Can I use store bought polenta?

Yes, you can use store-bought polenta for this recipe. Just make sure to use the solid, pre-cooked polenta that comes in a tube or block.

Are polenta fries good for you?

Low in calories high in protein and fiber. Polenta is a good source of complex carbohydrates. Polenta fries are vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Is polenta the same as grits?

Both are made from ground cornmeal, but there are some differences in the texture and preparation. Polenta is an Italian dish that is traditionally made with coarse yellow cornmeal. It has a creamy and smooth texture when cooked and is often served as a side dish or used as a base for other recipes. Grits, on the other hand, are a Southern American dish made from ground corn kernels. They are typically made from white cornmeal and have a coarser texture compared to polenta. They are popular in Southern cuisine.

Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?

Using an oven instead of an air fryer may require slight adjustments in cooking time and technique, but it can still yield delicious results. An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and crisp the food without additional oil. When using an oven; make sure to fully preheat, use a rack, if possible, to allow air flow to circulate all around the fries, the fries will take a little more time in the oven, toss or stir a few times while baking to ensure even browning.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a cooking appliance that enables you to achieve crispy and flavorful results with significantly less oil compared to conventional frying methods. By utilizing rapid air circulation and high heat, it evenly cooks and crisps food items, requiring only a small amount of oil to achieve desired texture and flavor.

Polenta Fries

Name: Polenta Fries Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup quick-cook polenta meal (Bob’s red mill works great); 3 cups water, or broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried herbs); 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter); 2 cups Quick and Easy Marinara or store bought; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon each capers and kalamata olives- chopped small; burrata or fresh mozzerella slices ( or vegan cheese)

Description

Crispy air fryer Polenta Fries! Whether you enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these polenta fries offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Give them a try and savor their crispy, tender goodness! Vegan and Gluten-free. (Directions for conventional oven included.)

Ingredients

Units

1 cup quick-cook polenta meal (Bob’s red mill works great)
3 cups water, or broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried herbs)
2 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter)

Add ons: 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 2 cloves pressed fresh garlic.

Marinara dipping sauce

2 cups Quick and Easy Marinara or store bought
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon each capers and kalamata olives- chopped small
burrata or fresh mozzerella slices ( or vegan cheese)

Instructions

Bring the water to a boil. Add salt and the polenta slowly, whisking all the while. Add herbs if using.
Turn the heat down and stir for about 5 minutes over a simmer (be careful of polenta splatters!). Turn down to low with a lid on for another 5 minutes. Give a stir, put the lid back on and turn the heat off and let sit for 10 minutes.
Pour into a flat pan (no need to oil) about 8 x 10″. You want the polenta to be close to 1/4 inch thick. Spread the polenta out and smooth the top with an oiled metal spatula. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Loosen the edges and flip the pan over onto a cutting board (place the cutting board on top of the polenta pan and then turn them over together, so that the polenta pan is upside down on top of the cutting board– let it sit there a minute until the polenta drops onto the cutting board).
Cut the polenta into french fry shapes about 1/4 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. Brush with olive oil and place on the air fryer rack so that there is a little space between each fry.
Bake in the air fryer at 425F degrees for 15 minutes. Toss them around a little and bake 5 minutes more, until the edges are golden brown.

For the Marinara Dipping Sauce

In a small shallow oven proof pan, saute olive oil with minced garlic and red pepper flakes over medium heat just for 1-2 minutes, pour in Marinara, add capers and olives heating until warm.
Place burrata or sliced fresh mozzerella over the top and broil until the cheese is soft and melty.

Notes

Tips for baked polenta fries in an conventional oven: Preheat your oven to 450F degrees or 425F on convection setting. Adjust cooking time: You may need to double the cooking time. Use a baking sheet or rack: Place your food on a baking sheet with parchment paper or even better, a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate around it. Elevating the food helps prevent sogginess and promotes even browning. Flip or rotate the fries a few times while baking to ensure even browning and crispy texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: about 8 fries
Calories: 54
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 297.7 mg
Fat: 4.7 g
Saturated Fat: 2.9 g
Carbohydrates: 2.9 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Cholesterol: 13 mg