Crispy Fried Red Tomatoes

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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.

Fried red tomatoes stacked atop one another on plate

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!

Closeup shot of a stack of fried red tomatoes on plate

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
Overhead shot of individual ingredients on table

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.

Overhead shot of sliced red tomatoes

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.

Closeup shot of buttermilk being poured into bowl with eggs

Step 8: In another mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Overhead shot of dry dredge ingredients in bowl

Step 9: Dredge each tomato slice in the buttermilk mixture then coat it in the dry ingredient mixture. 

Closeup shot of red tomato slice dipped in egg mixture
Closeup shot of hand holding a tomato slice coated in dry dredge

Step 10: Place battered tomatoes on your prepared baking sheet until all are done.

Overhead shot of coated tomato slices on baking sheet lined with parchment paper

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. 

Overhead shot of battered tomato slices being fried

Step 3: Flip tomatoes with a fork.

Step 4: When done, place tomato slices on a plate lined with paper towel.

Closeup overhead shot of fried red tomatoes on 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.

Overhead shot of battered tomato slices in 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.

Overhead shot of fried red tomatoes in air fryer basket

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.

Closeup shot of hand holding a slice of fried red tomato

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.
Closeup shot of fried red tomatoes stacked atop one another

More Tomato Recipes

FAQ

How long will fried tomatoes last?

They'll last for about 2 days in the refrigerator.

How do you reheat fried tomatoes?

Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

What do fried red tomatoes taste like?

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.

Yield: 10 servings

Crispy Fried Red Tomatoes

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.

Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes

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

  1. Place three layers of paper towel on a wire rack.  
  2. Lay sliced tomatoes on the paper towel, allowing them to drain.
  3. Sprinkle all of the tomato slices with garlic powder.
  4. Allow tomatoes to drain for around 20 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through.
  5. Using a piece of paper towel, remove any extra liquid from the tomatoes.
  6. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  7. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together.
  8. In another mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  9. Dredge each tomato slice in the buttermilk mixture then coat it in the dry ingredient mixture. 
  10. Place battered tomatoes on your prepared baking sheet until all are done.
  11. Oil Fried Directions:
  12. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering or a drop of water flicked in it dances. 
  13. 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. 
  14. Flip tomatoes with a fork.
  15. When done, place tomato slices on a plate lined with paper towel.
  16. Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy.
  17. Air Fryer Directions:
  18. Place battered tomatoes in a greased air fryer basket.
  19. Air fry at 400ºF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  20. Tomato slices are done when they are golden brown.
  21. Serve with basil and lemon wedges and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 345Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 48mgSodium 482mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 8g

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