Fried Green Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried green tomatoes are the perfect balance of crunchy and juicy. The seasoned breadcrumb and cornmeal coating delivers an irresistible golden crust, while the tartness of green tomatoes shines through in every bite. This recipe is quick, simple, and easy to master, making it a go-to for home cooks who love Southern flavors. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve them with dipping sauces, alongside meats, or even stacked into a sandwich.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• vegetable oil, for frying (enough to come up about 1 ½ inches in your skillet)

• 3 green tomatoes, sliced

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk

• 1 egg

• 6 dashes hot sauce

• 1 cup regular bread crumbs

• ½ cup yellow cornmeal

• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt

• ½ teaspoon white pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Prepare a paper towel–lined plate for draining.

2. Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch rounds and blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes:

   • Dish 1: flour

   • Dish 2: buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce (whisked together)

   • Dish 3: bread crumbs, cornmeal, seasoning salt, pepper, and garlic powder (mixed).

4. Dredge each tomato slice in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting extra drip off. Coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a clean plate.

5. Fry 3–4 slices at a time in hot oil for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.

6. Remove fried slices and place on prepared plate to drain. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt if desired.

7. Repeat until all slices are fried and enjoy while hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 16

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 minutes

• Total Time: 23 minutes

Variations

• Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy crust.

• Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• Spice it up with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the coating.

• Use seasoned flour instead of plain for a stronger flavor profile.

• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

Fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can prep the dredged slices and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

Firm, unripe green tomatoes work best. Avoid soft or turning-ripe tomatoes, as they won’t hold up well when frying.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F on a greased sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do I need buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds tang and helps the coating stick, but you can substitute regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I keep them crispy?

Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

What dipping sauces go well with fried green tomatoes?

Remoulade, ranch, or spicy aioli are all delicious choices.

Can I freeze fried green tomatoes?

It’s better to freeze them before frying. Coat the slices, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen.

Why is my coating falling off?

Be sure to blot the tomatoes well and shake off excess flour before dipping in the buttermilk mixture.

Can I reuse the frying oil?

Yes, strain and store the oil after it cools. Use it within a few weeks for frying again.

Conclusion

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern favorite for good reason. With their crisp golden coating and tangy tomato center, they’re a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or snack, this recipe guarantees a crunchy, comforting bite every time.

Fried Green Tomatoes

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A Southern classic, fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a tangy flavor and golden crust that make them the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish.

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Ingredients

Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to come up about 1 ½ inches in your skillet)

3 green tomatoes, sliced

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups buttermilk

1 egg

6 dashes hot sauce

1 cup regular bread crumbs

½ cup yellow cornmeal

1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Prepare a paper towel–lined plate for draining.
2. Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch rounds and blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: (1) flour, (2) buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce whisked together, (3) bread crumbs, cornmeal, seasoning salt, pepper, and garlic powder mixed.
4. Dredge each tomato slice in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting extra drip off. Coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a clean plate.
5. Fry 3–4 slices at a time in hot oil for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
6. Remove fried slices and place on the prepared plate to drain. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt if desired.
7. Repeat until all slices are fried and enjoy while hot.

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Notes

Add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Use panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Spice it up with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

Make it gluten-free with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg