Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Fried green tomatoes are a true Southern classic! They’re tangy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, and absolutely irresistible when paired with ranch, spicy mayo, or remoulade. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this recipe guarantees crispy perfection every single time.

In this article, you’ll learn:

The best ingredients to use.
Step-by-step frying instructions.
Pro tips for extra crispiness.
Serving ideas and dipping sauces.
Nutritional benefits of green tomatoes.

Ingredients

4 medium green tomatoes (firm and completely unripe)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 large eggs
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice as a substitute)
1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying (canola, corn, or peanut oil work best)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes

Wash and pat dry the green tomatoes.
Slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
Sprinkle lightly with salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to release some moisture.

2. Make the coating stations

Bowl 1: flour.
Bowl 2: whisked eggs + buttermilk.
Bowl 3: cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dredge and coat

First, dip each tomato slice in flour (this helps the coating stick).
Then, dip into the egg-buttermilk mixture.
Finally, coat generously with the cornmeal mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres.

4. Fry until golden

Heat ½ inch of oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) to 350°F (175°C).
Fry tomato slices in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.
Place fried tomatoes on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Pro Tips for Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Choose firm, fully green tomatoes. If they’re starting to ripen, they’ll get mushy when fried.
Double-coating trick: For extra crunch, dip the tomatoes twice (flour → egg → cornmeal → egg → cornmeal).
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
For a healthier version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.

Serving Ideas

With ranch dressing or spicy mayo.
As a side to fried chicken, steak, or grilled fish.
Layered in a BLT sandwich for a tangy twist.
Topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs.

Health Benefits of Green Tomatoes

Rich in Vitamin C → boosts immunity.
Good source of fiber → aids digestion.
Low in calories → great for light snacking.
Contains antioxidants → helps reduce inflammation.

FAQs

Q: Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?
A: They’re best served fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Coat the tomato slices, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen when needed.

Q: What’s the best dipping sauce?
A: Ranch, chipotle mayo, or Cajun remoulade are the most popular choices.

Final Thoughts

Fried green tomatoes are more than just a Southern snack—they’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With the right coating and frying technique, you’ll get that irresistible crunch every time. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends!