• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Kathy's Vegan Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Categories
    • Vegan Entrees
    • Breakfast
    • Sandwiches
    • Small Bites
    • Vegan Desserts
    • Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    • Vegan Sides
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • How-To
    • Our Vegan Life
  • Vegan Reviews
    • Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service
    • Purple Carrot Review
    • Veestro Review
    • Fresh N’ Lean Review
  • About
  • TOP 50 EBOOK
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • SUBSCRIBE!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Vegan Sides

    Polenta Fries

    Published: Jan 13, 2024 · Modified: Jan 27, 2024 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

    122 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Crispy polenta fries are heaven! In 20 minutes or less, you can eat what tastes like french fries but is made from polenta! This polenta fries recipe is my new favorite: Crispy on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside!

    Polenta Fries on a plate garnished with parsley with sriracha ketchup in a small dish on the side.

    I went through the store yesterday and found a polenta cylinder in the grocery store's Italian section. Although I'm not a fan of creamy polenta, I recently ordered grilled polenta in a restaurant, which was wonderful. So, I decided to make polenta fries today. This polenta fries recipe tastes like french fries!

    Jump to:
    • What is Polenta?
    • What are Polenta Fries?
    • Polenta Fries Ingredients
    • Polenta Fries Ingredient Substitutions
    • How to Make the Fries
    • What to Serve with Polenta Fries
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Initially, I planned to grill the polenta and create an entree, but the temperature outside was 115 degrees, and I couldn't ask my husband to go outside and be the grill master.

    Since I'm new to cooking with polenta, I unwrapped the round cylinder and was surprised by its firm and sticky exterior.

    What is Polenta?

    Polenta is a northern Italian dish made from coarsely ground corn. Freshly cooked polenta is soft and creamy, similar to grits or porridge. And it's gluten-free! Many people enjoy polenta as a substitute for rice or pasta for dinner or as a breakfast alternative to cereal or oatmeal.

    When polenta cools, it solidifies enough to be sliced. Then choose to grill, air fry, bake, or saute. I couldn't help but think of how I could use polenta in future recipes. Next time, I plan to cut it into cubes and add them to my grilled vegetable kabobs.

    Instead of lasagna noodles, I could layer polenta in butternut squash lasagna. And, of course, I plan to grill it this summer with vegetables and a fabulous chimichurri sauce.

    So, don't be surprised if you see polenta a lot in the next few months.

    What are Polenta Fries?

    Since polenta is made of ground cornmeal, water, salt, and pepper, they are potato-free fries. When baked into fries, the polenta gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect potato alternative for homemade fries.

    And you can make them cheesy by adding vegan Parmesan cheese! Or give them a Mexican flare by seasoning them with Tajin Seasoning. Give them an Italian style by seasoning them with an Italian seasoning blend and dipping them in marinara sauce. The possibilities are endless!

    Polenta Fries Ingredients

    Polenta cut into equal sized fries on a cutting board

    Although you can make your own polenta, I took a shortcut and bought a tube of premade organic polenta a Trader Joe's.

    • Organic polenta: I love Trader Joe's for all their vegan-friendly food. But organic polenta is readily available in grocery stores in the pasta section. Also, look for premade polenta in a solid tube.
    • Garlic Salt: I love garlic salt. It's a lovely combination of garlic and sea salt.
    • Cumin: Rich and hearty, earthy and warm, with an edge of citrus, cumin adds instant depth to any dish. 
    • Pepper: I prefer fresh ground pepper for a stronger peppery taste.
    • Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh taste to fries and looks fabulous when plating food.
    • Sriracha Ketchup: I add a little Sriracha to my ketchup for a little kick, but if you don't like spicy food, skip the Sriracha and choose your favorite way to dip your fries.

    Polenta Fries Ingredient Substitutions

    • Make your polenta from scratch, chill it, and cut it into fries.
    • I like different spice blends like rosemary, lemon pepper, basil, and Italian seasoning.
    • But you can change the taste of your polenta fries with any seasoning combination; make them Mexican flavored by sprinkling with chili powder or chipotle powder.
    • Add any fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of the seasonings chosen.
    • Instead of ketchup, try dipping polenta fries in vegan yum yum sauce, vegan southwest dressing, or vegan ranch dressing.

