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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the tin: Oil and line a Swiss roll tin (approximately 31cm x 23cm) with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cut the polenta: Once set, cut the polenta into 16-24 pieces depending on preferred size.
- 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.
- 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
