Name: Polenta Fries in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) tube of pre-cooked polenta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); Cooking spray; Optional: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce

Why You’ll Love Polenta Fries in the Air Fryer Recipe

These polenta fries are:

Quick and easy to make — just slice, season, and air fry
A light, gluten-free alternative to deep-fried potato fries
Versatile — you can vary seasonings, herbs, or dipping sauces to match your taste
Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a mild corn flavor that pairs well with many dishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pre-cooked polenta (in a package or tube)
olive oil
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
Slice the pre-cooked polenta into fries about ½ inch thick.
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss the polenta fries in the seasoned oil until fully coated.
Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once golden and crispy, remove and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as-is.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Polenta Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella before air frying.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
Herbed Version: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning before cooking.
Lemon Zest Finish: Grate fresh lemon zest over the fries just before serving for brightness.
Sweet Polenta Fries: For a unique twist, season with cinnamon and sugar and serve with a yogurt or chocolate dip.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350–400°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

FAQs

What is polenta made of?

Polenta is made from ground yellow cornmeal cooked into a thick porridge. Once cooled, it becomes firm enough to slice and cook in various ways.

Can I use uncooked polenta instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook it first, then chill it until firm enough to cut into fries. This adds prep time.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

Are polenta fries healthy?

Polenta fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, especially when air-fried, as they use less oil and are gluten-free.

Can I freeze polenta fries?

Freezing is not recommended once cooked, as the texture may change. However, you can freeze sliced, uncooked polenta fries and air fry them straight from frozen.

What dips go well with polenta fries?

Popular choices include marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or pesto.

How do I prevent polenta fries from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or use a perforated parchment liner.

Why are my fries falling apart?

The fries may be too thin or the polenta not firm enough. Use well-chilled polenta and cut thicker fries for better structure.

Do I need to peel the polenta tube?

Yes, remove the plastic casing from the pre-cooked polenta tube before slicing.

Can I use homemade polenta?

Absolutely. Just cook it thick, spread it in a pan, chill until firm, then slice and air fry as directed.

Conclusion

Polenta fries in the air fryer are a game-changing snack or side dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and texture. With just a few ingredients, you get crispy, golden fries that are soft on the inside and completely customizable. Whether you serve them as a fun appetizer, a gluten-free side, or a late-night snack, these fries will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.