Air Fryer Fried Red Tomatoes

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9 October, 2025

Fried Red Tomatoes in Air Fryer: crispy, light and with a lot of flavor 🍅✨

The fried tomatoes They are a classic from the southern United States, but today I propose to give them a modern and healthier twist with the help of air fryer.

The result is a crunchy bite on the outside, juicy on the inside and with a batter full of flavor thanks to the Parmesan and the cornmeal. The best thing: you won’t need to submerge them in oil, so the dish is much lighter without losing its charm.

This recipe is perfect as a starter, side dish or even as a snack accompanied by a fresh yogurt sauce, a little aioli or a homemade mayonnaise with herbs. If you are looking for an alternative to the typical fries or croquettes, these red tomatoes are going to conquer you.

Air Fryer Fried Red Tomatoes

🛒 Ingredients for 4 people

🍅 5 large tomatoes, sliced 0.5 – 1.25 cm (without ends)
🧄 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
🥛 120 ml of buttermilk (buttermilk)
🥚 2 large eggs
🌽 160 g of cornmeal
🌾 65 g of common wheat flour
🧀 125 g of grated parmesan cheese
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
⚫ ½ teaspoon black pepper
🌿 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, to serve)

👩‍🍳 Step by step preparation

1️⃣ Dry the tomatoes

Place three layers of kitchen paper on a rack and place the tomato slices on top. Sprinkle with garlic powder and let sit for a few 20 minutes so that they lose water. Flip them halfway through. Before coating, dry them well with paper: this step is crucial for the breading to adhere.

2️⃣ Prepare the batter

In a bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk.
In another bowl, mix the corn flour, wheat flour, parmesan, salt and pepper.

3️⃣ Coat the tomatoes

Dip each slice first in the liquid egg and buttermilk mixture, and then in the dry flour and cheese mixture. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper.

4️⃣ Cook in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
Spray the basket with a little olive oil spray.
Arrange the breaded tomatoes in a single layer, without crowding them.
Kitchen of 8 to 10 minutesturning them over halfway through.
They will be ready when they are golden and crispy.

💡 Tips and variations

Add a spicy touch by mixing cayenne or chili powder in the batter.
Replace the parmesan with another grated cured cheese (such as manchego) for a more Iberian flavor.
Accompany them with a fresh yogurt and mint sauce, or with a touch of pesto to highlight the basil.
If you prefer the traditional pan version, fry them in plenty of hot oil until golden on both sides and place them on absorbent paper.

Recipe by Jesus