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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with crisp breadcrumbs.
- Roll each olive first in flour, ensuring a light, even coating that helps eggs adhere. Shake off excess.
- Dunk floured olives into beaten eggs, allowing any drips to fall back into the bowl.
- Transfer eggs-coated olives to breadcrumbs, gently pressing to create a uniform, crunchy exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even browning.
- Carefully lower breaded olives into hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until they transform into golden-brown, crispy morsels.
- Extract olives using a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip back into the pan.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb residual oil and maintain crispness.
- Plate the sizzling olives alongside the chilled garlic aioli for dipping.
- 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