This innovative recipe transforms creamy polenta into crispy, golden fries using the magic of your air fryer. Perfect for those seeking a delicious and satisfying alternative, these fries boast a delightful textural contrast – crisp on the outside and with a delightful polenta creaminess within.
Ingredients
- Pre-cooked polenta tube (or leftovers you want to use up)
- Olive oil spray or cooking oil of your choice
- Salt
- Pepper (optional)
- Desired seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, etc.) – optional
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer: Check your air fryer’s manual for preheating instructions. The typical preheat temperature for air fryer polenta fries is around 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the polenta: Cut the polenta tube into sticks resembling french fries. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch for even cooking.
3. Prepare the fries for air frying: In a large bowl, toss the polenta sticks with a light coating of olive oil spray or your chosen cooking oil. Ensure all the fries are evenly coated. Season them with salt and pepper (and any additional seasonings you prefer) to taste.
4. Air fry the polenta: Place the polenta fries in a single layer on the basket of your air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect crispiness. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook the fries in batches.
5. Cook and shake: Cook the fries at the preheated temperature (usually around 350°F) for 8-10 minutes. Check on them halfway through the cooking process and give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking.
6. Crisp it up: Once the fries reach the 8-10 minute mark, check for crispiness. If they need more browning and crisping, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
7. Serve and enjoy! Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy your delicious air-fried polenta fries!
Tips
- For extra crispy fries, preheat the air fryer to a slightly higher temperature (around 375°F) and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can experiment with different seasonings to create your own flavor profiles. Garlic powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese are all great options.
- Leftover polenta fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
