• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cadry's Kitchen
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Threads
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Book
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Air fryer

    Vegan fried green tomatoes (air fryer or pan fried)

    Updated: May 20, 2025 · Published: Nov 3, 2024 by Cadry Nelson · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 18 Comments

    Jump to recipe Watch video
    Text overlay: cadryskitchen.com, vegan fried green tomatoes. Potato chip crusted vegan fried green tomatoes on plate.

    The only thing that could make vegan fried green tomatoes more inviting are these three words – potato chip crusted.

    This tempting appetizer or side dish can be made in the air fryer or pan fried in a skillet. I also give a panko breading option for people who would prefer something on the lighter side.

    Vegan & gluten-free optional.

    Potato chip crusted fried green tomatoes on plate by striped napkin.

    Fried green tomatoes are a wonderful indulgence. They take unripe tomatoes and turn them into a decadent, delicious treat in their own right.

    While fried green tomatoes usually aren’t vegan, it’s easy to prepare them that way!

    For this recipe, you can either pan fry them in a skillet, or make things even easier on yourself and cook them in the air fryer. Less clean-up and no splattering! (I give both cooking options in the recipe card.)

    Four green tomatoes on table.

    Green tomatoes are great for frying, because unlike their ripened counterpart, they are firm and not nearly as juicy as red tomatoes. That makes it easier to bread them. And if you’re frying them in a skillet, less splattering.

    For this air fryer fried green tomatoes recipe, I give two breading options. You can either coat the green tomatoes in potato chip crumbs for a mouthwatering gluten-free option, or use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter option.

    The panko version lets the seasonings really come to the forefront, while the potato chip version is wonderfully moreish.

    Whichever one you choose, both versions have lots of addictive crunch and a super satisfying flavor.

    No air fryer? No problem! I also include directions for frying in a skillet in the notes section of the recipe below. Or you can make my beer battered fried green tomatoes with sauce.

    In this post:

    Jump to:
    • Why readers love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step instructions
    • Pan frying instructions
    • Make it your own
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage instructions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why readers love this recipe

    5 stars

    “I just found this recipe and am glad I did. I had to make my coating with a combination of Lay’s plain and Lay’s barbecue chip cause it was what I had on hand.

    I’m so glad no one else was home. Thank you for posting this recipe. It’s definitely a keeper.” – Shenee

    Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.

    Labeled ingredients for vegan fried green tomatoes.

    Potato chip crumbs or panko: You have a choice between making crumbs from potato chips in the food processor, or using Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs.

    Standard salted potato chips work well, or check out some flavor ideas in the section titled, “Make it your own.”

    Green tomatoes: Choose unripe tomatoes that would eventually be red, but haven’t gained their pinkish hue yet. Don’t use green heirloom tomatoes, like zebra tomatoes.

    Look for green tomatoes at your farmers market, CSA, or in your own garden. Just pluck a tomato or two when they are a good size but not starting to turn red.

    Cornstarch: For the optimum frying experience, it helps if things are dry. Green tomatoes vary in their amount of moisture. Some are pretty dry inside while others are on their way to becoming a ripe red tomato.

    Cornstarch helps to dry them out and aids in browning. Plus, after being coated in cornstarch, they won’t dilute the mayo with their juices.

    Vegan mayo: Vegan mayo is used to replace the standard egg in the breading process. It is brilliant at getting crumbs to stick.

    Vegenaise is my preferred brand, but any eggless mayo will work here. You won’t taste it at all in the final product.

    Seasonings: Dried basil, dried oregano, granulated onion, salt, and pepper.

    Oil spray: If you’re using potato chip crumbs for the breading, omit the oil. The potato chips have enough oil already. However, if you’re using panko breadcrumbs, I recommend spraying the breaded green tomatoes with oil spray before air frying, or fry in oil in a skillet. (Avocado oil is my preference.)

    Step by step instructions

    This section shows how to make this recipe at a glance with process photos of the steps. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.

    4-panel collage showing how to make air fryer fried green tomatoes.

    1. If you’re breading the green tomatoes in a potato chip coating, start by processing potato chips into crumbs. Put three big handfuls of potato chips into a food processor. (If you’re breading them in panko, skip steps 1 & 2.)

    2. Grind the potato chips on a low setting until they are crumb-sized.

    3. Set up the breading station with three plates – cornstarch, vegan mayo, and potato chip crumbs/panko breadcrumbs.

    Add the following seasonings to the crumbs:

    • Dried basil
    • Dried oregano
    • Granulated onion
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    Blot the thin slices of green tomato on a clean kitchen towel.

