Description
These crispy Fried Olives are a delightful finger food with a briny, sweet surprise inside. Paired with a simple garlic aioli, they make the perfect appetizer or snack. Quick to prepare and easy to make, these fried olives bring amazing flavor and texture to any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Fried Olives:
1 (5 ½ oz) jar of small pimento-stuffed olives
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup flour
1 egg, beaten
Canola oil, for frying
For the Garlic Aioli:
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 scant tablespoon lemon juice
1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
To Make the Aioli:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Chill the aioli in the refrigerator before serving.
To Make the Fried Olives:
Heat a couple of inches of canola oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 325-350°F (use a thermometer).
Set up a dredging station: Place the flour and panko breadcrumbs on separate flat plates. Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it.
Dredge the olives first in the flour, then dip them into the beaten egg, followed by rolling them in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
Working in batches, fry the coated olives in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the olives from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the warm fried olives with the chilled garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
Pitted Olives: Always use pitted olives when frying.
Oil Substitution: Canola oil is recommended for frying, but peanut oil can also be used as a substitute.
Alternative Method: If preferred, use a deep fryer instead of a skillet for frying.
Cheesy Surprise: For an extra twist, use cheese-stuffed olives instead of pimento-stuffed olives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
