Air Fryer Fried Red Tomatoes

Fried Red Tomatoes are a delicious twist to the traditional fried green tomato! Crispy outside and red, ripe tomato on the inside!

Fried Tomatoes are a classic Southern comfort food dish. Now, normally when you think of fried tomatoes, you think of Fried Green Tomatoes. But what about juicy, red ripe tomatoes? Especially for those of you who don’t like green tomatoes, this is the perfect recipe for you! The crispy golden coating provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, tender slices of red tomatoes on the inside. I’m gonna show you how to fry them the old-fashioned way and a more modern way by using the air fryer!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

• beefsteak tomatoes  – it’s important to look for firm but ripe tomatoes. If they are over-ripe then they will be too soft to try to fry.
• buttermilk – you can use whole milk here but the buttermilk gives a nice contrast of flavor.
• cornmeal – this gives a nice little crunch to the coating. You could also finely crush up some saltine crackers.
• all purpose flour – you could use self-rising flour if that is all you have.
• parmesan cheese – this is optional but I think gives a nice punch of flavor.
• salt and pepper

HOW TO MAKE FRIED RED TOMATOES

Start by prepping the tomatoes first and placing 3 layers of paper towels on a wire rack.

Place the tomato slices on the paper towels and let them drain any excess moisture. Sprinkle garlic powder over tomato slices while they drain for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Pat slices of tomatoes with a paper towel if you see excess liquid after that time. You need the tomatoes very dry for the breading to stick. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk buttermilk and egg together in a medium mixing bowl.

Combine cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in another mixing bowl.

Carefully dredge each slice of tomato in the buttermilk mixture then coat in the dry mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.

Air Fryer Fried Red Tomatoes

Print Recipe

Fried Red Tomatoes are a delicious twist to the traditional fried green tomato! Crispy outside and red, ripe tomato on the inside! You can use an air fryer or oil!

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 beefsteak tomatoes, ends trimmed, sliced ¼ – ½ inch thick
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup minced fresh basil, for serving (if desired)

Instructions

1. Start by prepping the tomatoes first and placing 3 layers of paper towels on a wire rack.
2. Place the tomato slices on the paper towels and let them drain any excess moisture. Sprinkle garlic powder over tomato slices while they drain for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Pat slices of tomatoes with a paper towel if you see excess liquid after that time. You need the tomatoes very dry for the breading to stick.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk buttermilk and egg together in a medium mixing bowl.
4. Combine cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in another mixing bowl.
5. Carefully dredge each slice of tomato in the buttermilk mixture then coat in the dry mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.