These classic southern fried green tomatoes make an amazing appetizer with pimento cheese but could also be used to make a crispy tomato sandwich or served on a bed of lettuce for a vegetarian dinner you could serve to company.
Slice the tomatoes into thick slices, about 1/3-inch deep. Lay the tomato slices on a large baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle just a pinch of kosher salt over the top.
Let the tomatoes drain some of their juices while you prepare the assembly line. Just before you are ready to bread and fry them, pat the tops dry with more paper towels.
Prepare the Assembly Line
Add the flour, cornmeal, seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a shallow dish like a pie plate. Whisk them to combine.
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish and add the cracked egg. Whisk them together until combined and set aside.
Place a large skillet on the stovetop. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to the skillet.
Place an air fryer basket OR a baking sheet with an oven-safe rack nested on top next to the skillet.
Fry the Tomatoes
Heat the skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, you're ready to add the tomatoes.
Working one or two tomato slices at a time, dip the tomato slice into the buttermilk mixture and turn to coat. Let it drain the excess back into the bowl.
Place the coated tomato slice into the flour bowl. Turn to coat both sides. Shake the excess off.
Place the battered tomato slice into the hot skillet. You can add 3 - 5 tomato slices to the pan to cook at once but do not overcrowd the pan. There should be an inch of space between each tomato slice.
Cook for 2 minutes on each side of the tomato. Transfer the tomato slices to the air fryer basket to drain.
Bake the Fried Green Tomatoes
At this point the tomato slices are battered and fried to a beautiful golden brown but the centers may not be as warm as you'd like them to be.
Use your air fryer to bake the tomatoes on HIGH for 3 - 4 minutes or bake them in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Make Ahead Tips
The fried green tomatoes can be prepared in advance. Just follow the instructions all the way through to the point just before you add them to the oven or air fryer to warm through. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the fridge for up to 24 hours.To warm them through, let them sit on the counter and come to room temperature for 15 minutes while the oven or air fryer preheats.Warm them in the oven at 375°F for 5 - 7 minutes or in an air fryer on HIGH for 3 - 5 minutes.NOTE: Transfer them to a room temperature pan before putting them in the oven. A chilled pan will create steam inside the oven and cause the tomatoes to become soggy.