    Then move the green tomatoes through the breading station, fully completing each step before moving on. Dip each green tomato slice into cornstarch, then coat all of them in vegan mayonnaise. Then dredge all of them in the crumb mixture, making sure they’re totally covered.

    4. If you’re air frying, put the green tomato slices in an even layer across the bottom of the air fryer basket. (For pan frying instructions, continue to the next section.)

    If you’re using the potato chip breading, there’s no need to spritz the green tomatoes with oil. They have plenty of oil in them already. However, if you’re using a panko breadcrumb coating, give them a spritz of oil. Then air fry them.

    Serve the air fried green tomatoes hot. They’re going to be their crispiest, most intoxicating best when they are fresh out of the air fryer. So go ahead and dive into that first batch before you make a second one!

    (And remember, subsequent batches will likely cook a couple minutes faster in the air fryer than the first, because it will be warmed up.)

    Pan frying instructions

    If you don’t have an air fryer, these vegan fried green tomatoes can also be made in a skillet on the stove.

    Just put a shallow layer of avocado oil in a non-stick skillet. Bring it to a medium high heat. Then lay the breaded tomato slices in an even layer across the pan.

    Fry on one side until it’s nutty brown, about 8 minutes. Then flip them and fry for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the other side is equally brown.

    (You can also find the directions in the “notes” area of the recipe card.)

    Make it your own

    Vegan fried green tomato with fork on plate.

    Make this tempting appetizer your own by varying the ingredients or cooking method.

    Vary the potato chips: Use a flavored chip to keep things interesting. Barbecue, horseradish, salt & vinegar, or salt & pepper are all fun options.

    If you’re using a flavored chip, be sure to choose seasonings that won’t clash with them. (Depending on the flavor, you may not even need additional seasonings.)

    Omit the cornstarch: If you have an aversion to cornstarch for whatever reason, it can be omitted. However, the results won’t be quite as brown and crisp.

    Vary the seasonings: Replace or add to the seasonings with Cajun seasoning salt, paprika, granulated garlic, dried parsley, or cayenne.

    Vary the cooking method: These fried green tomatoes can be made in the air fryer or pan fried. Both ways are terrific!

    Serving suggestions

    Vegan fried green tomatoes are a delicious appetizer, side dish, or even sandwich filling. They’re wonderful in a vegan fried green tomato BLT.

    You can also serve them for dinner with any of the following:

    • Vegan BBQ Soy Curls
    • Vegan grits
    • Easy creamed kale
    • Black-eyed peas & collard greens
    • BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
    • Smoky corn chowder
    • Smoky sweet collard greens

    Storage instructions

    I don’t recommend making fried green tomatoes ahead of time. They are at their best when served hot and fresh.

    However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or oiled skillet.

    Air fried green tomatoes on plate by striped napkin.

    If you try this recipe and love it, let me know! Leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comment section below. It truly makes my day and is such a help!

    📖 Recipe

    Air fried green tomatoes with potato chip breading.

    Vegan fried green tomatoes (air fryer or pan fried)

    Author: Cadry Nelson
    5 from 4 votes
    These vegan fried green tomatoes can be made 2 ways in the air fryer – with a potato chip or panko coating. The potato chip coating is extra crunchy and decadent. While the panko coating feels lighter and lets the spices shine.
    I also give directions to pan fry instead for people who don't have an air fryer. Just check out the notes section.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 people
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American, Vegan
    Keyword: air fryer, gluten free

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup potato chip crumbs made from 3 big handfuls of potato chips or panko bread crumbs
    • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
    • ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon granulated onion
    • Pinch of salt
    • Dash of pepper
    • 1 medium-sized green tomato sliced thin with the top stem area removed (or 2 small green tomatoes)
    • Spritz of oil spray Only needed if using panko bread crumbs

