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- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Olive oil spray When I make Parmesan polenta fries, I focus on fresh and quality ingredients. Polenta serves as the base. I love using cornmeal because it creates a lovely texture. For the broth, I choose vegetable broth for depth of flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and a cheesy pull to every bite. Next, seasonings bring everything together. I use unsalted butter to keep control of the salt. Garlic powder adds that nice, warm flavor. I also sprinkle in dried Italian herbs. They enhance the taste and give that classic Italian flair. Finally, I use olive oil spray when air frying. This helps the fries crisp up without excess oil. It's a simple trick for a healthier fry with that golden finish. Each ingredient plays its part to create a dish that is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. To start, I bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once it bubbles, I whisk in 1 cup of polenta gradually. This step is key. It helps avoid lumps. I keep stirring until the polenta thickens, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The polenta should be smooth and creamy. After cooking, I remove the pot from heat. I stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Then, I add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. I finish with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Mixing these well makes the polenta flavorful and rich. Next, I transfer the warm polenta to a greased baking dish. I spread it evenly to about 1 inch thick. After that, I let it cool at room temperature for around 30 minutes. Then, I cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This helps the polenta firm up. Once chilled, I remove it from the dish and carefully cut it into fry shapes. Now it’s time for the air fryer. I preheat it to 400°F (200°C). I lightly spray the polenta fries with olive oil. This helps them become crispy. Then, I sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. I place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. I air fry them for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. How to avoid lumps in polenta? To avoid lumps, whisk the polenta into the boiling broth slowly. This helps keep the texture smooth. Stir constantly as the polenta cooks. Ensuring even cooking in the air fryer Place the polenta fries in a single layer in the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. Flip the fries halfway through to make sure all sides get crispy. Additional seasonings or cheese variations You can add more flavor by mixing in different cheeses. Cheddar or asiago can work well. You can also try spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for a kick. Suggestions for dipping sauces Pair your fries with marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli. Each sauce adds a different twist to the dish. You can even make a simple garlic dip using yogurt and garlic. Creative serving ideas Serve the fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. This adds charm and makes them fun to eat. You can also stack them for a more dramatic look. Using garnishes for appeal Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for color. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the look and flavor. Adding a side of colorful veggies can make the dish pop even more. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in the recipe. Try using cheddar or asiago for a new twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cayenne. This adds a kick that makes the fries even more exciting. Feel free to cut the polenta into different shapes. You can make wedges, rounds, or even sticks. Each shape offers a unique eating experience. If you want a different texture, try baking the fries instead of air frying. Baking gives them a softer inside and a crisp outside. For gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free polenta. You can also make these fries vegan. Substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese. Look for low-fat cheese if you want a healthier choice. These modifications keep the taste while catering to different diets. To keep your Parmesan polenta fries fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture. This helps keep the fries crisp. They will last for about 3 days in the fridge. Enjoy them within this time for the best taste and texture. For the best texture when reheating, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the fries for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crispiness. You can also use a conventional oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and warm the fries for about 10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. To freeze polenta fries, first let them cool completely. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for the best results. You will know the polenta fries are done when they turn golden brown. The outside should be crispy. You can test one by biting into it. It should be crunchy on the outside but soft inside. The cooking time in the air fryer is about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway to ensure even cooking. Watching them closely helps you get the perfect fry. Yes, you can make polenta fries in an oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method also gives you crispy fries. The oven might take a little longer, but the taste is still amazing. Parmesan polenta fries taste great with many dipping sauces. Here are some delicious options: - Marinara sauce - Garlic aioli - Ranch dressing - Spicy ketchup - Pesto These sauces add extra flavor and make each bite exciting. You can even mix and match to find your favorite! This blog post shared how to make delicious polenta fries. We explored main ingredients like polenta, broth, and cheese. I offered tips on cooking and seasoning, so your fries taste great. You learned about shaping, air frying, and storage. Variations like different cheeses and shapes let you customize your dish. Now, it's time to enjoy your crispy, cheesy fries as a snack or side. Get creative with flavors and dips, and impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite!

Parmesan Polenta Fries Air Fryer

Craving a delicious snack? Try these crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries that are easy to make and packed with flavor! With a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and savory herbs, these fries are the ultimate treat. Ideal for parties or a cozy night in, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Click through to discover the complete recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty twist on fries! #ParmesanPolentaFries #SnackIdeas #AppetizerRecipes #HealthySnacks
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Ingredients
  

1 cup polenta (cornmeal)

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as thyme, oregano, and basil)

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Cook the Polenta: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a brisk boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta to ensure there are no lumps. Once combined, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue stirring consistently for about 5-7 minutes or until the polenta thickens to a smooth consistency.

    Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy.

      Spread and Chill: Transfer the polenta mixture to a greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to a thickness of approximately 1 inch. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for around 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it firm up.

        Cut into Fries: After the polenta has chilled and hardened, carefully remove it from the dish and place it onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the polenta into fry-shaped pieces.

          Coat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the polenta fries with olive oil to help them crisp up during cooking. Then, sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese generously over the fries for an extra cheesy flavor and golden crust.

            Air Fry: Carefully place the polenta fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside.

              Serve: Once the fries are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. Pair these delicious fries with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or a creamy garlic aioli.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins | Servings: 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving presentation, arrange the fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Serve alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce or creamy dip to elevate the dining experience!