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Air Fried Green Tomatoes
Welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re keeping things simple, crispy, and absolutely delicious with a plant-based twist on a Southern classic—fried green tomatoes, made right in the air fryer. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you'll have a golden, crunchy snack or side dish that's full of flavor and totally fuss-free. Whether you're working with garden-fresh green tomatoes or found some at the store, this is a fun and tasty way to enjoy them—no deep frying needed!
Slice the green tomatoes
Choose firm, unripe tomatoes that are fully green and slightly tart for the perfect flavor and texture. Slice them about ¼ inch thick.
Remove excess moisture
Place the tomato slices on a paper towel and gently press another paper towel on top to absorb excess liquid. This helps them get crispier in the air fryer.
Spread plant-based mayo
Lightly spread a thin layer of plant-based mayo on both sides of each tomato slice. This helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds extra flavor.
Coat in seasoned breadcrumbs
Press each mayo-coated tomato slice into seasoned breadcrumbs. To season mine, I used garlic powder, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and a pinch of salt—simple but so flavorful!
Air fry in a single layer
Arrange the coated tomato slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping so they cook evenly.
Cook and flip
Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then carefully flip each tomato slice and air fry for another 5 minutes until crispy and golden on both sides.
Serve and enjoy
Once done, let them cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dip or sauce!
Tips
1. Choose the right tomatoes:
Look for tomatoes that are firm, fully green, and free of soft spots. The firmer the tomato, the better it will hold its shape and give you that classic tangy flavor and satisfying crunch.
2. Don’t skip the mayo layer:
Plant-based mayo not only helps the breadcrumbs stick—it also adds moisture and richness without needing eggs or dairy. It’s the secret to that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture.
3. Give them space in the air fryer:
Make sure your tomato slices are in a single layer with space between them. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots. If needed, cook in batches for best results.
These air fryer fried green tomatoes are proof that simple, plant-based ingredients can create something truly delicious. Crispy on the outside, tender and tangy on the inside—they make the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re new to air frying or just looking for a fresh twist on a Southern favorite, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let the crunch speak for itself!
Skip the hassle of running to multiple grocery stores in search of hard-to-find plant-based ingredients—Try Amazon Fresh instead! I was thrilled to find Better Than Bouillon there for a third of the price compared to Walmart. Now, my pantry is fully stocked for all my soup-making needs. If you’re looking to stock up too, Check out Amazon Fresh.
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Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.