Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes Recipe That Everyone Loves

Fried green cherry tomatoes are a delightful twist on the classic Southern favorite, fried green tomatoes. These little gems pack a punch of tartness and crispiness that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer, a crunchy snack, or a side dish to complement your meal, this recipe offers the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. The green cherry tomatoes retain their firmness after frying, delivering a satisfying bite wrapped in a golden, crunchy coating.

Plus, it’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

In this post, I’ll share a detailed, step-by-step recipe to make the best fried green cherry tomatoes, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this crispy, flavorful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with fried green cherry tomatoes. First, they offer a wonderful contrast of textures — the juicy, tart tomatoes wrapped in a crispy, crunchy exterior.

This recipe is quick to prepare and uses simple pantry staples, making it an easy go-to when you want a flavorful snack or side dish.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. You can customize the batter with your favorite spices, or even add a bit of heat with cayenne pepper.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up green cherry tomatoes if you have a surplus from your garden or farmers’ market.

Lastly, fried green cherry tomatoes are a crowd-pleaser at parties and family dinners. They pair beautifully with dips like spicy aioli, ranch, or a fresh herb yogurt sauce.

Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted for vegan diets.

Ingredients

• 1 pint green cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

Equipment

• Deep frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels, for draining
• Thermometer (optional, to monitor oil temperature)
• Baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels

Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Rinse and dry the green cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Leaving any moisture on them can cause the batter to slide off during frying.
2. Make the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Prepare the wet batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
4. Set up the cornmeal coating: Place the cornmeal in a third shallow bowl. This will create the crispy outer layer.
5. Coat the tomatoes: Working in batches, roll each green cherry tomato first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat the tomato in cornmeal, pressing lightly to adhere.
6. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact.
7. Fry the tomatoes: Carefully place the coated tomatoes in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and cool: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
9. Serve immediately: Fried green cherry tomatoes are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To ensure your fried green cherry tomatoes come out crispy, maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb oil and become soggy; too hot, and the exterior will burn before the inside cooks through.

For a vegan version, substitute the eggs and buttermilk with a mixture of 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk and 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. Let the flax mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.

Experiment with spices in the flour mixture—add cayenne pepper for heat, dried oregano for an herbaceous note, or smoked paprika for depth. You can also try panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for a different crunch.

Leftover fried green cherry tomatoes can be reheated in a toaster oven to retain crispiness, but they’re best fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Fried green cherry tomatoes make a fantastic appetizer or side dish. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce such as spicy sriracha mayo, ranch dressing, or a tangy remoulade.

For a lighter option, try pairing with a fresh herb yogurt dip.

They also work well as a crunchy topping on salads or sandwiches. For example, add them to a fresh lettuce and avocado sandwich, inspired by recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Their vibrant tartness adds a beautiful contrast to rich or creamy dishes.

Additionally, you can serve alongside roasted vegetables or as part of a brunch spread with other vegetarian favorites, such as those found in the Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes for Every Occasion collection.

Conclusion

Fried green cherry tomatoes are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that brings a fresh twist to traditional fried tomato recipes. Their crisp coating and juicy interior offer an irresistible combination that’s sure to impress family and friends.

This recipe’s simplicity and flexibility make it suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these fried green cherry tomatoes provide a delicious burst of flavor and texture. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and dipping sauces to tailor the recipe to your palate.

For more creative and tasty vegetarian recipes, check out A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals and Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy and tangy fried green cherry tomatoes make a perfect appetizer or side dish. This easy recipe delivers a crunchy coating with a juicy, tart center.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 pint green cherry tomatoes”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “2 large eggs”, “1/4 cup milk”, “1 cup cornmeal”, “1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying”, “Optional: hot sauce for serving”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and dry the green cherry tomatoes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip tomatoes first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry tomatoes in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm with hot sauce if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}