    How to Make the Fries

    Seasoned fries recipe on an air fryer pan on the counter.
    1. First, choose the size of fries you like. I love steak fries, so I cut the polenta tube lengthwise in half.
    2. Then, I cut both sections into equal-sized strips.
    3. Then cut those in half to make steak fries.
    4. Because polenta is sticky and wet, it is the perfect canvas for seasonings and herbs to stick to the fries without using any oil.
    5. Choose your spice combination and sprinkle away, or place the polenta fries in a large bowl and gently toss them in your favorite seasoning blend.
    6. Next, choose if you want to bake or air fry. I air-fried mine because I'm in love with my air fryer. And it takes half the time.

    Baking

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    2. Place polenta fries on a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    3. Season fries, or add pre-seasoned fries, leaving space between each fry.
    4. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
    5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
    6. Serve with Sriracha ketchup or your favorite vegan dipping sauce.

    Air Frying

    1. Preheat the air-fryer to 350 degrees.
    2. Place the seasoned polenta fries in an air fryer basket, in a single layer, or on an air fryer pan in a single layer.
    3. Air fry for 15 minutes until golden brown.
    4. Remove from the air fryer and serve with Sriracha ketchup or your favorite vegan dip.
    Fries on a plate with ketchup on the table.

    What to Serve with Polenta Fries

    Although I could eat these crispy fries as a meal, I served them with a tofu burger and a mango salad. But to make them a meal, I suggest topping them with vegan chili, vegan nacho cheese, and a bunch of veggies to make polenta nachos.

    And, if you have any extras, they warm up well in a microwave to munch on the next day for lunch.

    Recipe FAQs

    What are polenta fries?

    Polenta fries taste just like french fries with a slightly sweet flavor. They are crunchy on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside, just like french fries.

    Is polenta healthier than a potato?

    Polenta is high in protein and fiber but compared to rice, pasta, or potatoes, it's much lower in calories and fat yet still provides a source of complex carbs that are much-needed for energy.

    Is polenta always gluten-free?

    Like dried polenta, pre-cooked polenta tubes are generally made entirely from corn and are often gluten-free. However, sometimes people add dairy to polenta recipes, so when ordering in a restaurant, always ask.

    I am dipping the polenta fries recipe in ketchup

    Tips

    • Although I made steak fries, which are thicker than regular french fries, you can make them as thin or thick as you desire. However, if you make the fries thinner, you also need to reduce the cooking time in half. The same is true for making them larger; you must add additional time.
    • Most people suggest drying the polenta before cutting and seasoning. However, because I cook without oil, I liked the stickiness and used it to make the seasoning stick to the fries naturally.
    • If you have a basket air fryer, remember that the first batch takes longer to cook than the subsequent batches.
    • Preheat the oven to 325 if batch cooking the fries in an air fryer to keep the cooked ones warm.

    If you love french fries, this crispy polenta fries recipe will be your favorite new way to enjoy fries! In 15 minutes, you will be enjoying crunchy polenta fries!

    • vegan drunken noodles recipe
      Easy Vegan Drunken Noodles
    • BEET BURGER
      Vegan Beet Burger Recipe
    • vegan avocado egg rolls recipe
      Avocado Egg Rolls
    • General Tso Cauliflower Recipe
      General Tso Cauliflower

    Do you love this crispy polenta fries recipe? Tell us by giving us a 5-star rating and commenting below! We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    polenta fries recipe

    Polenta Fries

    Kathy Carmichael
    Crispy polenta fries are heaven! In 20 minutes or less, you can eat what tastes like french fries but is made from polenta! Crispy on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside, this is my new favorite recipe!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish, Small Bites
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 37 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 package pre-made organic polenta (17 ounce tube)
    • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
    • 2 teaspoons chopped parsley

    Sriracha Ketchup

    • ½ cup organic ketchup
    • 2 teaspoons Sriracha

    Instructions
     

    Cutting the Polenta

    • Remove the wrapping around the polenta
    • Slice the tube lengthwise evenly
    • Using a sharp knife, cut equal siized 1 inch strips from each large section.
    • Now, cut all the long strips in half.

