These Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli are the ultimate appetizer—crispy, golden olives paired with a creamy, garlicky dipping sauce. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a snack, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. The crunchy exterior of the fried olives contrasts beautifully with their juicy, briny interior, while the garlic aioli adds a rich, tangy finish.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 10 minutes
Total Time
- 25 minutes
Servings
- 4–6 servings
Ingredients
For the Fried Olives:
- 1 cup green olives, drained (pat dry with paper towels)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch, if desired)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Aioli
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Pat the olives dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better.
Step 3: Bread the Olives
- Roll each olive in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured olive into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the olive in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs evenly. Place the breaded olives on a plate.
Step 4: Fry the Olives
- Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) . If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb into it—it should sizzle immediately.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the breaded olives to the hot oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes , or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried olives to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Arrange the fried olives on a serving platter.
- Serve warm with the chilled garlic aioli on the side for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or lemon zest for an extra touch of elegance, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Olives: Use pitted green olives for convenience, or mix and match with black olives for variety. Stuffed olives (like those with pimentos or almonds) also work well for added flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, season the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (like oregano or thyme), or a pinch of paprika.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying. If the oil is too hot, the olives will burn; if too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Storage: Fried olives are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli are a simple yet impressive appetizer that combines crispy, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. The creamy garlic aioli perfectly complements the crunchy fried olives, making them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ready to fry up these addictive little bites? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a plate of golden, crispy goodness paired with a zesty garlic dip—it’s a flavor explosion you won’t forget!
