Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes – Classic Comfort Food

Nothing screams Southern comfort like crispy fried green tomatoes! These tangy, firm tomatoes get coated in a flavorful breading, fried to golden perfection, and served as a snack, side dish, or even as a star in a sandwich.

Whether you’re a Southern food enthusiast or just trying something new, this recipe will give you crispy, flavorful tomatoes every time.

Ingredients

• 4 firm green tomatoes, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Tip: Choose firm green tomatoes to ensure they hold up while frying. Slightly underripe tomatoes work best.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Wash and slice the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
2. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels — this helps the coating stick better and prevents sogginess.

Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station

You’ll need three bowls:

Bowl 1 – Flour mixture:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  Mix well.

Bowl 2 – Egg wash:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
  Whisk together until smooth.

Bowl 3 – Cornmeal:

• 1 cup cornmeal, for the final crispy coating
• Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can season the cornmeal with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.

Step 3: Bread the Tomatoes

1. Dip each tomato slice first into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
2. Then dunk into the egg wash, making sure each slice is fully coated.
3. Finally, dredge in the cornmeal, pressing gently so it sticks.
4. Set aside on a plate while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Test the oil with a small piece of bread — it should sizzle immediately.
3. Fry the tomato slices in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot as a snack with ranch, aioli, or spicy mayo for dipping.
• Layer on a BLT-style sandwich for a tangy twist.
• Top with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Pair with Southern favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips

• Pat tomatoes dry to avoid soggy coating.
• Use a mix of cornmeal and breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Maintain medium-high heat — too hot burns the crust, too low makes it greasy.
• For a lighter version, bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Re-crisp in a skillet or oven rather than microwaving.
• Freeze: Not recommended; fried tomatoes lose their crispness when thawed.

Final Thoughts

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern classic that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side, or centerpiece, they’re guaranteed to impress and disappear fast.