Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Bites
Crispy polenta bites are a delightful snack or side, with their golden, craggy exterior and creamy centre. The air fryer is ideal for this dish, as it efficiently removes moisture and crisps the surface with minimal oil, avoiding the heaviness of deep-frying.
Ingredients
- 150g quick-cook polenta or instant polenta
- 600ml vegetable stock, hot (or 450ml stock plus 150ml whole milk)
- 25g unsalted butter
- 50g finely grated Parmesan or Grana Padano
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated, or ½ tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary or thyme
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 20g cornflour
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika, chilli flakes or lemon zest
Method
- Line a baking tin or container with baking parchment, leaving an overhang.
- Bring hot stock to a simmer in a saucepan, then whisk in polenta gradually.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until polenta thickens (4–6 minutes for quick-cook, 10–15 minutes for fine cornmeal).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Scrape polenta into lined tin, smooth to 2cm thickness, cover with parchment, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Lift polenta slab, cut into 2–3cm cubes or rectangles.
- Season cornflour with salt and optional spices, toss polenta pieces in it, and shake off excess.
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Toss coated polenta with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, arrange in a single layer in air fryer.
- Cook at 200°C for 12–16 minutes, turning after 8 minutes, until golden and firm.
- Season with salt immediately after cooking, rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
