If you’ve only ever had fried green tomatoes, you’re in for a treat. These fried red tomatoes take everything you love about the Southern classic and dial it up with juicy, ripe tomato flavor encased in a crunchy, golden crust. The contrast of a crisp, cornmeal-dusted shell against the soft, slightly jammy interior makes every bite an explosion of texture and taste.

With their natural sweetness and tang, ripe red tomatoes bring a whole new depth of flavor to this beloved dish. The parmesan-infused breading, combined with a touch of seasoning, creates an irresistibly savory crunch, while the buttermilk soak ensures each slice fries up with a perfect, craggy coating. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a bold topping for burgers and sandwiches, these crispy bites are bound to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The natural sweetness of red tomatoes paired with a crispy, savory coating is simply addictive.

• Versatile: Enjoy them as a side dish, stack them in a BLT, or top them with a creamy sauce for an elegant appetizer.

• Fried or Air-Fried: Whether you go for traditional deep frying or a lighter air-fried version, the results are golden and crunchy every time.

• Easy to Customize: A pinch of Cajun spice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a tangy dipping sauce takes these to the next level.

Ingredients needed

• 5 large beefsteak tomatoes – Juicy and ripe, these offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

• ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to the tomatoes before breading.

• ½ cup buttermilk + 2 large eggs – Ensures the coating sticks while adding richness.

• 1 cup cornmeal + ½ cup all-purpose flour – The ultimate duo for a crispy, Southern-style crust.

• 1 ¼ cups grated parmesan – Infuses a nutty, salty layer of flavor into the coating.

• 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) OR olive oil spray (for air frying) – Ensures a crispy golden finish.

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional) – A fresh, aromatic garnish for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes

Lay the tomato slices on paper towels, sprinkle with garlic powder, and let them sit for 20 minutes to drain excess moisture. Pat dry before breading.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

• In one bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.

• In another, mix cornmeal, flour, parmesan, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Tomatoes

Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge in the cornmeal-flour mix, pressing lightly to adhere.

4. Fry or Air Fry

• For frying: Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tomatoes for 2-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

• For air frying: Arrange the breaded slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with olive oil, and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let the tomatoes cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Variations needed

• Cheese Swap: Use Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a nuttier taste.

• Spice It Up: Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or cayenne for extra kick.

• Extra Crunch: Double-dip in the buttermilk and coating mixture for a thicker crust.

• Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic aioli, spicy comeback sauce, or a drizzle of pesto.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat for crispiness: Warm in an air fryer (375°F for 3-4 minutes) or in an oven (400°F for 5-7 minutes)—avoid microwaving to keep them crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes. While beefsteak tomatoes work best for their size and firmness, heirloom tomatoes or Roma tomatoes also fry up beautifully.

2. What’s the best dipping sauce?

Fried red tomatoes taste amazing with remoulade, ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for a spicy twist.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or extra cornmeal.

The Goods

Crispy Fried Red Tomatoes

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Crispy fried red tomatoes are a flavorful twist on the Southern classic. Juicy, ripe tomato slices are coated in a crispy parmesan-cornmeal crust and fried (or air-fried) to golden perfection.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Recipes

5 large beefsteak tomatoes sliced into ¼–½ inch rounds
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil for frying or olive oil spray (for air frying)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil optional, for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Tomatoes

Place tomato slices on a paper towel-lined rack, sprinkle with garlic powder, and let them sit for 20 minutes to drain. Pat dry if needed.

Set Up the Coating Stations

In one bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Tomatoes

Working in batches, dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring a full, even coating.

Cooking:

For Frying: Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the tomatoes for 2–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
For Air Frying: Arrange the coated tomatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve & Enjoy!