Air Fryer Recipe
Parmesan Polenta Chips
Parmesan polenta chips are a simple, tasty snack, made for the air fryer and lovely for a crisp, savoury bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Method
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the polenta, making sure no lumps form. Turn the heat down and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the polenta is smooth and creamy.
- Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper. Pour in the prepared polenta, spreading it out evenly. Leave it to cool and set in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Once the polenta is firm, take it out of the fridge and cut it into chip-sized pieces. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Carefully arrange the polenta slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping so they cook evenly. Cook the chips for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, turning them halfway through.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses rapid convection to create a dry heat environment, which crisps the polenta chips' exterior while keeping the interior soft.
Equipment notes
Assumes a 5-litre basket; single-drawer models may require two batches, while dual-zone models allow simultaneous cooking but need rotation for even browning.
Common pitfalls
- Chips not browning by minute 10? Increase temperature by 10°C; moisture content is too high.
- Polenta sticking to the basket? Ensure chips are fully set and dry before air frying.
- Chips breaking apart? Cook polenta longer initially to achieve a firmer set.
Variations & substitutions
- Use cheddar instead of Parmesan for a milder flavour and slightly softer texture.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky twist, enhancing the chips' golden colour.
- Replace olive oil with truffle oil for an earthy aroma and richer taste.
Storage & reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes; keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
