Description
Your Simple Ingredient List for Crispy, Creamy Fries. Quick-cooking polenta sets into a sliceable block, then bakes to a golden, gluten-free crunch with a creamy interior. Optional air fryer directions included.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Creamy Polenta Base
- 4 cups water (base liquid for polenta)
- 1 cup quick-cooking (instant) polenta (smooth, creamy texture without long stirring)
- 1 tsp salt (season polenta from within)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (salty, nutty umami)
- 2 Tbsp butter (adds richness and silkiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (seasoning inside the base)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Crispy Seasoned Coating
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (promotes golden crispness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Dipping Sauces
- marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep pan & cook polenta: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment (overhang for handles). In a saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil and add salt. While whisking, slowly pour in polenta; reduce heat and cook 3–5 minutes until very thick. Off heat, stir in Parmesan, butter, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Chill until firm: Scrape hot polenta into prepared pan and smooth the top. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) until cold and set.
- Cut & season: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lift polenta slab onto a board and cut into 1/2-inch fries. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mix olive oil with garlic powder, oregano, and pepper; drizzle over fries and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake (or air fry): Arrange fries in a single layer (don’t crowd). Bake 20 minutes, flip, and bake 15–20 minutes more until golden and crisp. Air fryer: 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, in batches.
Notes
Lighter than deep-fried: Baking instead of deep-frying can significantly reduce oil uptake (often cited up to ~70%), delivering crunch with far less mess. For extra-crispy exteriors, preheat the sheet pan and avoid crowding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 195
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
