Name: Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick; 1 cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour); 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole buttermilk; Hot sauce, to taste (Louisiana-style recommended); Peanut oil, for frying (or any high smoke-point oil, enough for 2 inches depth in skillet); Flaky salt, for garnishing (optional)

Nothing beats the cozy crunch and tang of a classic Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe. If you’ve been longing for a Southern staple that’s golden-crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, this one’s for you. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.

A silver metal tray with a silver wire rack inside holds about 14 round, golden brown fried slices arranged closely together with some overlapping. Each slice shows a rough, crispy texture with tiny bumps and is sprinkled lightly with flakes of coarse salt. The golden color varies slightly from slice to slice, with edges darker and more textured. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these fried green tomatoes in my own kitchen—there’s something so satisfying about that perfect crunch and the spicy, savory seasoning that has kept me making this recipe again and again.

Golden Crispy Texture: The cornmeal coating gives the perfect crunch with every bite.
Zesty Cajun Flavor: Creole seasoning adds a subtle spicy kick that elevates the dish.
Simple Ingredients: Every pantry can handle this classic combination for an easy snack or appetizer.
Quick & Satisfying: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful crowd-pleaser anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this crispy fried green tomatoes recipe is pretty straightforward, but a few tips here and there can ensure you get the best results. Look for firm, unripe green tomatoes—they should be sturdy enough to hold up to frying without getting soggy. And the peanut oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point, which keeps the frying process smooth and helps achieve that perfect crunch.

Flat lay of four medium unripe green tomatoes sliced, a small mound of self-rising flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of coarse yellow cornmeal, a small white bowl with vibrant Creole Cajun seasoning mixed in, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with whole buttermilk, a small white bowl of deep red Louisiana-style hot sauce, and a small white bowl of golden peanut oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Green tomatoes: Unripe and firm for the best texture and frying success.
Self-rising or all-purpose flour: Helps give structure to the coating; self-rising adds a little extra lift.
Yellow cornmeal: Adds that signature crispy, slightly gritty texture.
Creole Cajun seasoning: Brings a little Southern flair and subtle heat to each bite.
Large eggs: Bind the coating to the tomato slices for a dish that stays together nicely.
Whole buttermilk: Adds tang and richness to the egg wash; perfect for tender bites.
Hot sauce: Customize the spice level—Louisiana-style is my go-to for authentic flavor.
Peanut oil: Ideal for frying at the perfect temperature without burning.
Flaky salt (optional): A finishing touch to elevate the flavor just before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe is how adaptable it is! Whether you want to dial up the spice, keep it simple, or accommodate dietary needs, you can make it truly your own.

Spicy Kick: I like adding a little extra hot sauce to the egg-buttermilk mixture for a bold, spicy edge that really wakes up the crispy coating.
Gluten-Free Swap: For friends with gluten sensitivities, swapping the flour for a gluten-free baking flour 1:1 works beautifully. The coating stays crisp, and no one misses a beat.
Herb-Infused Cornmeal: Toss in some dried thyme or oregano to the cornmeal mix for an herbal hint that brightens the flavors.
Cheesy Twist: Mixing a bit of finely grated sharp cheddar or Parmesan into the cornmeal adds extra depth and savory goodness.
Sandwich Style: My favorite way to enjoy these is layering them in a classic BLT with crispy bacon and fresh lettuce—makes an unbeatable Southern-inspired sandwich.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

A sandwich is shown on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The sandwich has two slices of toasted bread; the top slice is spread with an orange creamy mixture that contains shredded cheese and small red bits. On the bottom slice, layers include green leafy lettuce, several strips of crispy bacon, and three golden, crispy fried rounds sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper, placed side by side. A wooden-handled spatula with an orange creamy spread is resting on the top slice of bread. The plate is on a brown cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Dry Your Green Tomatoes

Start by slicing your medium green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. I usually discard or snack on the top and bottom parts since they tend to be less meaty. Pat each slice dry using paper towels—this step is key to removing excess moisture so your coating sticks well and fries up nice and crispy.

