Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes Panko

Air fryer fried green tomatoes are easier to make crispy delicious than you might think! How you can make your favorite low carb, keto crunchy vegetable side dish tonight. 

Have you tried making air fryer fried green tomatoes yet? Are they one of your favorite foods but haven’t attempted them homemade yourself? We’ll show you how to make this easy air fryer recipe right here. (originally published 7/20, affiliate links present)

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes No Cornmeal

Yes the movie is great, that is what took me down this journey. Before that I hadn’t tried them but boy they went on and on about them. They definitely didn’t disappoint and even my kids thought they were amazing. The whole batch didn’t take long to consume once they were done at my house.

I started this whole thing by roasting tomatoes in this same machine. I did this with some jalapenos and onions so I could blend it all and make a killer salsa. That got me thinking beyond that idea once we enjoyed it.

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes Panko

Instead of cornmeal we are going to use breadcrumbs instead. Panko is lighter and crispier than the original version. Basically the difference between the two is one has the crust on and this one is just the middle white fluffy part.

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes No Egg

If you cannot use this ingredient there are other choices. You just need to use something to get the outsides to stick well. Other alternatives would be plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.

Are green tomatoes just unripe tomatoes?

There are two types; those that are green when fully ripe (generally heirloom varieties), and yes, unripe tomatoes are green as well. We are referring to the first variety.

Where can I get green tomatoes?

You may be able to find some at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or the best places would be at your local farmers market! It is always best to use locally grown, in season vegetables and fruits when cooking or baking.

This way you will ensure a fresh flavorful bite each and every time.

Are green tomatoes seasonal?

In the Northern states, people tend to eat green tomatoes in late summer or fall, just before the peak of harvest. In the South, tomatoes can be red and juicy as early as May and June.

Fresh green tomatoes are enjoyed all season long there, lucky them. Actually, in these areas they’re so popular that local supermarkets actually import them during the off-season.

Pork Rind Fried Green Tomatoes

Once you found what you’re looking for you’ll want to create a sort of breading assembly line of sorts. We used pork rinds so they’d be low carb but you could opt for breadcrumbs if you’d rather. First you are going to preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.

1. In 3 shallow dishes you’ll need to mix flour, salt, pepper and paprika in one.
2. In another whisk together your egg and heavy whipping cream (or eggs and buttermilk) together.
3. The final shallow bowl will have crushed pork rinds.
4. One at a time dip the tomatoes into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with rinds.
5. Place coated green tomatoes into air fryer basket in a single layer, not overlapping. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip for 4 more. For extra crisp, spray with olive oil on last round until golden brown.
6. Lay inside paper towels to keep warm until they’re all done.

We love them with pico de gallo salsa to dip, or fry sauce is wonderful too.

If you have the slices ready to can create an assembly line of sorts and prepare them rather quickly. If you have a large air fryer you can fill it with quite a few pieces.

I don’t think it is entirely necessary to use olive oil spray but if you like it really crispy on the outside you could. Flipping halfway is important to get it crunchy all the way around but tender inside.

• We have done something similar with other air fryer vegetables and they turn out really great.
• Air fried okra is fantastic as well as a side dish of eggplant in an air fryer.
• My girls’ favorite treat is a handful of air fryer zucchini chips for sure though.

What is the best part really is the coating on the outside. If you use pork rinds like we did it will be keto friendly. Instead you could opt for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs too. Panko mixture works for some too if you like.

I suppose you could follow the same directions with sliced firm red tomatoes but I dunno, I haven’t tried that. Air fryer cooking is the bomb y’all.

Fried Green Tomato Recipe

1. You can also pickle them if you have more left over! Since they are firm, green tomatoes hold up well in a brine.
   1. Use these instructions to pickle vegetables and let us know what you think!
2. Use some homemade spaghetti sauce for a wonderful dip
3. Some like to just snack on them with just some salt and pepper!
4. Try our tomato bisque soup recipe next too!

You can print our air fryer green tomato recipe below if you want, or just come back because we love “seeing” you.