How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes

If you’ve never had fried green tomatoes, you’re going to LOVE this recipe. These crispy, golden-brown slices are the ultimate Southern comfort food—perfectly tangy on the inside with a crunchy, flavorful coating that’s so good. As a busy mom of three, I love that this side dish is super easy to make! It’s one of the only ways my kids will eat tomatoes (they love the creamy dipping sauce) and this recipe is always a hit with my entire family. Whether you’re making these as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, my foolproof recipe results in perfectly crispy green tomatoes every single time!

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

These fried green tomatoes are seriously so good, and my kids love them too! I’ve been making them on repeat lately and these are always such a favorite around our house in the summer. They’re truly the best side dish or even as a topping to salads, bowls, and so much more!

The crispy outer layer with the tangy sauce is truly next-level. You can also easily adjust the spice level with the type and amount of hot sauce you use as well! These can be fried or if you’re wanting less mess one day, then you can bake them too. With simple, healthier ingredients you can make these in no time. I even love serving these as a fun side dish at cookouts!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes

• Crispy & Flavorful – The perfect crunch on the outside with a deliciously seasoned coating.
• Simple & Easy – No deep fryer needed! Just a skillet and a few simple ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the tomatoes ahead of time for a quick cook when you’re ready.
• Customizable – Easily make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve them as a fun appetizer, side dish, or even on a sandwich!

RELATED: 129 Healthy Dinners You’ll Crave

Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes

You’ll likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, but there are a few you will want to grab on your next shopping trip. I noted my favorite brands and types next to some of the ingredients, those are just things that have worked great for me over the years! Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

For the Tomatoes:

• Green Tomatoes – Red tomatoes or tomatillos will unfortunately not work for this recipe. Green tomatoes have the perfect texture for frying, so I highly recommend using those!
• Salt
• Unsweetened Almond Milk – You can use any milk you prefer, as long as it isn’t too sweet.
• Egg – Egg substitute works as well.
• All-Purpose Flour – Feel free to sub this for a gluten-free flour as well!
• Blanched Almond Flour
• Fine Breadcrumbs (opens in a new tab) – You can use regular or gluten-free.
• Parmesan Cheese – I love to use a block of Violife parmesan (opens in a new tab) for a great dairy-free option!
• Italian Seasoning
• Avocado Oil – You can use coconut or olive oil as well but it will change your flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Avocado-Oil Mayo (opens in a new tab) – Regular mayo works great, too!
• Fresh Parsley
• Dill Pickle
• Dill Pickle Juice
• Dijon Mustard
• Honey – I love to use raw honey for all of the extra health benefits.
• Hot Sauce (opens in a new tab) – Use your favorite brand of hot sauce.

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes

Making these fried green tomatoes is super simple and they turn out amazing every time! You can cook them by frying or baking, whichever method you prefer they are both delicious! Here’s how to make them:

1. Prep the Tomatoes – Slice and salt them to draw out moisture, then let them rest.
2. Set Up the Coating – Prepare three bowls: one with egg and milk, one with flour, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Coat the Tomatoes – Dip each slice in the egg mixture, flour, egg again, then the breadcrumbs.
4. Fry Until Golden – Cook in a skillet with avocado oil for a few minutes on each side until crispy.
5. Make the Sauce – Mix all the ingredients together for a creamy, tangy dip.
6. Serve & Enjoy – Let the tomatoes cool slightly and serve with the dipping sauce!

Oven Baked vs. Fried Green Tomatoes

You can cook this recipe a couple of different ways. If you want the crispier version, go with my fried method. If you’re wanting a less messy, lower calorie version, then baked is for you! I personally love the fried method as the overall turnout is much tastier. Here’s how to cook them using each method:

Fried Green Tomatoes

1. Heat a large rimmed (ideally nonstick) skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to coat the entire bottom of the pan (about ⅛” high of oil). 
2. Add 5-8 tomato slices to the pan at once (leaving at least ½” space between each tomato) and fry for 2-3 minutes per side. 
3. Transfer fried tomatoes onto a cooling rack set over a paper towel to let the tomatoes cool for 10 minutes before eating. 

Baked Green Tomatoes

1. Grease the parchment paper with a nice drizzle of avocado oil. 
2. Add the coated green tomatoes onto the pan.
3. Spray the tomatoes with cooking spray.
4. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, then flip carefully and cook for another 5 minutes

What to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes

• Classic Southern Meal – Serve alongside grilled or fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread for a true Southern feast.
• On a Sandwich – Add them to a BLT, chicken sandwich, or a burger for an extra crispy, tangy bite.
• With a Fresh Salad – Pair them with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
• As a Brunch Side – Perfect with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheesy grits for a hearty brunch.
• Topped with Pimento Cheese – Spread a little pimento cheese on top for an extra indulgent twist.
• Add them to bowls – They’re so good in these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls or Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Bowls!
• With Seafood – They go great with grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or a seafood boil for a coastal-inspired meal.

How to Store

Fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely store leftovers and reheat them later! Here’s how to keep them crispy and delicious:

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container with paper towels between layers for up to 2 days.
• Freezer – Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – Warm them up in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy!

More like this recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes:

• Homemade Garlic Truffle Fries
• Garlic Hummus Recipe
• Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
• Yuca Fries
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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