Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli 🫒✨
These Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli are a crispy, salty, and utterly addictive appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or as a fun snack. Juicy green olives are coated in a golden, crunchy panko crust and fried to perfection, then served with a creamy, garlicky aioli dipping sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that will have everyone reaching for more!
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Fried Olives step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Salty : The crunchy exterior and briny olive center create a satisfying contrast of textures.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s great for gatherings or casual snacking.
- Customizable : Adjust the seasoning or serve with different dipping sauces to suit your taste.
- Quick & Fun : Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for impromptu entertaining.
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6 as an appetizer)
For the Fried Olives:
- 1 cup green olives , drained (pitted or unpitted ) 🫒
- ½ cup all-purpose flour 🥣
- 2 large eggs , beaten 🥚
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 🍞
- Vegetable oil , for frying 🫒
For the Garlic Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise 🧈
- 1 clove garlic , minced 🧄
- 1 tsp lemon juice 🍋
- Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂⚫
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Station
- Set up three shallow bowls for breading the olives:
- Bowl 1 : Place the all-purpose flour .
- Bowl 2 : Add the beaten eggs .
- Bowl 3 : Place the panko breadcrumbs .
- Pat the drained olives dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 2: 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 panko breadcrumbs , pressing gently to adhere the crumbs evenly.
- Place the breaded olives on a plate or baking sheet while you finish the batch.
Step 3: Fry the Olives
- Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) .
- Tip : Test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the olives in small batches for 1–2 minutes , or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried olives to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Aioli
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise , minced garlic , and lemon juice .
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the garlic or lemon juice as needed for your desired flavor.
Step 5: Serve
- Arrange the fried olives on a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
- Serve warm with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Use Pitted Olives : Pitted olives are easier to eat, but unpitted olives can be used for a more rustic presentation.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch : For an even crispier texture, dip the olives twice in the egg and panko mixture.
- Make Ahead : Bread the olives ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 1 hour before frying.
- Air Fry Option : For a healthier version, air fry the breaded olives at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes , flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Switch Up the Sauce : Try serving with tzatziki, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
Perfect Pairings
These Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli pair beautifully with:
- Cocktails : Serve with martinis, margaritas, or a crisp white wine for a sophisticated appetizer spread.
- Charcuterie Board : Add these olives to a board with cured meats, cheeses, and crackers for a complete snack experience.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories : ~180 kcal
- Protein : ~3g
- Carbohydrates : ~15g
- Fat : ~12g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli are a crispy, salty, and indulgent appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a party, holiday feast, or casual snack, these olives deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of crunchy panko, juicy olives, and creamy garlic aioli creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is fun to eat.
The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the seasonings, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different dipping sauces to make them your own. So grab your olives, heat that oil, and get ready to enjoy an appetizer that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.
