Air Fryer Fried Green Tomato Caprese With Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, A Balsamic Glaze And A Honey, Lime, Sriracha Mayo On The Side

This recipe is truly a fusion of classic Southern cuisine, combined with a little bit of Italy. A bit of sophistication and a bit of down to earth southern comfort food together in one dish. Easy to make in the air fryer. Of course, you can fry these up in a ½ inch of oil in a skillet, but the air fryer is so much healthier and quicker. Use a good fresh, homemade mozzarella, one that is packed in water versus a ”fresh” mozzarella that is wrapped in plastic. The difference in taste and texture is drastic. Try to use heirloom tomatoes, they also have a significantly different flavor and texture. We are lucky to have had a very large crop of tomatoes this year and we grow 57 varieties, so we freeze them to use all year long. I love the color combination of the yellow, purple and red all used together. To save time, feel free to use a packaged balsamic vinegar, however, we have included a recipe for our own balsamic glaze here if you want to stay to all home made.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 9 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1 very firm and hard green tomatoes

2 eggs

1 cup panko bread crumbs (regular or gluten free)

1 cup yellow cornmeal

½ tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

Spray olive or avocado oil

1 8 oz package fresh mozzarella cheese balls

3 Heirloom tomatoes

Fresh basil leaves

1 bottle prepared balsamic glaze or use recipe below

Honey, Lime, Sriracha Mayonnaise Ingredients:

½ cup good mayonnaise

1 Tbs Sriracha

Juice of ½ lime

1 Tbs honey

Balsamic Glaze Ingredients:

2 cups good balsamic vinegar

½ cup brown sugar (optional)

Directions Fried Green Tomatoes:

1. Mix the Panko with the cornmeal and spices. Place the mixture on a large plate. Stir the eggs in a bowl.

2. Cut the green tomatoes into approximately ⅓ inch slices. Do not season your tomatoes in advance. They will let out water and become soft and you will not end up with the crunchy texture that makes them so popular.

3. Dip each slice into the egg first, then the breading mixture. Press the mixture onto the tomato to get the maximum coverage.

4. Spray each tomato on both sides with the oil.

5. Place in the air fryer. Leave a little space between each one so that the air can circulate.

6. Cook at 400 degrees for a total of 9 minutes. Make sure to flip them over after 6 minutes.

7. While the green tomatoes are cooking, slice the mozzarella and the heirloom tomatoes

8. Place on a plate alternating the fried green tomatoes with the fresh tomatoes and the mozzarella. This needs to be done right before serving as the moisture from the cheese and the sauces will soften the fried green tomatoes.

9. Top with additional salt, drizzle the sauce over tomatoes and sprinkle fresh basil on top.

10. Serve

Recipe Honey, Lime, Sriracha Mayonnaise:

Mix all of the ingredients together. Place in a baggie with a small edge cut off so that it can be drizzled on the tomatoes in a pretty fashion or on the platter or you may also serve the sauce in a bowl on the side.

Recipe Homemade Balsamic Glaze:

1. Place the vinegar in a small saucepan over medium low heat. The vinegar will be a bit sweet and a bit tangy on its own, so it is up to the cooks discretion to add sugar or not. It depends on the level of sweetness desired. Personally, we like the addition of sugar. If you are not going to use the sugar, then simmer for 20 minutes until reduced and thick, stirring occasionally. The glaze should be a thick consistency and will coat the back of a spoon when it is ready. If you decide to add the sugar, then add the sugar to the pan at the same time you add the vinegar. If using sugar, you only need to simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to obtain the desired consistency.

2. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.