Make crispy, golden Air Fryer Polenta Cakes with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, these polenta cakes are a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Air Fryer Polenta Cakes are a simple and delicious dish that transforms polenta into crispy, golden cakes with a tender interior. Made by cooking polenta, letting it set, and then cutting it into squares or rounds, these cakes are seasoned to perfection before being air-fried for a healthier twist.
The air fryer gives them that crispy, crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. Serve them as a side dish with your favorite sauce or as an appetizer topped with herbs, cheese, or sautéed vegetables for a versatile and satisfying treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy Exterior: Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender inside.
- Quick & Easy: Simple to make with minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or appetizer.
- Customizable: Top with cheese, herbs, or your favorite sauce.
- Golden Texture: Air fryer creates a perfectly golden crust.
- Flavorful: Packed with rich, savory polenta flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and reheated.
If you love easy Air Fryer Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Polenta Fries, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, Deviled Eggs Without Mustard, or Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
Ingredients Needed
- Polenta: Pre-cooked polenta, perfect for quick and easy cakes.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the polenta mixture.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warm kick to the cakes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the mixture for easier shaping.
- Eggs, Beaten: Provides moisture and helps the mixture stick.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds crunch and texture to the cakes’ exterior.
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Rich, salty cheese for extra flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Additional seasoning for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the cakes.
- Oregano: Brings an herbaceous, earthy flavor to the cakes.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory, aromatic depth to the mixture.
- Marinara Sauce: Tangy and rich sauce for dipping or topping.
- Burrata Cheese: Creamy, luscious cheese for extra richness and flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Polenta Cakes
Step One: Open up the package and remove the wrapper. Cut off the rounded ends (optional) and slice them into thin rounds.
Step Two: Season rounds with salt and pepper on both sides and coat lightly with all-purpose flour. Dip each round into beaten egg yolk, and then dredge in breadcrumb mixture (1:1 ratio of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, seasoned with a bit of salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder).
Step Three: Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, at 380 degrees F, using air fryer setting, on each side until golden brown and crispy. Set finished polenta aside on a wire cooling rack so they stays crispy during the plating process.
Air Fryer Polenta Cakes Recipe Tips
- Use Firm Polenta: Use firm, pre-cooked polenta for the best texture when slicing into cakes.
- Pat the Polenta Dry: After slicing, pat the polenta rounds dry to remove any excess moisture, helping them crisp up better.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the polenta and breadcrumb mixture; this adds flavor to the cakes.
- Light Coat of Flour: A light coating of flour helps the egg wash stick and adds to the crispiness.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the cakes in a single layer with space in between for the hot air to circulate evenly.
- Flip for Even Crisping: Flip the polenta cakes halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get crispy and golden.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the cakes right away while they are hot and crispy.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Polenta Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the cakes in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Polenta Cakes
Air Fryer Polenta Cakes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious sides to create a well-rounded meal. Serve them with a tangy marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, or top them with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty option. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the cakes. For a more indulgent experience, pair the cakes with a dollop of creamy burrata or goat cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor. Whether as an appetizer or side dish, these cakes can be customized to complement many main courses.
Air Fryer Polenta Cakes Recipe Faqs
Can I use regular polenta instead of pre-cooked? Pre-cooked polenta is ideal for this recipe because it holds its shape better when sliced. If using regular polenta, you’ll need to cook and set it before slicing.
Can I make the polenta cakes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and bread the cakes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
How do I make these cakes vegan? To make the cakes vegan, skip the eggs and use a plant-based binder, such as a flax egg or chickpea flour, and substitute the cheese with a vegan variety or nutritional yeast.
Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Can I freeze these cakes? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked cakes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Air fry them directly from frozen when you’re ready to cook.
Can I add different seasonings to the breadcrumb mix? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with seasonings like Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest to personalize the flavor of your polenta cakes.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER GARLIC ROASTED FINGERLING POTATOES
- FROZEN TATER TOTS IN AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO FRIES
- EASY AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FRENCH FRIES
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Air Fryer Polenta Cakes
Description
Ingredients
- 1 tube polenta
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powde
Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup Burrata cheese
Instructions
- Open up the package and remove the wrapper. Cut off the rounded ends (optional) and slice them into thin rounds.
- season rounds with salt and pepper on both sides and coat lightly with all-purpose flour. Dip each round into beaten egg yolk, and then dredge in breadcrumb mixture (1:1 ratio of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, seasoned with a bit of salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder).
- Air Fry the coated polenta rounds for about 12-15 minutes, at 380 degrees F, using air fryer setting, on each side until golden brown and crispy. Set finished polenta aside on a wire cooling rack so they stays crispy during the plating process.
- Plate the polenta rounds – start with a smear of marinara sauce (or other red sauce of your choice), top with the prepared polenta, sprinkle some arugula (or greens of your choice) and finish with a few pieces of burrata. Top with a bit of flaky salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
- Olive Oil Spray
Nutrition
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bearclawflower
These turned out delicious! 🔥🔥🔥♥️