Crispy Polenta Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

Meet your new favorite snack or party appetizer: Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries! These golden fries boast a crisp exterior, tender middle, and a herby, cheesy kick you’ll crave again and again. Paired with a robust homemade marinara dipping sauce, they’re nothing short of addictive, and the air fryer makes them delightfully easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to deliver big flavor and that signature crispy texture. Even better, you likely have most items already! Here’s how they work together to create magic with every batch of Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries.

• Precooked polenta log: The star of the show—convenient, easy to slice, and the perfect blank canvas for cheesy, herby goodness.
• Potato starch (or any starch): Coats each fry for that beautifully crunchy outer shell; potato starch is my favorite for extra crisp, but cornstarch or arrowroot also work.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a nutty, salty punch both inside and outside the fries.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Infuse each bite with warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the polenta.
• Dried oregano: Lends those classic Italian herbal notes that pair perfectly with the marinara.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t forget to taste and season as you go.
• Fresh basil: Finely chopped for a pop of green, freshness, and a touch of sweetness to balance the richness.
• Olive oil: Helps the starch and herbs adhere and ensures each fry crisps up luxuriously in the air fryer.
• Marinara sauce: Go for a no-sugar-added variety, since you’ll be jazzing it up with garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.
• Garlic cloves: Sautéed into the marinara for an extra kick of irresistible flavor.
• Red pepper flakes & smoked paprika: Warmth and subtle smokiness in the sauce keep things lively and complex.

Variations

Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries love a good remix! With just a few swaps or tweaks, you can make this recipe fit your cravings, your pantry, or your dietary needs—so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Vegan Polenta Fries: Skip the parmesan or use your favorite plant-based alternative for a delicious dairy-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the starch blend for heat-lovers.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Try pecorino romano, asiago, or a smoked cheese for a different take on the classic flavor.
• Herb Swap: Trade fresh basil for parsley, thyme, or rosemary—choose whatever is freshest or most appealing to you.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

Start by prepping the robust dipping sauce so it’s ready to go when your fries come hot out of the air fryer. Simply heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika until fragrant—about a minute or two. Stir in the marinara, season to taste, and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes as the flavors meld. Keep it warm on low until you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Slice the Polenta Fries

While your sauce simmers, slice the precooked polenta log into perfect fry shapes. For those classic, chunky “steak fry” vibes, slice the log in half end-to-end, halve each piece crosswise, then cut each section lengthwise into three wedges—aiming for 24 fries per log. Don’t stress about perfect cuts—rustic is beautiful here!

Step 3: Make the Seasoned Starch Coating

In a small bowl, mix your potato starch (or starch of choice) with garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is the secret to that irresistible crunch on each polenta fry, and the seasonings ensure every bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Preheat & Oil the Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. While it heats, arrange your sliced fries on a sheet pan or plate and brush each piece with olive oil—this helps the starch and herbs stick, and guarantees they crisp up beautifully in the fryer.

Step 5: Coat with Starch & Seasonings

Sift or sprinkle the seasoned starch mixture over the oiled polenta wedges, making sure to coat both sides with a light dusting. Then, scatter the dried oregano by hand and gently press it so it clings to the fries. It’s okay if some starch dissolves—a little unevenness just means more rustic crunch!

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the fries in a single, uncrowded layer in your air fryer basket—work in batches if needed, because airflow equals crispness. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip each fry carefully with a fork, then air fry another 8 minutes until they’re deeply golden and crispy.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese & Basil

Pull your hot, crispy fries from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle them with more freshly grated parmesan, finely chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This last hit of cheese and herbs adds big aroma and a pop of flavor, making your Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries totally irresistible.

Step 8: Serve with Warm Marinara

Ladle that vibrant, garlicky marinara sauce into a bowl, top with a little extra parmesan if you love cheese, and start dipping! These fries are at their very best served piping hot and fresh from the fryer.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries

Garnishes

Shower your fries with extra parmesan, ribbons of fresh basil, or even a little chopped parsley for extra color. A dusting of flaky sea salt and a crack of black pepper right before serving makes each bite pop even more.

Side Dishes

Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries shine alongside grilled meats, veggie burgers, roasted vegetables, or as an inventive partner for an antipasto platter. They’re also perfect for casual weeknight dinners or game-day spreads—just add salad or soup for a complete meal!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the fries upright in a tall glass or parchment-lined cup for an appetizer tray, or serve them family-style on a platter with the warm marinara in a vibrant bowl. For parties, offer a trio of dipping sauces—think basil pesto, garlic aioli, or roasted red pepper dip alongside your classic marinara.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries (lucky you!), arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the marinara separate to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your cooked polenta fries! Lay them flat on a lined sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to two months. Reheat straight from frozen for a tasty, last-minute snack.

Reheating

To bring back that signature crunch, pop the cold or frozen fries back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-8 minutes, checking and shaking halfway through, until crisp and heated through. They’re almost as good as freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving golden, crispy snacks that never fail to wow a crowd, give these Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries a try. They’re the perfect marriage of comfort food, Italian flair, and air fryer magic—and they always disappear fast. I hope you love every last crunchy, cheesy, dippable bite!

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