Craving a snack or side dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor? Air fryer polenta fries are the answer!

All you need is some corn polenta, water, salt, spices, and olive oil.

These fries are really easy to make and can be a great alternative to French fries or other side dishes, and they are gluten-free and vegetarian, too!

two forks on rim of deep plate covered in crispy polenta fries. — Air fryer polenta fries sprinkled with parmesan.

Ingredients

To make these polenta fries in the air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients. It’s really just polenta, water, and a few spices – oh, and don’t forget the cheese!

Corn polenta – The main ingredient for polenta fries.
Water – To cook the polenta.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the fries.
Paprika – To add a slightly smoky and sweet flavor.
Granulated garlic – Or garlic powder; adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Olive oil – To prevent the polenta fries from sticking to the air fryer and helping them get cripsy.
Parmesan cheese – Grated; adds more flavor.

Recipe Tips

Before you make these polenta fries, take a moment to read through these recipe tips to help you get the best fries in the end!

You can season the polenta with spices of your choice.
Make sure the polenta is firm and set before cutting the fries. Otherwise, they may fall apart in the air fryer.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or the polenta fries may not cook and crisp evenly.
You can spray the polenta fries with a bit of oil for extra crispiness.
The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of the polenta fries, and your personal preference.

Step by Step Instructions

This section of the recipe is all about seeing exactly how to make polenta fries in the air fryer.

You can find all the recipe photos in order so that you can follow along as you make this recipe at home.

Of course, the detailed recipe card with exact measurements and written instructions located at the bottom of this post. You can also print it out!

water and spices in sauce pan sitting on wooden board on counter. — Bring the water to a boil.

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in salt, paprika, and granulated garlic (or garlic powder).

raw polenta in water sitting in sauce pan on round wooden board. — Whisk in the polenta.

When the water is boiling, gradually whisk in the corn polenta, making sure there are no lumps.

thickened polenta in a pot sitting on a round wooden board. — The polenta should be thick and smooth.

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta is thick and smooth. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the type of polenta.

cooked polenta setting in large bowl on white marble counter. — Let the polenta cool.

Transfer the polenta to a large, flat-bottomed bowl or baking dish and spread it out evenly. Let it cool for about an hour or until firm.

chunk of firm polenta on wooden cutting board with fries cut from it. — Cut the firm polenta into strips.

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the polenta into strips about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

raw polenta fries in round air fryer basket with grated cheese on top. — Place the polenta fries in the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the polenta strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

If you want, you can also spray the polenta fries with a little oil for extra crispiness.

round black air fryer basket with cooked polenta fries inside. — The polenta fries should be golden brown and crispy.

Air fry the polenta for 7 minutes, then shake the basket and air fry for another 3 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

The exact cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of the fries, and personal preference.

large plate of crispy polenta fries covered in shredded cheese. — Enjoy these polenta fries with a dip of your choice.

Remove the crispy polenta fries from the air fryer and serve with your favorite sauce or dip. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

These polenta fries taste best fresh when they are warm and crispy. If you have leftovers, let them cool and then store them in a sealed container or bag in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Keep in mind that they will get soggier as they sit, so eat them sooner rather than later. You can try placing a paper towel in the container to absorb some of the moisture.

You can reheat the polenta fries in the air fryer at a temperature between 280 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to re-crisp them and draw out some of the excess moisture.

Alternatively, you can also reheat them in a frying pan with a bit of oil.

Related Recipes

If you liked these polenta fries, here are some other crispy vegetarian creations and different types of fries that you can try in the air fryer!