Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli

Crunchy, savory, and perfectly paired with a creamy garlic aioli—these fried olives are the ultimate snack or appetizer!
Looking for a new, crowd-pleasing appetizer to impress your guests? These Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli are crispy on the outside, briny on the inside, and served with a tangy, garlicky dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to something special, this recipe will elevate your snack game to the next level.
Why You’ll Love These Fried Olives
- Crispy on the outside, with a briny burst of flavor inside
- Paired with a creamy garlic aioli for the perfect balance
- Simple to make, with minimal ingredients
- Perfect for appetizers, game days, or as a savory snack!
Ingredients
For the Fried Olives:
- 1 cup green olives, drained
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Garlic Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Olives
In a medium bowl, combine the drained green olives with all-purpose flour, tossing them until evenly coated. This will help the breadcrumbs stick later.
2. Coat the Olives
Dip each flour-coated olive into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Next, roll the olive in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Arrange the coated olives on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F (180°C) for perfect frying.
4. Fry the Olives
Carefully add the breaded olives to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally for even frying.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the olives to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the Garlic Aioli
While the olives are cooling slightly, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve
Serve the crispy fried olives hot, with a generous side of garlic aioli for dipping.
Tips & Customizations
- Add spice: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or hot sauce to the aioli.
- Olive varieties: You can experiment with black olives or stuffed olives for different flavors.
- Serving ideas: These fried olives are perfect for serving at parties, with drinks, or as a fun snack alongside charcuterie boards.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 4 servings
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli alongside fresh bread, cheese, or roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired spread. You can even serve them at your next wine night or football party!