    Instructions

    • If you are using a potato chip coating, start by processing your potato chips into crumbs. Put 3 big handfuls of potato chips (roughly 3 ounces) into a food processor. Grind them on a low setting until they become crumb-sized. You may need to stop occasionally to stir for even grinding.
      That should make about ½ cup of potato chip crumbs. If you don't have enough crumbs, add more potato chips to the food processor and grind them, as needed.
      (If you're using panko bread crumbs, you can skip this step, of course.)
    • Next, set up your work area with 3 plates. Put cornstarch on one plate, vegan mayonnaise on the second, and potato chip crumbs or panko bread crumbs on the third.
    • Add dried basil, dried oregano, granulated onion, salt, and pepper to the crumbs. Combine thoroughly with your fingers or a spoon.
    • Blot the slices of green tomato on a clean towel, so that they are as dry as possible. Then dip each slice into the cornstarch, making sure it's totally covered. Tap each slice against the plate to knock off any excess cornstarch.
    • Then dip each slice in the vegan mayonnaise. Use your fingers to kind of "paint" the mayo onto each slice. Make sure each slice gets fully coated in mayo, but wipe off any excess. You don't want there to be big blobs of mayonnaise. It should feel smooth and painted on.
    • Finally, dredge each slice in the crumb mixture, making sure each one is totally covered.
    • Put the slices in an even layer across the bottom of the air fryer basket.
    • If you're using a potato crumb mixture, there's no need to spritz oil on the green tomatoes. They have plenty of oil in them already.
      Air fry the slices at 400 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. Don't flip or shake them. Because the potato chip crumbs are on the heavy side, they will fall off if you jostle them too much in the air fryer.
      If you want to make additional batches of fried green tomatoes, they likely won't need to air fry for quite as long, because the air fryer will be warmed up. Remember to only do one even layer of green tomatoes in the basket for every batch.
    • If you're using a panko bread crumb mixture, give the green tomatoes a spritz of oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Stop to check on them.
      Once they are nicely browned, they are ready to flip. Flip them, give another spritz of oil, and air fry for 2 more minutes. Add another pinch of salt to the green tomatoes just before serving.
      If you want to make additional batches of fried green tomatoes, they likely won't need to air fry for quite as long, because the air fryer will be warmed up. Remember to only do one even layer of green tomatoes in the basket for every batch.

    Watch how to make it

    Notes

    When breading the green tomatoes, I recommend only doing one step at a time, so that you can minimize how often you need to stop and wash your hands. First, coat all of the tomato slices in cornstarch, then cover all of them in mayo, and then coat all of them in potato chip crumbs/panko. Because the mayo step requires two hands, it can get messy otherwise. 
    Pan frying instructions
    These breaded green tomatoes can be fried in oil on the stove. Lightly oil a non-stick pan with organic avocado oil (or other neutral-flavored, high heat oil). Bring the oil to a medium high heat. Evenly lay the slices across the skillet.
    Fry on one side until it is toasty brown, about 8 minutes. Then flip the slices. Fry for another four or five minutes, until that side is brown. Remove from the skillet.
    (FYI: I’ve only fried the panko-breaded tomatoes on the stove. Let me know if you try it with the potato chip breading!)
    Subscribe to Cadry’s KitchenSign up today! JOIN BY CLICKING HERE

    Nutrition

    Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 18.3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1.1mg

    Content and photos updated November 3, 2024. Originally posted August 17, 2017.

    More Air fryer

    • Vegan fried summer squash dunked in creamy onion & garlic dressing.
      Crispy air fryer summer squash (or pan fried)
    • Crispy corn tortilla strips made in the air fryer garnishing burrito bowl.
      Air fryer tortilla strips: Crispy snack & salad topper
    • Pillowy air fryer gnocchi with tomato dipping sauce.
      Crispy air fryer gnocchi (in 15 minutes!)
    • Vegan air fryer green beans with creamy dipping sauce.
      Crispy air fryer green beans (pan-fried option)
    • Facebook
    • Threads

    About Cadry Nelson

    Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadry’s Kitchen, and the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd Edition. Since launching her blog in 2009, Cadry has been making plant-based cooking approachable, and reimagining classic comfort foods. Her work has been featured in NBC News, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Parade, VegNews, and more. She regularly appears on local TV shows, demonstrating to a broad audience how easy vegan cooking can be.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Dawne

      September 24, 2020 at 7:10 am

      5 stars
      The addition of the mayo was delicious! Thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        September 24, 2020 at 1:06 pm

        That’s great to hear, Dawne! Thank you for letting me know.

        Reply
    2. Shenee

      June 04, 2020 at 10:00 am

      5 stars
      I just found this recipe am am glad I did. I had to make my coating wit a combination of Lays plan and Lays barbecue chip cause it was what I had on hand. I tweaked the recipe a bit by adding a garlic powder and just a lil “Slap ya Mama” seasoning. They came out excellent! I was worried about them be over seasoned, but they weren’t. I’m so glad no one else was home. Thank you for posting this recipe. It’s definitely a keeper.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        June 05, 2020 at 8:40 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Shenee! What a good idea to add garlic powder and Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Those sound like delicious additions. Thank you for the lovely feedback!

