Crispy Fried Red Tomatoes

These fried tomatoes are a delicious appetizer or side everyone will love. The red tomatoes are coated in a flavorful breading that is crispy, crunchy, and just addictive. They're so good, and the best part is the entire recipe comes together in under 20 minutes!  

The Best Fried Tomatoes Recipe

Everyone's heard of fried green tomatoes, but I think these fried red tomatoes are so much better. The red tomatoes are already delicious on their own, so when you bread and fry them until golden perfection, they turn into something amazing.

The tomato slices are coated in a flavorful blend of breading and seasonings, then lightly fried until super crispy yet still tender and juicy. Finish them off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and you've got a delicious dish that everyone's sure to love!

The fried red tomatoes are honestly so good alone, but they're even better dipped in this Texas Roadhouse ranch. And I love serving them on the side with things like a Krabby Patty or hibachi noodles.

Why You'll Love This Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe

• The perfect flavor and texture combo. These crispy fried red tomatoes strike the ideal balance—juicy and slightly sweet on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside. They’re irresistible on their own, but dipping them in a creamy sauce like Texas Roadhouse ranch takes them over the top.
• Quick and easy to make. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can slice, bread, and fry your tomatoes in minutes. No special equipment or tricky steps—just straightforward cooking that delivers restaurant-quality results.
• Versatile for any meal. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, or get creative and add them to recipes like a Krabby Patty or hibachi noodles. They’re the kind of dish that works just as well for weeknight dinners as they do for summer cookouts.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredient list for these crispy fried red tomatoes is super simple. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you have most of the ingredients you'll need to make them at home already! Anyway, here's what you'll need to make the recipe:

• 6 tomatoes
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cornmeal
• ⅓ cup flour
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
• Freshly grated parmesan to serve with
• Salt and pepper, to taste

If you're picking up tomatoes from the store, grab extras so you can make more tomato recipes like this Chipotle tomato salsa or zucchini tomato casserole.

Oh, and if you see green tomatoes, grab a few so you can try these fried green tomatoes next and see which ones you like better!

How To Make Fried Red Tomatoes

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

 Wash the tomatoes if needed and completely dry them. Slice the tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices and pick out the seeds.

Step 2: Prep the Breading

 Combine the cornmeal, flour, breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, and salt and pepper in a bowl and mix. Whisk the egg in a separate mixing bowl.

Step 3: Bread the Tomatoes

Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep large skillet or saucepot. While the oil is heating, coat the tomatoes one by one in the egg and then dredge them through the breadcrumbs mixture. 

Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes

 Immediately put the breaded tomato slices in the hot oil and fry the tomatoes until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Transfer the tomatoes with a slotted spatula to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the rest of the tomato slices.

Step 5: Serve

Put the fried tomatoes on a plate and serve warm, sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips

• Coat thoroughly for maximum crunch. Make sure each tomato slice is fully dredged on both sides and gently press it into the breadcrumb mixture. This ensures the coating sticks well and creates that signature golden crust.
• Use the right oil temperature. Heat the oil to around 350°F before frying. Too cool and the breading will absorb oil and turn greasy; too hot and it will burn before the tomatoes cook through. A kitchen thermometer makes this step foolproof.
• Fry in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan—adding too many slices at once will drop the oil temperature and make the breading soggy. Frying in batches keeps the coating crisp and the tomatoes evenly cooked.
• Boost the flavor. Add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for extra depth. For a fresh finish, sprinkle the fried tomatoes with chopped basil or parsley right before serving.
• Try the green tomato version. This method works well with underripe green tomatoes too—giving you a classic fried green tomatoes recipe with the same crispy crust and tangy bite.
• Make extra—you’ll need it. These crispy fried tomatoes disappear fast, so doubling the recipe is always a smart idea, especially if you’re serving them at a cookout or family dinner. I always double this recipe because I know they're always a favorite. 

How To Store Fried Tomatoes

• In the fridge: Store the leftover fried tomatoes in an airtight container for about 3-5 days.
• In the freezer: Transfer the tomatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container and freezer for about 10 months.
• Reheating: Put the fried tomatoes on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until they reach your desired temperature. Add more reheating time for the frozen tomatoes. 

Fried Red Tomatoes FAQS

How do I keep fried tomatoes crispy?

The key to keeping fried red tomatoes crispy is controlling the oil temperature and avoiding excess moisture. Make sure the oil stays around 350°F—too low and the breading absorbs oil, too high and it burns before the tomatoes cook. Always pat the tomato slices dry before breading so the coating sticks. After frying, place the tomatoes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of paper towels; this allows air to circulate and prevents the crust from getting soggy. If you need to keep them warm, keep them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until serving.

Are fried tomatoes good for you?

Red tomatoes have a variety of health benefits, but since they're fried, they're not technically good for you. You can put the battered tomatoes in the air fryer for a healthier version. 

What's the best way to fry tomatoes?

The best way to fry tomatoes is in hot oil. The frying oil should be at a temperature of around 350°F. Fry the tomatoes in a few batches for a couple of minutes until a golden crust forms. 

How do you cut tomatoes for frying?

The tomatoes should be cut into around half inch circles. You'll want to make sure that they are all the same thickness, that way, the tomatoes will cook the same when fried. 

What do fried tomatoes taste like?

Fried red tomatoes and fried green tomatoes taste really different. Typically, fried green tomatoes taste tangy and slightly sour, whereas red tomatoes taste a little sweeter. Either way, the balance between the tomatoes and crispy coating makes for a delicious dish!

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