Air Fryer Polenta Fries Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">750ml water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g polenta (cornmeal)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for spraying</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp paprika (optional)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">20cm square baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Line a 20cm square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal later. This preparation step is crucial for clean-cut fries.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the polenta in a steady stream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Continue cooking the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens significantly and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. The polenta should be thick enough that the spoon can stand upright in it momentarily.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Parmesan cheese (if using), rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all seasonings evenly throughout the polenta mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Transfer the hot polenta mixture to your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to a thickness of about 2cm. Smooth the top with a wet spatula to create a level surface. Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to set completely, at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once fully set and firm, carefully lift the polenta block out of the dish using the parchment paper handles. Place on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut into fries about 1cm wide and 7-8cm long. For extra crispiness, you can make them slightly thinner, but be gentle as they may break if too thin.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. While it's heating, lightly spray or brush the polenta fries with a thin coating of olive oil. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior without deep frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Working in batches to avoid overcrowding (which would steam rather than crisp the fries), arrange the polenta sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving small spaces between them for air circulation. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil again.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Air fry at 200°C for 12-15 minutes, carefully flipping the fries halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender interior. You may need to adjust cooking time depending on your specific air fryer model.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove the fries carefully from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, aioli, or herb-infused yogurt. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior is best enjoyed immediately.</li></ol>