Crispy Fried Red Tomatoes
These crispy fried red tomatoes are the perfect summer side. Farm fresh red tomatoes are battered and fried to golden-brown perfection and make a great side for all your favorite meals.
We've all heard of fried green tomatoes, but have you ever had fried red tomatoes? They're absolutely delicious. The flavor of the ripe tomatoes and the batter combine to create a fresh summer side you'll love.
Fried Red Tomatoes
I love fried tomatoes. For the longest time, I only ever made fried green tomatoes, but then I decided to try frying ripe tomatoes. I'm so glad I did because they're delicious!
Ingredients
You'll only need simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store to make this recipe.
- tomatoes
- garlic powder
- buttermilk
- eggs
- cornmeal
- all-purpose flour
- Parmesan cheese
- salt
- pepper
- vegetable oil
- fresh basil
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
It only takes a few simple steps to make these fried red tomatoes.
Step 1: Place three layers of paper towel on a wire rack.
Step 2: Lay sliced tomatoes on the paper towel, allowing them to drain.
Step 3: Sprinkle all of the tomato slices with garlic powder.
Step 4: Allow tomatoes to drain for around 20 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through.
Step 5: Using a piece of paper towel, remove any extra liquid from the tomatoes.
Step 6: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 7: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together.
Step 8: In another mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Step 9: Dredge each tomato slice in the buttermilk mixture then coat it in the dry ingredient mixture.
Step 10: Place battered tomatoes on your prepared baking sheet until all are done.
Oil Fried Directions:
Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering or a drop of water flicked in it dances.
Step 2: Add battered tomato slices to your skillet in batches and fry until a golden brown color. This will take 2 to 4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Flip tomatoes with a fork.
Step 4: When done, place tomato slices on a plate lined with paper towel.
Step 5: Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy.
Air Fryer Directions:
Step 1: Place battered tomatoes in a greased air fryer basket.
Step 2: Air fry at 400ºF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Tomato slices are done when they are golden brown.
Step 4: Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy.
Equipment
You'll only need basic kitchen equipment to make this recipe.
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls
- Pot (for frying)
- Air fryer (for air frying)
Substitutions
Homemade Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, make your own. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Green Tomatoes: This is a perfect recipe for green tomatoes, as well.
Options
Looking for ways to change up these fried red tomatoes? Here are some suggestions.
Chives: Add chives to the batter for a nice fresh flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Tips:
- Always preheat your air fryer if you're air frying these tomatoes.
- Don't crowd the pan if you're frying.
- Gently tap the tomato slices when dredging them to remove any excess batter.
More Tomato Recipes
FAQ
They'll last for about 2 days in the refrigerator.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
They're bright and zingy just like a ripe tomato but with the added crunchy texture of the fried breading.
Fried Red Tomatoes
Ready to cook these fried red tomatoes? Then print the recipe card below.
Crispy Fried Red Tomatoes
These fried red tomatoes are coated in a buttermilk and cornmeal coating and are then fried to golden brown perfection. A tasty summer treat.
Ingredients
- 5 tomatoes, ends trimmed, sliced crosswise, ¼ - ½ inch thick
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup minced fresh basil for serving if desired
- Lemon wedges for serving if desired
Instructions
- Place three layers of paper towel on a wire rack.
- Lay sliced tomatoes on the paper towel, allowing them to drain.
- Sprinkle all of the tomato slices with garlic powder.
- Allow tomatoes to drain for around 20 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through.
- Using a piece of paper towel, remove any extra liquid from the tomatoes.
- 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 dry ingredient mixture.
- Place battered tomatoes on your prepared baking sheet until all are done.
- Oil Fried Directions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering or a drop of water flicked in it dances.
- Add battered tomato slices to your skillet in batches and fry until a golden brown color. 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.
- Air Fryer Directions:
- Place battered tomatoes in a greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400ºF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Tomato slices are done when they are golden brown.
- Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 345Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 48mgSodium 482mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 8g
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