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My zesty smooth Lemon Garlic Aioli is a sharp savory sauce that’s perfect for dipping or spreading on your favorite sandwiches. My family loves enjoying this sauce on everything – especially air fryer french fries!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
How to Make Savory Garlic Aioli
This recipe is simple enough to whip up, you’ll crave it all the time!
Homemade Garlic Aioli Ingredients
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (1 cup) – Mayonnaise forms the rich, creamy base that carries all the bold flavors of the aioli.
- Garlic cloves (3) – Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory kick that’s essential for classic aioli flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – Lemon juice brightens the sauce with a zesty tang that balances the richness.
- Sea salt (1/4 tsp) – Sea salt enhances all the other flavors and adds a subtle savory edge.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Black pepper provides a gentle heat and a bit of earthy sharpness.
- Onion powder (¼ tsp) – Onion powder adds a mellow, sweet-savory depth that complements the garlic.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp) – A touch of garlic powder boosts the garlicky flavor without overpowering it.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Olive oil smooths out the texture and adds a silky, slightly fruity finish.
Aioli Step by Step
After gathering ingredients, we will use the following process:
Combine
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl, and whisk until smooth. If you want, you can add some lemon zest to give it more lemon flavor!
Serve
Serve right away, or cover and allow the sauce to refrigerate until ready to use. It’s not necessary, but you can refrigerate for 15 minutes so the flavors can marry even more!
Tips and Tricks for Quick Easy Aioli
Use fresh garlic for bold flavor: Freshly minced or grated garlic gives the aioli its signature punch—roast it first if you prefer a mellower taste.
Grate or mash garlic finely: Use a microplane or smash garlic into a paste with salt to avoid chunks and ensure smooth texture.
Balance the lemon juice: Add lemon juice gradually—too much can thin out the aioli or overpower the flavor.
Use high-quality mayo: Since mayo is the base, use a brand you like, or make your own for extra richness and freshness.
Whisk in olive oil slowly (if making from scratch): If you’re emulsifying from scratch, drizzle in oil slowly while whisking to prevent separation.
Let it chill before serving: Resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and mellow.
Thin with a splash of water or lemon juice: If it’s too thick for your needs (like for drizzling), add a tiny splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it.
Store in an airtight container: It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5–7 days, but always smell and taste before using.
Make it your own: Add fresh herbs, a pinch of cayenne, Dijon mustard, or smoked paprika for fun variations.
FAQs
Traditional aioli is made by emulsifying garlic and oil, but modern versions often use mayo as a shortcut for convenience and creaminess.
Use fewer cloves, roast the garlic, or grate it finely to mellow the flavor while still getting that garlicky goodness.
Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness and flavor, but bottled works in a pinch—just taste and adjust accordingly.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days; always give it a quick stir and taste before serving.
Try chilling it for 20–30 minutes to thicken, or whisk in a bit more mayo if needed.
Yes! Simply use vegan mayonnaise and the rest of the ingredients as usual—it’s just as delicious.
I don’t recommend it – freezing changes the texture and can cause separation when thawed.
Try mixing in Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, or even a touch of hot sauce for extra flair.
What to Serve With Aioli
Crispy French Fries – The creamy aioli adds a zesty, garlicky twist that takes classic fries to the next level.
Roasted Vegetables – A dollop of aioli brings richness and brightness to earthy, caramelized veggies like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Grilled Chicken – Garlic lemon aioli adds a bold, citrusy punch that complements smoky, tender chicken.
Fish Tacos – Drizzle it on top for a cool, tangy contrast to spicy, flaky fish.
Crab Cakes – The aioli’s citrus-garlic flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet, delicate taste of crab.
Sweet Potato Fries – Its garlicky zing balances the natural sweetness of the fries for an irresistible combo.
Grilled Shrimp – Serve as a dipping sauce to highlight the shrimp’s juicy, savory flavor.
Burgers or Sliders – Swap out regular mayo for aioli to instantly elevate your burger with bold, creamy flavor.
Sandwiches or Wraps – Use it as a spread for a flavorful, garlicky upgrade to any sandwich or wrap.
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Lemon Garlic Aioli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, fresh cracked
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl, and whisk until smooth. If you want, you can add some lemon zest to give it more lemon flavor!
- Serve right away, or cover and allow the sauce to refrigerate until ready to use. It’s not necessary, but you can refrigerate for 15 minutes so the flavors can marry even more!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
