Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Name: Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 green tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil for frying; Remoulade sauce or dipping sauce of choice; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on March 25, 2026

Plate of crispy fried green tomatoes served with dipping sauce

Lunch

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Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern classic that’s crunchy on the outside and tangy on the inside. These quick, skillet-fried slices make a fantastic appetizer or side, and they come together with pantry-friendly staples for an easy weeknight treat. Try them with tangy remoulade and a chilled glass of iced tea for a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack. Pair with spicy buttermilk fried chicken for a hearty combo.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Brilliant crunch from the cornmeal and flour coating.
Fast to make — about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Kid-friendly and great for gatherings or potlucks.
Excellent leftover reheats or serve-as-you-go snack.
Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
Crowd-pleasing flavor that pairs with both light and hearty mains — try an air fryer Korean fried chicken side for contrast.

Ingredients Needed

Vegetables
- 4 green tomatoes, sliced
Dairy
- 1 cup buttermilk
Pantry
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce
- Remoulade sauce or dipping sauce of choice
Spices
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)

Step 1 — Slice and season

Slice the green tomatoes into even rounds and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2 — Soak in buttermilk

Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk so it gets a thin, even coating.

Step 3 — Coat with dry mix

Dredge the buttermilk-coated slices in the cornmeal and flour mixture until fully covered.

Step 4 — Fry until golden

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tomato slices until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Step 5 — Drain and serve

Remove the fried tomatoes and drain on paper towels; serve hot with remoulade or your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Serve on toasted bread with lettuce and a smear of remoulade for a tangy sandwich alongside air fryer fried chicken variations.
Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese and fresh herbs for a bright appetizer.
Pair with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a Southern-style plate.
Offer as a snack with a trio of dipping sauces: remoulade, ranch, and spicy mayo.
Add to a salad for crunch in place of croutons.

Tips for Success Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Use firm, unripe green tomatoes so slices hold their shape while frying.
Keep oil at medium heat — too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan and losing crispiness.
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately for best texture; reheat in a skillet or air fryer to refresh.
For a lighter finish, you can experiment with an air fryer Korean fry method in a separate recipe for inspiration.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

Spicy: add 1 tsp cayenne or chili powder to the dry mix for heat.
Dairy-free: substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup plant milk and 1 tbsp vinegar.
Add protein: top slices with cooked shrimp or pulled chicken for a heartier bite.
Herb crust: mix in 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil into the cornmeal for extra flavor.