions
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- Breadcrumbs: Substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free alternative for a different texture or to accommodate dietary needs.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the breading mixture for extra heat.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to keep it Keto-friendly.
- Herbs: Mix in dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme into the breading for enhanced flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy touch.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
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- Choose Fresh Tomatoes: Opt for the greenest tomatoes you can find and avoid refrigerating them, as cold can affect their texture and flavor. Prepare them soon after purchase to avoid ripening.
- Slice Thickness: Cut the tomatoes into thick slices. While green tomatoes are firmer than red ones, they can still fall apart if sliced too thinly.
- Dry Before Breading: Pat the tomato slices dry before coating. This ensures better adhesion of the breading and a crispier finish.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place a wire rack in your air fryer basket for even cooking and to help achieve crispiness on all sides.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook the tomatoes in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation and ensure even cooking.
- Light Oil Spray: Lightly spray the breaded tomatoes with oil before air frying. This will help them achieve a golden-brown color and enhance their crispiness.
