Crispy Oven Baked or Air Fried Polenta Fries

2 cups
30 min

This easy fried polenta has a crispy, crunchy exterior with a savory, salty, almost creamy interior. Oven bake, air fry or pan fry these super simple crispy polenta fries.


icon For the full recipe, step by step photos and video visit:

https://tyberrymuch.com/crispy-air-fryer-polenta-frita/

air fryer polenta


Why You’ll Love This Baked, Air Fried or Pan Fried Polenta

If you’ve never had fried polenta before, this is your sign to try it! Basically, if you love french fries, you’re gonna love these polenta fries. Here are a few more reasons you’ll love this recipe:


  • Crispy yet soft: the polenta is coated in lightly seasoned cornstarch and brushed with olive oil for the crispiest exterior while retaining a soft center!


  • Salty, savory, and perfect for dipping in sauces: serve this recipe with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or dairy free aioli.


  • Air fried, oven baked, or shallow fried: this recipe can be made into polenta sticks, slices OR rounds that can be air fried, oven baked, or pan fried.



the crispy fried polenta

Serving

This fried polenta is so good when hot and fresh out of the oven. Sprinkle on a bit of flaky salt and fresh basil or herbs for extra flavor!

Then, dip in your favorite sauces like homemade marinara sauce, dairy free aioli, or even ketchup.



Pro Tips

Follow these simple tips for the best results and for crispy fries!


  • Cooking time depends on the size of the polenta sticks: the larger the pieces, the longer the polenta will have to cook to get crispy. For polenta rounds or triangles, increase the baking or air frying time by 3-5 minutes.
  • Coat lightly in cornstarch: try not to apply too much cornstarch to the polenta. Too much cornstarch will give the fries a powdery texture.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer, oven, or oil: the key to extra crispy fried polenta is making sure the air fryer, oven, and oil are hot!
  • Don’t skip the olive oil: if baking or air frying the polenta, generously apply olive oil for the crispiest and best results. The amount of oil used plays a big part in the crispiness of the polenta fries!
Crispy Oven Baked or Air Fried Polenta Fries
Recipe details
  • 2  cups
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 20 Minutes Total time: 30 min
Show Nutrition Info
Hide Nutrition Info
Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz tube of pre-cooked polenta, or homemade polenta (ingredients below)
  • 2 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp (17g) all purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt, optional
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley or basil
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
Cooking
  • Oil Cooking Spray
  • Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
Serving
  • Store Bought Marinara, for dipping
  • Fresh Basil, or other herbs chopped rough for garnish
Homemade Polenta
  • 3 cups vegetable stock or water
  • 1 cup (170g) coarse yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil or dairy free butter, optional
Instructions
Note: how to make homemade polenta is below.
Cut the tube of polenta in half lengthwise. Place the flat side down on the cutting board and cut into 8 long ½” (1.25cm) wide rectangles. Cut the rectangles in half to create ½” x 3” (1.25 x 7.5 cm) rectangles.
Note: you can also slice the polenta into rounds, wedges, triangles or larger rectangles.
In a shallow bowl stir together the cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and any other seasonings you'd like.
Lightly dust or coat the polenta rectangles in the cornstarch mixture.
Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 425°F or 220°C.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Lay the polenta rectangles in the basket in a single layer.
Spray generously with cooking spray. Then, brush 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on all sides of the polenta. Don’t skip this step- it makes a big difference in the crispiness of the fries!
Air fry in the preheated cavity for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. The fries should be slightly golden and crispy when done.
Enjoy the fries hot and fresh out the air fryer. Garnish with fresh basil and dip in your favorite marinara.
Oven:
Preheat the oven to 450°F or 230°C.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lay the polenta rectangles on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Spray generously with cooking spray. Then, brush 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on all sides of the polenta Don’t skip this step- it makes a big difference in the crispiness of the fries!
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-26 minutes, flipping halfway. The fries should be slightly golden and crispy when done.
TIP: if using parchment paper, make sure it is mostly covered with the polenta rectangles. Some brands of parchment will burn at high temperatures if too much surface area is exposed.
Enjoy the fries hot and fresh out of the oven. Garnish with flaky salt, fresh basil and dip in your favorite sauces.
Stovetop:
Fill a large, deep heavy bottomed pot with ½” of vegetable oil.
Heat the oil to 350°F or 175°C over medium heat
TIP: It’s the right temperature when small bubbles form around a wooden spoon or chopstick when placed in the oil.
Add the polenta rectangles to the oil in a single layer. Make sure the fries don’t touch each other. Be careful as the polenta may splatter.
Fry 2-3 minutes each side. The fries should have a somewhat ‘bubbled’ exterior and should be slightly golden when ready.
Place the cooked fries on a paper towel lined plate or wire rack to absorb the excess oil.
Enjoy the fries while still hot and fresh. Garnish with fresh basil and dip in your favorite marinara.
To Make Homemade Polenta:
Bring 3 cups of water or stock to a simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering, add the salt and slowly pour the cornmeal in while whisking to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low, and cook for 5-10 minutes. Quick cooking polenta should thicken almost immediately and will only need 3-5 minutes.
Line a 9x9” baking dish with parchment. Pour the cooked polenta in and smooth the top.
Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. The polenta should be firm and sliceable when ready.
Tips
  • Cooking time depends on the size of the polenta sticks: the larger the pieces, the longer the polenta will have to cook to get crispy. For polenta rounds or triangles, increase the baking or air frying time for 3-5 minutes.
  • Coat lightly in cornstarch: try not to apply too much cornstarch to the polenta. Too much cornstarch will give the fries a powdery texture.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer, oven, or oil: the key to extra crispy fried polenta is making sure the air fryer, oven, and oil are hot!
Thank You Berry Much
Want more details about this and other recipes? Check out more here!
Go
Comments
Next