Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Classic

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A Taste of the South in Every Bite

There’s something special about Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes—a Southern dish that combines tangy, firm green tomatoes with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Whether you grew up eating them at your grandmother’s table or you’re trying them for the first time, this Southern classic is an irresistible comfort food.

With a crunchy, seasoned coating and a juicy, slightly tart center, fried green tomatoes are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Served with a creamy dipping sauce or simply on their own, they bring Southern charm to any meal.

If you’re ready to master this beloved dish, follow this easy, step-by-step recipe to get perfectly crispy fried green tomatoes every time.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

✔ A Classic Southern Favorite

Fried green tomatoes have been a Southern staple for generations, enjoyed at family gatherings, picnics, and restaurants.

✔ Perfectly Crispy & Flavorful

The combination of flour, cornmeal, and seasoning creates a crunchy, golden crust that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the green tomatoes.

✔ Quick & Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a crispy and delicious dish in under 30 minutes.

✔ Great as an Appetizer, Side, or Snack

These tomatoes pair perfectly with dipping sauces, burgers, or a plate of Southern favorites like shrimp and grits.

✔ A Fun Way to Use Unripe Tomatoes

If you have green tomatoes in your garden, this is the best way to turn them into something delicious before they ripen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This crispy fried green tomato recipe is made with simple pantry staples.

Main Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Green tomatoes2 large
All-purpose flour1 cup, divided
Self-rising yellow cornmeal¾ cup
Seasoned salt1 teaspoon
Granulated garlic or garlic powder½ teaspoon
Onion powder½ teaspoon
Smoked paprika½ teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper½ teaspoon
Large eggs2
Whole buttermilk2 tablespoons
Hot sauce1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil (for frying)4 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Fried Green Tomatoes

1. Prepare the Tomatoes

  • Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly.
  • Slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds and lay them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station

  • Use three shallow bowls:
    • Bowl 1: Place ½ cup of all-purpose flour.
    • Bowl 2: Mix cornmeal, remaining ½ cup flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
    • Bowl 3: Whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.

3. Coat the Tomato Slices

  • Dredge each tomato slice in flour (Bowl 1), shaking off excess.
  • Dip into the egg mixture (Bowl 3), ensuring full coverage.
  • Coat in the cornmeal mixture (Bowl 2), pressing to ensure a thick, even crust.

4. Fry the Tomatoes

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Carefully place tomato slices in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
  • Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs or extra seasoning if desired.

Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes

1. Use Firm Green Tomatoes

  • Choose unripe, firm green tomatoes, as ripe ones turn mushy when fried.

2. Don’t Skip the Dredging Process

  • The three-step coating process ensures maximum crunch and flavor.

3. Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature

  • If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the tomato is cooked.
  • If it’s too cool, the tomatoes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

4. Let Them Rest Before Serving

  • Allow the fried tomatoes to rest on a paper towel for a minute or two to remove excess oil without losing crispiness.

5. Try Different Seasonings

  • Add Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or Parmesan cheese to the breading for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 3-4 Slices)

NutrientAmount
Calories~220 kcal
Protein6g
Carbohydrates30g
Fiber3g
Fat9g

Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Best Ways to Enjoy Fried Green Tomatoes:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve with ranch dressing, remoulade, or spicy aioli.
  • On a Sandwich: Add to a BLT or a burger for extra crunch.
  • With Southern Dishes: Pair with grits, fried chicken, or collard greens.
  • As a Salad Topper: Crumble over a fresh green salad for added texture.

Perfect Dipping Sauces:

  • Spicy Remoulade – A creamy, zesty dip with a Cajun kick.
  • Garlic Aioli – A rich, garlicky mayo-based sauce.
  • Sriracha Mayo – A blend of mayo and Sriracha for a spicy twist.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze by placing slices on a baking sheet, freezing for 1 hour, then transferring to a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

  • Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  • Skillet: Reheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Common Variations of Fried Green Tomatoes

Spicy Cajun Fried Green Tomatoes

  • Add Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture.

Cheesy Fried Green Tomatoes

  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese into the breading mix.

Gluten-Free Fried Green Tomatoes

  • Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal for a celiac-friendly option.

Oven-Baked Fried Green Tomatoes

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs About Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

1. Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Store them in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

2. Why are my fried green tomatoes soggy?

Excess moisture! Be sure to pat them dry and follow the three-step dredging process.

3. Can I fry these in an air fryer?

Yes! Spray lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. What oil is best for frying?

Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best crispiness.

5. Can I use ripe tomatoes instead?

No—ripe tomatoes are too soft and will fall apart when fried.

6. What’s the best dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes?

Try remoulade, ranch, or garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor!

Final Thoughts: Make These Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Today!

These Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes bring a taste of the South right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a snack, or looking for a classic comfort food, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start frying today!

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Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Classic

  • Author: Raven
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern classic that bring together the tangy freshness of green tomatoes and the crunchy golden goodness of a seasoned cornmeal coating. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a delicious snack, these crispy bites are packed with flavor and easy to make. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own for a taste of Southern comfort at its finest!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large green tomatoes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
  • ¾ cup self-rising yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons whole buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying (add more as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes

  • Wash the green tomatoes and pat them dry.
  • Slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station

  • In three shallow bowls, prepare the coating:
    • Bowl 1: Add ½ cup of all-purpose flour.
    • Bowl 2: Mix cornmeal, remaining ½ cup flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
    • Bowl 3: Whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.

3. Coat the Tomatoes

  • Dredge each tomato slice in Bowl 1 (flour), shaking off excess.
  • Dip into Bowl 3 (egg mixture), making sure it’s fully coated.
  • Finally, press into Bowl 2 (cornmeal mixture), covering completely.

4. Fry the Tomatoes

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, fry the tomatoes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve hot with remoulade, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs or extra seasoning, if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs in the cornmeal mixture.
  • If you prefer baking instead of frying, place tomatoes on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • These reheat well in an air fryer or oven for a crispy texture the next day.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern

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