Quick & Zesty Fried Olives With Garlic Aioli Recipe

Crispy, golden fried olives with garlic aioli pack a surprising punch of Mediterranean flavor that will make you rethink appetizer possibilities.

Olive lovers understand the magic of transforming these briny gems into crunchy delights.

Unexpected textures create culinary excitement when each olive becomes a perfect golden-brown morsel.

Garlic aioli adds a creamy, zesty companion that complements the salty olive crunch.

Simple ingredients dance together in this quick recipe that feels like a gourmet secret.

Unexpected and delightful, these bite-sized treats will become your new favorite conversation starter at any gathering.

What Goes Well With Fried Olives and Garlic Aioli

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the fried olives and complement the garlic aioli's tangy flavor.
• Match with Sparkling Appetizer Companion: Choose a light prosecco or champagne that provides refreshing bubbles to balance the salty, crispy olive texture.
• Create Mediterranean Plate Partner: Serve alongside small plates of marinated feta, cured meats like prosciutto, and roasted red peppers to enhance the Mediterranean olive experience.
• Recommend Fresh Herbal Cocktail: Mix a gin-based cocktail with fresh basil or rosemary to echo the herb-friendly profile of olives and provide a bright, aromatic contrast.

How to Store Fried Olives With Garlic Aioli

• Store leftover fried olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, spread olives on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain their crunchy texture.
• Freeze breaded, uncooked olives on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.

FAQs

• What type of olives work best for this recipe?

Green or black olives with pits removed work perfectly. Kalamata or Spanish olives provide excellent flavor and texture for frying.

• Can I make the aioli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic aioli up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors blend and intensify.

• How do I ensure the olives stay crispy?

Pat the olives dry before breading and make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which helps maintain crispiness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for coating.

Reasons to Love Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Transform simple olives into a crispy, irresistible starter that will wow guests at any gathering.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn basic breading and frying skills that can be applied to many other ingredients, boosting your culinary confidence.
• Create Quick Gourmet Bite: Elevate a humble olive into a restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation steps.
• Enjoy Versatile Dipping Delight: Pair the crunchy fried olives with the zesty garlic aioli for a flavor-packed combination that works perfectly as a snack or party food.

Ingredients Needed for Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli

• Olives: Briny and flavorful Mediterranean fruits that become crispy and delicious when breaded and fried.

• Flour: A light coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the olives.
• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that adds texture and crunch to the olives.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Provide bright, zesty flavors that complement the rich olives.
• Mayonnaise, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients that create a creamy, well-seasoned garlic aioli for dipping.

• Olive Oil: Allows the olives to fry to a perfect golden brown and crispy texture.

• Paper Towels: Help absorb excess oil and keep the fried olives crisp.

How to Prepare Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli Properly

Step 1: Whisk Creamy Garlic Aioli

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
• Fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Set the aioli aside to let flavors meld together.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Stations

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Whisked eggs
• Third dish: Seasoned breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Olives Completely

• First dredge in flour, ensuring complete coverage
• Next dip into beaten eggs
• Finally roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Step 5: Fry Olive Batch

• Fry 2-3 minutes
• Rotate for even golden-brown color
• Maintain consistent oil temperature

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried olives onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Arrange crispy olives on serving platter with aioli dipping sauce.

Helpful Tips for Crispy Fried Olives With Aioli

• Place fried olives on a wire rack over paper towels to keep them crispy and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Select firm, medium-sized olives like Castelvetrano or Kalamata for best breading and frying results.
• Maintain oil at 350-375°F to ensure even golden-brown coating without burning the breadcrumbs.
• Mix panko with herbs or parmesan for extra flavor and crunch in your breading.
• Make garlic aioli at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and intensify.

Variations to Try With Fried Olives and Aioli

• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into breadcrumbs for an aromatic herb-infused coating that adds extra flavor complexity.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Blend finely chopped jalapeños into the breadcrumb mixture and add a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery version that brings heat to the classic recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese Crisp: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture, creating a crispy, savory outer layer with rich umami notes.
• Smoky Paprika Version: Mix smoked paprika and garlic powder into breadcrumbs for a deep, smoky flavor profile that transforms the traditional fried olive experience.

Fried Olives With Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy fried olives with garlic aioli elevate Mediterranean snacking to a delightful culinary adventure. Bold flavors and crunchy textures combine in this irresistible appetizer that will surprise and delight guests craving something unique.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup green olives, drained
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Seasoning:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty garlic aioli by whisking mayonnaise with finely chopped garlic, a splash of tangy lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
2. Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with crisp breadcrumbs.
3. Roll each olive first in flour, ensuring a light, even coating that helps eggs adhere. Shake off excess.
4. Dunk floured olives into beaten eggs, allowing any drips to fall back into the bowl.
5. Transfer eggs-coated olives to breadcrumbs, gently pressing to create a uniform, crunchy exterior.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even browning.
7. Carefully lower breaded olives into hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
8. Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until they transform into golden-brown, crispy morsels.
9. Extract olives using a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip back into the pan.
10. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb residual oil and maintain crispness.
11. Plate the sizzling olives alongside the chilled garlic aioli for dipping.
12. Serve immediately while olives are hot and aioli is cool for maximum flavor contrast.

Notes

• Choose green olives with firm texture for best frying results, as they hold their shape better during cooking.
• Ensure oil temperature stays around 350°F to prevent olives from becoming greasy or burning quickly.
• Pat olives completely dry before breading to help coating stick better and create crispier exterior.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 303 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 747 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg