Description
Crispy and flavorful fried olives make an exceptional appetizer perfect for holiday parties and wine-and-cheese gatherings. This easy recipe uses an air fryer or stovetop to create a golden, crunchy coating that complements the savory green olives, served with fresh oregano and Parmesan or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Olives and Coating
- 1 10-ounce jar stuffed green olives
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
Batter
- 2-3 large eggs
Cooking and Garnish
- Cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil)
- Fresh oregano leaves (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Optional: Your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Bowls: Crack 2-3 large eggs into the first bowl and whisk them with a fork until smooth. In the second bowl, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder. Add 2 cups of Panko bread crumbs to the third bowl.
- Coat Olives: Drain the liquid from the 10-ounce jar of stuffed green olives. Toss the olives in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated with no dry spots. Next, dip them thoroughly in the beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage. Finally, coat the olives completely in the Panko breadcrumbs and place them in a single layer on a plate.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Hold the plate of breaded olives over the kitchen sink and spray them generously with cooking spray to promote crispiness. For air fryer baskets made of stainless steel, lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the olives in a single layer with some space between each piece to allow even air circulation.
- Air Fry Olives: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook the olives for 5 minutes. Using tongs, flip each olive and spray again lightly with cooking spray. Continue air frying at 400°F for an additional 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the fried olives to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can also prepare the olives using stovetop frying if you prefer, by frying them in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Ensure the olives are well coated in each step for the best crispy texture.
- Adjust paprika quantity or substitute with chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Use cooking spray to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the olives at their crispiest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
