Creamy Parmesan Polenta Cubes with Crispy Air-Fried Edges Recipe

Introduction

Polenta is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect as a side or snack. This quick-cook polenta recipe yields golden, crispy slices that can be enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tin
• 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 125g quick-cook polenta
• 40g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated
• 25g butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Oil and line a swiss roll tin (around 31cm x 23cm) with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and stock, then bring to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Slowly stir in the polenta, continuing to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Step 4: Cook for 10-15 minutes until the polenta thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese and butter until melted and fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and allow it to cool for about 1 hour until set.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, cut the polenta into 16-24 pieces depending on your preferred size.
8. Step 8: Arrange the pieces in a single layer in an air fryer tray and cook at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with your choice of toppings or as a tasty side dish.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable stock to keep the dish vegetarian or chicken stock for a richer flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• Try adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the polenta during cooking for extra aroma.
• Polenta can be grilled or pan-fried instead of air frying for a different texture.

Storage

Store the cooked and cooled polenta pieces covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness before serving. Leftover cooked polenta can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular polenta instead of quick-cook?

Yes, but regular polenta requires a longer cooking time, usually around 30-40 minutes, and more stirring to avoid lumps.

What toppings work well with polenta?

Polenta pairs well with a variety of toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, cheese, or even a fried egg for a hearty meal.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta Cubes with Crispy Air-Fried Edges Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 16–24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and versatile recipe for crispy air-fried polenta made with quick-cook polenta, vegetable or chicken stock, parmesan cheese, and butter. This polenta is cooked on the stovetop, cooled, cut into pieces, and then finished in the air fryer to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Perfect as a snack or side dish with customizable toppings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Polenta Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tin
• 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 125g quick-cook polenta
• 40g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated
• 25g butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tin: Oil and line a Swiss roll tin (approximately 31cm x 23cm) with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the polenta: Place a large saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil and the vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then gradually pour in the polenta while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
3. Add cheese and butter: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the grated parmesan cheese and butter until fully melted and incorporated into the polenta.
4. Set the polenta: Pour the cooked polenta into the prepared lined tin, smoothing out the surface. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for 1 hour.
5. Cut the polenta: Once set, cut the polenta into 16-24 pieces depending on preferred size.
6. Air fry the polenta: Arrange the polenta pieces in a single layer in the air fryer tray. Cook at 200°C (approximately 400°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve and store: Serve the crispy polenta pieces with your favorite toppings. Store leftover polenta pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The base polenta will keep chilled for up to three days before air-frying.

Notes

• You can use either vegetable or chicken stock depending on dietary preference.
• Grated parmesan can be substituted with a vegetarian hard cheese alternative if preferred.
• Quick-cook polenta is recommended for faster preparation; traditional polenta will require longer cooking time.
• Letting the polenta cool completely before cutting ensures firm pieces that hold shape during air frying.
• Cooking times can vary based on air fryer model; check for a golden crispy exterior as the indicator.
• Try topping air-fried polenta with sauces, herbs, or grilled vegetables for a complete dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: polenta, air fryer polenta, crispy polenta, vegetarian snack, Italian side dish, quick polenta recipe