If you love fried pickles, you'll love these little gems too. They're warm and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Serve them with aioli or marinara sauce, or a little grated Parmesan cheese.
oil, for frying
1 c. pitted green olives, unstuffed or pimento or cheese stuffed olives
1 c. garlic stuffed olives
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. panko bread crumbs
1 T. Italian seasoning
1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes
Dry olives on a paper towel lined sheet pan.
Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees F.
Add the flour, eggs and panko to 3 shallow dishes. Season bread crumbs with the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
Dredge a few olives in the flour, coating each completely; dip in the beaten eggs; coat in the bread crumbs; set aside; repeat with the remaining olives.
Working in batches, fry the olives in the hot oil until crispy and golden, 1 - 2 minutes. Transfer olives to a wire rack placed over a paper towel lined sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining olives.
Transfer the olives to a serving platter or a bowl with toothpicks on the side for dipping.
Serve hot.
6-8 servings.