Description
Crispy fried olives with garlic aioli offer a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that brings bold flavor and irresistible crunch to any gathering. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these little bites will surprise and delight guests with their unexpected texture and rich, garlicky finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups green olives
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Frying and Seasoning:
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Garlic Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Drain green olives thoroughly and pat completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal coating adhesion.
- Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Systematically coat each olive by first rolling in flour, then dipping in egg wash, and finally covering entirely with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, ensuring sufficient depth for complete olive submersion.
- Carefully lower breaded olives into hot oil in small batches, preventing overcrowding and maintaining consistent temperature.
- Fry olives for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until they transform into a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Remove fried olives using a slotted spoon and place on wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For garlic aioli, mince garlic cloves finely and combine with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Whisk aioli ingredients until smooth and well-integrated, creating a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
- Serve hot fried olives immediately alongside prepared garlic aioli for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Drain olives meticulously to prevent soggy breading and ensure crisp, golden exterior during frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, creating a lighter and more delicate coating on the olives.
- Choose briny, firm green olives like Castelvetrano for best texture and flavor profile in this appetizer.
- Experiment with alternative dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo or herb-infused Greek yogurt for dietary variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg