Air Fryer Fried Red Tomatoes

Fried Tomatoes Recipe

Now when I use a bunch of oil to make something delectable like this I like to use it for other things too. That is where our Fried Biscuits come in too! Once you have your protein (or not) you can serve this crispy coated veggie with another comfort food and just sit back and relive the memories of old fashioned YUM.

These probably make you think of that great Jessica Tandy movie too right?? I mean that was a classic for sure. When we had a garden these grew like crazy and we had to come up with lots of things beyond sandwiches and salads to make with them. THIS was a favorite for sure and pretty cheap too.

We used 5 tomatoes that we will talk about below with ends removed, sliced thick. You don’t want them super ripe but just a bit tender.

Fried Tomatoes Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 c cornmeal
• All purpose flour
• Salt
• Grated parmesan
• 1/2 tsp pepper

When choosing tomatoes for frying, it’s essential to select ones that are firm and flavorful. Here are some tips on how to choose the right tomatoes for frying:

The best tomatoes for frying

1. Look for ripe tomatoes that are firm to the touch but not rock-hard. Firm will hold their shape better during frying and won’t turn mushy.
2. While you want firmness, they should also be ripe. Overripe may be too soft and may not fry well. Look for pieces that have a slightly yielding texture when gently squeezed.
3. Inspect the skin. They should have smooth, unblemished skin without any bruises, cracks, or wrinkles. These imperfections can affect the frying process and the overall appearance of the dish.
4. Choose ones with a vibrant color. Depending on the variety, this could be red, orange, or yellow. The color should be uniform across the entire outside.
5. A slightly sweet and tomatoey aroma can indicate a flavorful bite. If you can smell a pleasant scent, it’s likely a good choice.
6. Consider the size. Smaller such as cherry or grape are great for quick frying and can be served whole or halved. Larger can be sliced into rounds or wedges before frying.
7. Different varieties have different flavor profiles and textures. Roma tomato variety are often used for frying because of their meaty texture and low moisture content.
8. Whenever possible, choose locally grown and in season. They tend to be fresher and have better flavor.

Keep in mind that the ideal for frying may vary depending on the specific recipe you’re planning to make. Heard of fried green tomatoes in air fryer? Those call for unripe, green while others use ripe, red. Adjust your selection based on the dish you intend to prepare and your personal preferences for flavor and texture.

Air Fryer Fried Tomatoes with Flour

Place battered tomatoes in a greased air fryer basket. Spray tops with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400º F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Slices are done when they are golden brown. Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy. Some other sauce ideas that you can make might be;

Dips

1. This creamy and tangy sauce typically includes mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, pickles, herbs, and spices. It pairs wonderfully with crispy fried red tomatoes.
2. Mix mayonnaise with a dash of hot sauce for Sriracha mayo which makes a spicy dipping sauce that adds a kick to your bites.
3. The cool and creamy ranch dressing, with its combination of buttermilk, herbs, and spices, provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy texture for dipping.
4. Aioli is a garlic-infused mayonnaise-based sauce. Fried tomatoes taste great with this added rich, garlicky flavor.
5. A fresh salsa, whether mild or spicy, can be a fantastic choice for dipping.
6. Sweet chili sauce is a sweet and slightly spicy condiment that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture.
7. Combine mayonnaise with chipotle pepper or seasoned salt to make homemade fry sauce.
8. The sweet and tangy combination of honey and mustard can add a delightful contrast.
9. For a rich and tangy dipping sauce, try blue cheese dressing. It’s especially great with fried foods.
10. Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a zesty and herbaceous dip.
11. Tzatziki, a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and dill, provides a refreshing and slightly tangy option for dipping.
12. Mix pesto sauce with mayonnaise for a flavorful and aromatic dip that pairs well.
13. Melted butter infused with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice can be a simple yet delightful sauce.
14. Blend ketchup with curry powder for an exotic and slightly spicy dip.

Feel free to customize these dipping sauces to your taste by adjusting the ingredient quantities or adding additional seasonings. The choice of sauce can greatly enhance the overall enjoyment of your fried tomatoes, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Fried Tomato Sandwich

These are really really good in the middle of your grilled cheese sandwich in air fryer. Just lay a slice in the middle before heating and all the gooyness will be amazing. Place three layers of paper towel on a wire rack. Lay slices of cut tomatoes on the paper towel, allowing them to drain. Sprinkle all of the tomato slices with garlic powder.

Frying Red Tomatoes in a Pan

This will take 2 to 4 minutes per side. Flip tomatoes with a fork. When done, place tomato slices on a plate lined with paper towel. Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy.

• Allow tomatoes to drain for around 20 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through to remove excess moisture. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together. In another mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge each tomato slice in the buttermilk mixture then coat it in the cornmeal mixture. Place battered tomatoes on your prepared baking sheet until all are done.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until a drop of breading fries immediately but not too quickly where it immediately burns.
  • this is How to Tell When Oil is Hot Enough to Fry
• Add battered tomato slices to your skillet in batches and fry until a golden brown color.

Don’t turn the burner off right away though! You can use it to make some Frying Coconut Shrimp this same way and serve together!

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