Crispy Fried Olives with Spicy Dip
Golden, crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these crispy fried olives are a classic Mediterranean bar snack. Briny olives are coated in a seasoned crust and fried until crisp, then served with a creamy, gently spicy dip that balances richness with tang. Perfect as an appetizer, mezze platter addition, or party snack.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Fried Olives
1½ cups large green olives, pitted
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
¾ cup breadcrumbs
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
Black pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Optional fillings (before breading):
Small cubes of mozzarella or feta
Almonds or roasted red pepper strips
For the Spicy Dip
½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce
Salt to taste
Instructions
Prep the olives
Drain olives well and pat completely dry with paper towels (important for crispiness).
Set up breading station
Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and pepper
Bread the olives
Roll olives in flour → dip in egg → coat in breadcrumbs.
For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumbs once more.
Heat oil
Heat oil in a small pan to 170–180°C (350°F).
Fry
Fry olives in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the dip
Mix all dip ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust spice.
Serve
Serve olives hot with dip on the side.
Tips for Best Results
Dry olives thoroughly to avoid oil splatter
Double-coat for extra crispiness
Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady
Serve immediately for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake or air-fry these?
Yes.
Air-fry: 200°C (390°F) for 8–10 minutes
Bake: 220°C (425°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once
Are they very spicy?
No—the dip is mild. Spice is optional and adjustable.
Which olives work best?
Large green olives like Manzanilla or Castelvetrano.
Can I prepare ahead?
Bread olives ahead and refrigerate up to 6 hours before frying.
Serving Suggestions
Mezze platter with hummus & roasted nuts
With cocktails or mocktails
Alongside grilled halloumi or baked feta
As a crunchy topping for salads
Nutritional Information
Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sodium: Moderate–High (from olives)