Description
Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli is a crispy and flavorful appetizer featuring large green olives breaded and fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy garlic aioli, this Mediterranean-inspired snack is perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Olives
- 1 cup large green olives (pitted and well-drained)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Garlic Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives: Pat the olives dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs (breadcrumbs mixed with black pepper). Dredge each olive first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a small saucepan or skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to check the temperature for optimal frying.
- Fry the Olives: Fry olives in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly. Once they are golden brown and crisp, remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let the aioli rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the warm fried olives with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping. Enjoy as a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Notes
- You can stuff the olives with cheese or almonds before breading for an extra treat.
- For a lighter option, you can bake or air-fry the olives at 400°F (200°C) until they turn golden and crispy.
