My air fryer fried green tomatoes bring that classic Southern crunch without the mess of frying. I love how my kids get excited when they hear crispy tomato slices are on the menu!

My Favorite Recipe for Air Fryer fried Green Tomatoes

One summer evening, my family was getting ready to leave on vacation, and I had a bunch of unripe tomatoes in my garden. I knew they’d spoil before we got back, so rather than let them go to waste, I decided to make air fryer green tomatoes!

I grew up eating breaded green tomatoes that I would fry in a heavy skillet, and I absolutely loved them! But the air fryer means I can use less oil, there’s way less mess, and I don’t get that deep-fried smell lingering around the house.

My kids were a little skeptical when I told them we were having green tomatoes. Instead of telling them these were just unripe regular tomatoes, I figured I’d let the crunchy breading do the talking. 

Sure enough, as soon as they got to dip a crispy bite into spicy mayo, they were sold! Now, as soon as my tomatoes start coming in each year, my son Connor begs me to make this recipe!

And, if you love air fryer vegetable recipes, try my recipes for air fryer tomatoes, air fryer okra, air fryer corn on the cob, air fryer zucchini and squash, and air fryer green beans.

What is a Green Tomato?

Green tomatoes are just unripe red tomatoes. They’re firm, tart, and perfect for recipes that need a sturdy slice that won’t fall apart during cooking. I use them whenever I want something tangy with a firm texture!

What To Look For in Green Tomatoes

I always look for green tomatoes that feel heavy and firm, without any soft spots or wrinkled skin. If they feel like a ripe tomato, they’ll be too soft and watery for frying.

Air Fried Green Tomatoes Ingredients

• Green tomatoes – I choose firm, unripe tomatoes and slice them thick so they hold up in the air fryer.
• Salt – Just a pinch helps bring out the tomatoes’ natural flavor and pulls a little moisture out before breading.
• Flour – All-purpose flour gives the first layer of structure so the coating sticks.
• Eggs – I whisk them in a shallow dish to help the breading bind to each slice.
• Cornmeal – This ingredient can be swapped out for more breadcrumbs, but I love the classic southern-style crunch I get from cornmeal!
• Breadcrumbs – I use regular or panko bread crumbs depending on what I have. Both work well for crispiness.
• Paprika – Adds just enough to add warmth without overpowering the green tomatoes.
• Cayenne – Optional, but I like to add a pinch when I’m in the mood for a little heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Green Tomatoes

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Slice the green tomatoes and generously coat them with salt. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes. This will allow any moisture to come out and brings out the flavor.

STEP TWO: Place the flour in one bowl, egg in the second bowl, and the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) mixed in the third bowl.

STEP THREE: Pat the green tomato slices dry so they will attach the breading and stay firm.

STEP FOUR: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.

STEP FIVE: Dip one tomato slice into the flour, then egg, then cornmeal mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Set it aside and repeat with all the remaining tomato slices.

STEP SIX: Place the slices in the air fryer in a single layer air frying them for 8-9 minutes. Open the air fryer halfway through cooking, spritz the top with oil, flip, then spritz the other side with oil. Close the air fryer and continue cooking until they are golden brown.

Tips for the Best Fried Green Tomatoes in the Air Fryer

• Slice the tomatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. I aim for about 1/4-inch thick.
• Salt the tomato slices and let them sit  for a few minutes to help pull out excess moisture. I give them about 5 minutes, then pat them dry.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. I cook in batches so each slice gets perfectly crispy.
• I flip the green tomatoes in the air fryer halfway through for even browning. Before flipping, I spritz the tops with olive oil spray, then flip and spritz the other side.
• I like to serve fried green tomatoes right away for the best texture, but they do stay nice and crispy as they cool.

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes Variations and Substitutions

• Use buttermilk instead of egg for a more traditional Southern flavor. I do this sometimes when I have buttermilk to use up.
• I sometimes swap panko for regular breadcrumbs for a finer crunch. I go with panko when I want a thicker crust.
• Add Cajun seasoning to the breading for bold flavor. My husband loves this spicy twist!
• I mix in Italian seasoning and black pepper when I want a more punchy taste. It’s especially good with marinara on the side.
• Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy crunch. My kids never say no to anything cheesy, so they love this version!

What to Serve with Air Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish, so I love serving them with air fryer fried chicken, air fryer pork chops, or country style ribs in the air fryer.

For some serious heartiness, I’ll pair this fried goodness with air fryer chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken recipe, or some chess pie for dessert!

Air Fryer Green Tomatoes FAQs

How should I store leftover air fryer fried green tomatoes?

If I have any leftovers, I let the fried tomato slices fully cool and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 2 days, but they’re always crispiest the day I make them.

How to cook frozen air fryer green tomatoes

If I’ve made a batch ahead of time and froze them, I start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees F. I cook the fried green tomatoes straight from frozen for 4-5 minutes. This is my favorite way to get them crispy on the outsides again!

How do I reheat fried green tomatoes in the air fryer?

To reheat leftover air fryer green tomatoes, I preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, then pop the tomato slices in for 3-4 minutes. That brings the coating back to life without drying out the tomato.

More Easy Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

• Air fryer biscuits
• Air fryer zucchini chips
• Air fryer potato wedges
• Air fryer cornbread
• Air fryer onion rings