These polenta fries are the crispy, golden side you didn't know dinner was missing. The outside shatters into a crackly crust, while the inside stays light and tender. The secret is cooking the polenta stiff and chilling it cold before you slice, so they crisp up in the oven instead of slumping. I'll show you how to get there.
Here's the thing about polenta fries. They sound fancy, but they're super easy to make. If you can stir a pot and cut things into sticks, you can make these.
One of my favorite parts is that you cook the polenta ahead.
About 30 minutes before dinner, just slice and cook.
My kids insisted that air fried polenta be added to our regular meal rotation. Dip them in marinara, or do what we usually do and shower them with Parmesan cheese.
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Ingredient Notes
I cook the polenta in broth, not water. Any kind works. It is an easy way to add flavor. While it is better with it, you can make this with water if you are out.
Use freshly grated parmesan if you can. It melts better than the kind from the can, and also has so much more flavor.
The cornstarch helps the fries crisp up, so I don’t recommend that you skip it. It looks weird until you brush it with the oil, and then you won’t actually be able to see it.
I called for Italian seasoning in the ingredients, because that is something most everyone has. Something I love even more here is King Arthur Flour’s pizza seasoning. I am honestly obsessed with that stuff.
What to Serve With Polenta Fries
My kids like crispy polenta fries with sheet pan meatloaf, which isn’t traditional, but that’s my kids. I love them served with marinara next to grilled chicken parmesan. They also are great on a snack spread with air fryer garlic bread.
A Few Things I've Learned
- Chill the polenta all the way, and don't think you can rush the two hours. It not only needs to be firm enough to cut, but you have to be able to get the fries into the air fryer or sheet pan without them crumbling.
- Blot the surface, then add the cornstarch. Don't forget to blot both sides!
- Don't crowd the pan or the basket. Crowded fries won't crisp.
How to Make Polenta Fries
Air Fryer Polenta Fries (My Favorite)
This is how I make them almost every time. The air fryer polenta fries just come out crispier, faster. Preheat to 400°F. In some recipes, you can skip the preheat. This isn’t one.
Lay the fries in a single layer. Don't crowd them, or they steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if you need to. (They all fit in my Breville air fryer oven. ) Cook 22 to 25 minutes, until they're deep golden.
If your air fryer basket tends to stick, air fryer liners save you the headache. I’ve made this a dozen times now, and have never had an issue, even though they always look like they are going to stick. Your machine may have its own opinions.
Oven Method
No air fryer? You can still make this polenta fries recipe, and it will still be good. Heat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Spread the fries in a single layer, and give them room. Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden.
Polenta Fries
Ingredients
- 3 cups broth vegetable, beef, or chicken
- 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more for finishing
- 1 cup polenta
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or pizza seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral cooking oil
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper and spray with oil.
- Bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the salt and whisk in the polenta in a steady stream.
- Reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring often, for 5 to 8 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and then spread until even. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Turn the polenta out onto a cutting board, and blot any moisture off the surface.
- Cut into fries about ½ inch wide.
- Put the cornstarch in a small dish and coat the fries with the cornstarch, then brush with the oil.
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve
Air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the polenta fries in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed.
- Cook for 22 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.
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