Fried Olives

Looking to spice up your snack game? Fried olives are a crispy, tangy treat that’s sure to impress. This quick and easy recipe brings together the perfect blend of flavors and crunch, making them a delicious addition to any gathering or a fun indulgence for yourself!
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Fried olives in a basket with one sliced in half displaying the stuffed olive instead of the fried breading.
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Craving a snack that’s both savory and satisfying? Fried olives are the perfect treat to change up your old appetizer options with their crispy exterior and tangy filling. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these golden bites will add a delicious touch of elegance to any occasion.

If you keep reading, you’ll learn how to turn ordinary olives into a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this mouthwatering appetizer that combines a delightful crunch with the rich taste of olives.

Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s start frying!

Why You Must Make This Fried Olives Recipe

This fried olives recipe is a game-changer for any snack lover! It combines a perfectly crispy coating with the rich, tangy flavor of olives, creating an irresistible treat. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe delivers a gourmet experience without the hassle.

  • Bursting with Flavor. Each olive is packed with bold, tangy flavors that become even more intense when fried. The combination of the warm, crispy coating and the savory filling is simply mouthwatering.
  • Easy to Make. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, preparing fried olives is a breeze. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require special skills or equipment.
  • Perfect for Sharing. These bite-sized treats are great for parties and gatherings. They’re easy to serve and perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a hit at any event.
  • Versatile Snack. Fried olives can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips (like this eggplant dip or artichoke dip) , vegan cheese, crackers (such as these savory almond flour crackers), hummus platters or vegan charcuterie boards. They’re a versatile appetizer that complements a wide range of flavors and dishes.
  • Crowd-Pleaser. The unique combination of crunchy coating and flavorful filling makes fried olives a standout appetizer. They’re sure to be a favorite among guests and leave everyone asking for more.
A serving tray of fried olives, served with a bowl of creamy dip.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Curious about what goes into making fried olives? Here are the essential ingredients that give them their delicious flavor and crunch. Plus, we’ll explore some handy substitutions if you’re looking to mix things up or work with what you’ve got on hand!

Gathered ingredients for making fried olives, measured out in individual bowls with labels.
  • Stuffed Olives: Add a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture inside the crispy coating. The filling can complement the crispy exterior and enhances the overall taste. If you can’t find stuffed olives, you can use plain green or black olives. You might want to add a bit of seasoning or a small piece of vegan cheese inside to mimic the flavor of stuffed varieties. If olives are not your thing, you could swap them out for stuffed mushrooms, pickles (such as these Japanese pickles), brussels sprouts, pickled vegetables, or hot peppers.
  • Plain Flour: Helps create a thick batter that adheres well to the olives, giving them a crispy coating when fried. For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour instead.
  • Cornstarch: Aids in creating a light, crispy texture by absorbing moisture and enhancing the crispiness of the coating. Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch. Both will give a similar crispy texture.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a light, airy crunch that adds to the crispy exterior of the fried olives. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used if panko isn’t available. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

How To Make Fried Olives

Ready to make a snack that’s both crunchy and tangy? Fried olives are surprisingly easy to prepare and pack a flavorful punch. Follow these simple steps to create a crispy, golden treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!

Batter for the fried olives whisked in a bowl.

Step 1: Make the Batter – In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and water until you get a thick batter. Adjust the consistency with more water or flour if needed.

An olive on a toothpick dipped into a bowl of cornstarch.
A cornstarch coated olive being dipped into the batter.
Batter coated stuffed olive being dipped into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Olives – Stick a toothpick into each olive and roll it in cornstarch, then dip it in the batter, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.

Stuffed olives frying in a skillet with oil.

Finally, Step 3: Fry and Cool – Heat oil in a pan until it sizzles with a droplet of water. Fry the battered olives in the hot oil until golden brown, flipping if needed. Remove with tongs, let them cool, and enjoy!

Serving Tips and Suggestions for Pan Fried Olives

Looking for ways to make your fried olives even more delicious? Check out these simple tips to get a perfectly golden crunch every time and creative serving ideas to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these suggestions will help make your fried olives truly stand out:

  • Serve with Dipping Sauces – Pair your fried olives with tasty dips like marinara (or this spicy arrabiata sauce), vegan garlic aioli, or spicy mustard for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Add to a Charcuterie Board – Fried olives make a great addition to a charcuterie board alongside vegan cheeses, cured vegan meats, and homemade crackers, adding a crispy, savory element.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle some fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary over your fried olives to add a pop of color and enhance the flavors. If you’re interested in growing your own fresh herbs, make sure to check out this seed starting guide!
  • Pair with a Glass of Wine – Fried olives pair beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling rosé, making them a perfect appetizer for a cozy night in.
  • Offer as a Party Appetizer – Fried olives are easy to serve at gatherings—just pop a few toothpicks in them and let your guests enjoy these bite-sized treats!
A fried olive dipping into a bowl of creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make fried olives gluten-free?

You sure can! Simply swap out the plain flour and Panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version instead.

Can you freeze fried green olives?

Yes, they are freezer-friendly. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy them later, reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

What if I don’t like olives?

No problem! You can substitute your favorite small veggie for the olives. Suggestions include pickles, hot peppers, mushrooms, or brussels sprouts.

Golden fried olives in a serving tray.

If you make this recipe for fried olives, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!

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Crispy Fried Olives

5 from 2 votes
A must-make for your next holiday party — and they’re surprisingly easy! Salty, savory, and the perfect crunch, you’re going to be obsessed!
Fried olives in a basket with one sliced in half displaying the stuffed olive instead of the fried breading.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Cooling Time 2 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 jar stuffed olives, any type
  • ¾ cup plain flour, for batter
  • sprinkle salt
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup cornstarch , or arrowroot powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk flour with the salt and water until a batter forms. It should be thick. You can add more water or more flour as needed to change the batter’s consistency.
  • Stick a toothpick into an olive and dip and roll the olive in the cornstarch, then the batter, and then the breadcrumbs.
  • Add oil to a pan and heat until adding a droplet of water makes a dramatic sizzle.
  • Using tongs, gently add the battered olives to the oil, one at a time, and fry for a few minutes until golden brown, flipping if needed. Remove from oil and allow to cool before serving!

Notes

  • Gluten-Free? No worries! Substitute with a gluten-free version of flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Don’t Like Olives? Swap for pickles, stuffed mushrooms, or brussels sprouts instead! For a spicy alternative, use small hot peppers.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 1282mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 2mg
Course — Appetizer, Appetizer or Snack, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine — American
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5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




2 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Great hors d’oeuvres! Crunchy, salty and flavorful.

  2. 5 stars
    I haven’t been a huge fan of olives until I tried these! They’re the perfect appetizer or snack. Fantastic texture and flavor

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