Zesty Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Magic

Southern kitchens often celebrate unexpected twists on classic green tomato magic.

Crisp summer produce meets a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Unripe tomatoes deliver a tangy, firm texture perfect for adventurous cooks.

Golden, crunchy coatings create an irresistible contrast against tender green fruit interiors.

Seasoned flour and cornmeal provide the secret to achieving that signature crackly exterior.

Salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne dance across each delectable bite.

You’ll want to serve these immediately, straight from the skillet to the plate.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top make this dish an instant crowd-pleaser that begs to be savored.

How to Store Fried Cherry Tomatoes

• Store cooled fried green cherry tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sogginess.
• Carefully place single-layer tomatoes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month, preventing freezer burn.
• Arrange tomatoes on baking sheet, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to restore crispiness and even heating.
• Warm tomatoes at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure crisp exterior and hot center.

FAQs

• Why use green cherry tomatoes for this recipe?

Green cherry tomatoes are firmer and less juicy than ripe ones, making them perfect for frying without becoming mushy or falling apart during cooking.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute, which will provide similar tanginess and help the coating stick.

• How do I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?

Make sure to shake off excess flour and press the cornmeal-panko mixture firmly onto the tomatoes to create a secure coating that adheres well during frying.

• What oil temperature is best for frying these tomatoes?

Aim for oil around 350-375°F, which ensures a crispy exterior and prevents the tomatoes from becoming greasy or soggy.

Tasty Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes with a Crunch

• Crunch into Flavor: These fried green cherry tomatoes deliver an irresistible crispy exterior with a tangy interior, making every bite a delightful surprise.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Coating the tomatoes is straightforward with just three simple dredging stations, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Great as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game day snack, or unexpected side dish that will wow guests with its unique twist on traditional fried tomatoes.
• Southern-Inspired Comfort: Bringing classic Southern cooking techniques to tiny cherry tomatoes creates a nostalgic yet modern culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients for Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes

• Green Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, unripe tomatoes that provide a tangy and firm base for this crispy Southern-style dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: A seasoned flour mixture that creates the first layer of coating for the tomatoes.
• Eggs, Buttermilk: A wet mixture that helps the breading adhere to the tomatoes and adds richness to the coating.
• Cornmeal, Panko Breadcrumbs: A crunchy blend that provides a golden, crispy exterior to the fried tomatoes.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for deep frying that helps achieve a crisp and evenly cooked exterior.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil and ensuring a less greasy final dish.

How to Fry Cherry Tomatoes Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Tomatoes

Gently wash green cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels.

Ensure each tomato is free from moisture to help breading stick perfectly.

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

• First dish: flour seasoned with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
• Second dish: beaten eggs whisked with buttermilk
• Third dish: cornmeal mixed with panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Tomatoes

• First, roll in seasoned flour
• Next, dip into egg-buttermilk mixture
• Finally, coat completely with cornmeal-panko mixture

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet, heating over medium-high temperature until oil shimmers and reaches ideal frying temperature.

Step 5: Fry Tomatoes

Gently place coated tomatoes into hot oil, cooking in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Fry until exterior turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried tomatoes onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Plate hot, crispy green cherry tomatoes and enjoy as a delightful Southern-style appetizer or snack.

Serve with ranch or remoulade sauce for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Crispy Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes

• Pat tomatoes completely dry before dredging to ensure a crisp, crunchy exterior that sticks perfectly.
• Add smoked paprika or garlic powder to the flour mixture for an extra depth of taste that elevates the dish.
• Maintain oil at 350-375°F to achieve golden-brown crispiness without absorbing excess grease.
• Choose firm, bright green cherry tomatoes that are slightly underripe for the best frying results and texture.
• Serve immediately after frying to preserve the delightful crunch and prevent the coating from becoming soft.

Flavor Variations to Try Out

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the cornmeal coating for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute egg with aquafaba or plant-based egg replacer, using almond milk instead of buttermilk for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap cornmeal and breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds for a crispy, low-carbohydrate coating.

Serving Suggestions for Appetizers

• Tangy Appetizer Plate: Arrange fried green cherry tomatoes on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs like basil or dill scattered around for a gorgeous presentation.
• Southern Comfort Pairing: Serve alongside buttermilk ranch dressing or spicy remoulade sauce for dipping, creating a classic Southern-style appetizer experience.
• Protein Companion: Top grilled chicken breasts or crispy fish with these crunchy tomatoes, adding a zesty texture and bright flavor to main course dishes.
• Cocktail Hour Delight: Include these golden bites on a charcuterie board with cured meats, soft cheeses, and olives for an elegant party snack that guests will love.

Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary creativity in this crispy fried green cherry tomatoes dish from Alabama kitchens. Crunchy cornmeal coating and tangy green tomatoes create a perfect Southern-style appetizer you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 cups green cherry tomatoes

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse green cherry tomatoes under cool water, then meticulously pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp coating adhesion.
2. Arrange three separate preparation stations: first bowl containing seasoned flour with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne; second bowl featuring whisked egg blended with tangy buttermilk; third bowl combining cornmeal and crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
3. Methodically coat each tomato: first roll in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage, then immerse in egg-buttermilk mixture, finally encrust with cornmeal-panko blend, pressing gently to secure crispy exterior.
4. Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and pour vegetable oil, heating to 350°F over medium-high flame until oil shimmers and appears glossy.
5. Carefully lower breaded tomatoes into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature, frying until exterior transforms into a rich golden-brown with delectable crispy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Extract tomatoes using slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on layered paper towels, which will absorb additional grease and preserve crispiness.
7. Present immediately while piping hot, serving as an enticing appetizer or delightful southern-style snack accompanied by optional dipping sauce.

Notes

• Ensure tomatoes are completely dry before coating to prevent excess moisture that can make breading soggy.
• Use firm, unripe green cherry tomatoes for the best texture and structure during frying.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on desired spice level, starting with a small pinch for mild heat.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg