Creamy Parmesan Polenta Squares Recipe
Learn how to make creamy, golden polenta using quick-cook polenta, enriched with parmesan and butter, then air-fried to a deliciously crispy finish. This versatile polenta can be served as a side dish or topped with your favorite ingredients for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 16 to 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Polenta:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing the tin
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- 125g quick-cook polenta
- 40g parmesan cheese or vegetarian alternative, grated
- 25g butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Tin: Oil and line a 31cm x 23cm swiss roll tin with baking parchment to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Cook the Polenta: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the 500ml stock, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually pour in the 125g quick-cook polenta while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Enrich the Polenta: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and 25g butter until fully melted and combined.
- Set the Polenta: Pour the cooked polenta into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set for 1 hour at room temperature.
- Cut into Pieces: Once set, cut the polenta into 16 to 24 pieces, depending on the desired size.
- Air Fry the Polenta: Lay the polenta pieces in a single layer in the air fryer tray. Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately, adding your favorite toppings if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The uncooked polenta slab can be kept chilled for up to three days before air frying.
Notes
- You can substitute the parmesan with a vegetarian cheese alternative if preferred.
- Ensure constant stirring when adding polenta to prevent lumps.
- The polenta slab can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before air frying.
- Polenta pieces crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, but you could also fry or grill them if you prefer.
- Add toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, tomato sauce, or herbs for a complete dish.
Keywords: polenta, quick-cook polenta, air fryer polenta, Italian side dish, crispy polenta, parmesan polenta