        Reply
    3. David H

      July 16, 2019 at 9:35 pm

      Just Mayo and even Hellman’s Vegan Mayo (basically a Just Mayo knockoff) are vastly better than Vegenaise.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        July 16, 2019 at 9:54 pm

        I love Vegenaise, but feel free to use whatever type of eggless mayo you prefer. The taste isn’t at all prevalent in the recipe. The mayo is just used for its stickiness.

        Reply
    4. Barb

      July 12, 2019 at 1:20 pm

      Oh YES! Now that I finally have an air fryer, I’m all about these!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        July 15, 2019 at 1:53 pm

        Awesome!! You’re going to have so much fun with it. I’ve had mine for 2 1/2 years now, and I still use it daily. I hope you enjoy the fried green tomatoes!!

        Reply
    5. Dawn

      November 08, 2017 at 8:22 am

      These look so good. I was wondering if they could be made in the oven since I don’t have an air fryer. I live on a limited income. I’m also new to the vegan life style.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        November 08, 2017 at 8:28 am

        Thank you, Dawn! I’ve never made them in the oven, but I’d bet you could. Of course, you could also fry them in a skillet, the way that fried green tomatoes are usually made. If you decide to go the oven route, I’d cook them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes at 400 degrees, stopping once to flip them halfway through. Let me know how it goes, Dawn, if you decide to try it!

        Reply
    6. Sarah De la Cruz

      August 25, 2017 at 12:55 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, you had me at potato chips! This is so creative!!!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        August 29, 2017 at 11:40 am

        Thanks, Sarah! Potato chips can be very persuasive. 😉

        Reply
    7. David

      August 20, 2017 at 8:22 pm

      Thank yuou for sharing the recipe! I just got an air fryer for my wife on her birthday. And now both of us are so extied to find all the yummy recipes! We would love to try this!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        August 21, 2017 at 10:41 am

        That’s great, David! I’m sure your wife was thrilled. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

        Reply
    8. Jenn

      August 18, 2017 at 8:10 pm

      Potato chips – that is pretty genius! I can almost taste these just by looking at them. But I really want to be actually tasting them!!!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        August 19, 2017 at 8:45 am

        Thanks, Jenn! I can guarantee the taste is even better than the appearance alone! 😀

        Reply
    9. Bianca Phillips

      August 17, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      CADRY, this is the BEST IDEA EVER! Thank you!! I will definitely try these because potato chips and fried green tomatoes!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        August 18, 2017 at 12:35 pm

        Yay! Long live potato chips & fried green tomatoes! Let me know how it goes. 😀

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Cadry Nelson standing in kitchen with hand on hip.

    Hi, I'm Cadry!

    I’m the creator behind Cadry's Kitchen and author of Living Vegan For Dummies.

    I'm a longtime vegan, but I grew up eating a standard American diet. I know that all of us crave foods that are familiar, comforting, and delicious.

    That’s why it’s my passion to share mouthwatering plant-based recipes that taste like home.

    More about me →

    In stores now

    Air fryer recipes

    • Text overlay: 50 vegan air fryer recipes. 4-panel collage with jalapeno popper, onion ring, fried pickles, and vegan arancini.
      50 easy vegan air fryer recipes for every meal
    • Kabocha squash soup in bowl garnished with cilantro by bread.
      Coconut curry kabocha squash soup with apple
    • Buffalo Soy Curls sandwich with dairy free blue cheese dressing on plate with potato chips.
      Buffalo Soy Curls sandwich (air fryer)
    • Arancini balls on plate with marinara dipping sauce.
      Vegan arancini (air fryer or oven baked)

    Vibrant spring recipes

    • Bright pink quick pickled turnips in jar.
      Quick pickled turnips (Middle Eastern style)
    • Wilted vegan turnip greens in yellow cocotte.
      How to cook turnip greens without meat
    • Sliced green garlic in pickling brine in glass jars.
      Quick pickled green garlic (4 ingredients!)
    • Bright pink pickled shallots in jar by plate and salsa bowl.
      Quick pickled shallots recipe (Perfect for tacos, salads & bowls!)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Meet Cadry
    • Work with me

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    As seen in

    Copyright © 2025 Cadry's Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.