Step 2: Make Your Dredging Station

Set up two shallow dishes to make the coating process smooth and mess-free. In one dish, whisk together the self-rising flour, yellow cornmeal, and Creole Cajun seasoning. In the other, combine the eggs, buttermilk, and your preferred amount of hot sauce. Whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly until they’re fully blended. Pro tip: Using a shallow plate for each makes it easier to flip and coat the tomato slices evenly.

Step 3: Coat Those Tomatoes

One by one, dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, coating every surface. Then press it firmly into the seasoned flour and cornmeal blend to make sure it’s generously coated. Give it a gentle shake to remove any excess. Place your coated slices on a baking sheet or large plate. Working in batches helps keep everything tidy and ensures each slice gets the perfect breading.

Step 4: Let Them Rest

Letting the coated tomatoes rest for a few minutes is a little trick I swear by. It helps the coating adhere better during frying so it won’t slide off or get soggy. Use this time to heat your oil, and you’ll be ready to fry up some golden perfection.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat peanut oil in a large cast iron skillet until it reaches between 350-375°F—a thermometer is your best friend here. Pour enough oil so it comes about 2 inches up the side of your pan. Fry the tomato slices in batches, giving each batch 3-4 minutes to turn irresistibly golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Make sure your oil temperature bounces back before starting the next batch, so every slice gets that perfect crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Sprinkle flaky salt over your fried green tomatoes right after frying for that little burst of texture and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like remoulade, tartar, or comeback sauce. Or stack them up in a sandwich or burger for a Southern-inspired treat you’ll come back to again and again.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender can be a little tricky with fried green tomatoes. These tips from my kitchen adventures will make all the difference in your Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe.

Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil steady between 350-375°F is key. If it’s too low, the tomatoes absorb oil and get soggy; too high, and the coating burns before the inside cooks.
Dry the Tomatoes Well: Patting the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before dredging helps the coating stick better and prevents splattering during frying.
Let the Coated Tomatoes Rest: After dredging, let your tomatoes sit for a few minutes before frying. This little pause helps the cornmeal and flour adhere well for maximum crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid temperature drops and ensure each slice fries evenly and gets that gorgeous golden crust.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

The image shows a wooden cutting board with a checkered pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. On the board are fourteen round, bright green slices of tomato scattered around in a slightly overlapping manner. The tomato slices have visible pale green seeds and inner details, with smooth, shiny skin. A small knife with a beige handle and a slightly rusted blade rests on the board, partially under one tomato slice. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple touches elevate this Southern classic beautifully. A light sprinkle of flaky salt right after frying brings out the flavors perfectly. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness. For an extra zing, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of hot honey can create a delightful sweet-heat balance.

Side Dishes

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Think creamy coleslaw, tangy pickled okra, or a simple cucumber salad for refreshing crunch. For heartier options, slaw-topped pulled pork sandwiches or hearty mac and cheese complement the crispy tang of the tomatoes. And don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces like remoulade, tartar, or comeback sauce for that extra flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I rarely do!), place cooled fried green tomatoes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for the best crispness and flavor.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze these tomatoes if needed. Flash freeze the fried slices on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind, reheated texture won’t be quite as crispy as freshly fried.

Reheating

To revive that crispy crust, warm leftovers in a hot oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This method helps retain crispiness better than microwaving, which often makes them soggy. If you have a toaster oven or air fryer, that works great too!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Absolutely! You can swap self-rising flour for all-purpose flour without issue. If you want the leavening effect, just add a bit of baking powder and salt to your all-purpose flour before using.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries—simply mix ½ cup of whole milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà, a perfect buttermilk substitute for this recipe!

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Using a kitchen thermometer is your best bet to keep the oil between 350-375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small pinch of the flour and cornmeal mixture into the oil; if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the self-rising or all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour of your choice at a 1:1 ratio. Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour works beautifully here.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy fried green tomato—golden outside, with that tender, tangy interior that sings of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re gathering friends for an appetizer or craving a nostalgic snack, this Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe is sure to deliver smiles and satisfaction. So go ahead, gather those green tomatoes, heat the oil, and enjoy the cozy, crunchy goodness right from your own kitchen.