Crispy Fried Polenta Bites

My friend Marci and I ordered fried polenta at a bar one night and while they were plant-based, they were soaked in oil. I immediately went home to see what I could do.

Listen, if there’s one thing Southerners understand deeply, it’s the joy of something golden and crispy that begs to be dipped in something yummy. They also understand grits. Polenta is just a type of grit. These air fried polenta bites check every box: crunchy outside, creamy inside, endlessly snackable and made with simple pantry ingredients.

They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears fast, whether it’s game night, a holiday spread or a casual Sunday supper.

Why You’ll Love This

• Crispy without deep frying thanks to the air fryer
• Naturally plant-based and easy to make
• Budget friendly with shelf-stable polenta
• Perfect for dipping! Marinara is classic but the options are endless.

Cost & Nutritional Comparison

• A full order of a bar version has upwards of 40 grams of fat and 500 calories. This homemade version has roughly 10 grams total of fat and 170 calories.
• The cost of these homemade bites are about $1.00 a serving. At the bar, we paid about $4.00 a serving.

Pro Tip

For maximum crunch, pat the polenta dry and let the slices rest for 5 minutes before air frying. This helps the breading adhere and crisp really nicely.

Final Thoughts

These air fried polenta bites are proof that simple food can still feel special. Crispy, comforting, and meant to be shared, they’re the kind of appetizer that brings folks back to the table extra marinara in hand, smiling and reaching for one more bite.

Make it crispy, Make it cozy. Make it your own.

Crispy Polenta Bites

These crispy air fried polenta bites are perfect for movie night, fame night or just any night. They have a savory herb coating and creamy center that is so perfect for dipping in marinara.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 170

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tube prepared polenta sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water enough to create a pourable batter
• 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Method

 

1. Slice the prepared polenta into 1/2 inch rounds and pat dry. Set aside.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together all other ingredients, except water.
3. Add water to appropriate consistency (enough to make a pourable batter like pancake batter).
4. Dip each polenta slice into the batter and coat fully.
5. Next press the slice into the breadcrumbs and cover completely.
6. Arrange polenta slices in the air fryer (or on a baking sheet if baking in the oven). Air Fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway until golden or crisp. If baking, preheat oven to 425 degrees, arrange polenta slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Serve immediately with warm marinara for dipping.

Notes

Sprinkle with basil before serving. 

Dip in marinara sauce or top with cashew cream.