    Seasoning/Cooking

    • Combine the seasonings and either sprinkle directly on the polent fries, or toss the cut polenta in a bowl with seasoning.

    Baking

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    • Place fries on the baking sheet in a single layer leaving a small space between each fry.
    • Bake for 30 minutes until crispy.
    • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley.

    Air Frying

    • Preheat air frier to 350 degrees.
    • Place seasoned fries in the air fryer basket or on an air frying pan.
    • Cook for 15 minutes until fries are crispy.
    • Remove from the airfryer and sprinkle with parsley.

    Sriracha Ketchup

    • In a small bowl whisk Sriracha and ketchup together

    Video

    Notes

    • Do not dry the polenta as instructed on the package. The wetness provides a natural way for the seasoning to stick without using oil. 
    • f making thinner polenta fries, reduce time by ½ of cooking time in both the oven and air fryer. 
    • If making your own polenta, it is necessary to refrigerate the polenta until it is firm (overnight is best)
    • Make sure to cut the polenta fries the same size to cool at the same rate. 
    • If the batch is cooking in an air fryer, I suggest preheating the oven to 325 degrees and preparing a baking sheet to keep the cooked fries warm while cooking the other batches. 
    • Remember, if batch cooking, the first batch always takes longer than the subsequent batches because the sir fryer is hotter after the first batch. 
    • If you don't enjoy ketchup, consider vegan yum yum sauce, vegan southwest dressing, or vegan ranch dressing for dipping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 177IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

    Get FREE Recipes In Your Inbox :)

    I'll Send You New Recipes When I Post!

    Invalid email address
    We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Free Recipes On The Way! :)- Kathy

    More Vegan Sides

    • Quick and Easy Southwest Coleslaw
    • Smashed Red Potato Recipe
    • vegan tzatziki potato salad
      Greek Tzatziki Potato Salad
    • Fried Pickles
      Easy Fried Pickles

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

      Did you make this recipe? Leave a reply below! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Jetta

      January 31, 2025 at 4:08 am

      5 stars
      Got my polenta from Trader Joes Market, very tasty, loved it,

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        January 31, 2025 at 5:58 am

        Jetta, aren't those polenta fries fun? I'm so glad you liked them. You can add all different seasonings for a variety of fries. Thakns for the feedback.

        Reply
    2. Tracy Hannah

      September 01, 2024 at 8:30 am

      5 stars
      Quick and easy side.
      So good!!!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        September 02, 2024 at 7:30 am

        Hi Tracy! I'm so glad you liked them. We make them a lot. Thank you for the feedback and for taking the time to rate the recipe.

        Reply
    3. Carla Christian

      January 31, 2024 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      I made the polenta fries for dinner tonight with marinara dipping sauce. Easy and absolutely excellent. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        January 31, 2024 at 7:52 pm

        Hi Carla, I'm so glad you liked the polenta fries. What a great sauce choice. Yum! Thank you for taking the time to rate the recipe and comment. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    4. Kathy Burke

      September 24, 2023 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      Easy new idea thinking beyond potato.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        September 24, 2023 at 2:42 pm

        Hi Kathy, I hope you enjoyed the polenta fries. They are one of my favorites.

        Reply
    5. Tracey

      August 02, 2023 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Great alternative to potatoes!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        August 02, 2023 at 11:52 am

        Hi Tracey, I think so too, and they taste like french fries! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

        Reply
    6. Patsy Bell Hobson

      July 15, 2022 at 3:14 am

      I like that there are two methods of cooking. I'm still new to air frying, I appreciate the choice.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        July 15, 2022 at 5:43 am

        Hi Patsy, you can always bake instead of air fry and get similar results. It took me a while to embrace my air fryer too. Now, I love it. I hope you enjoy the polenta fries.

        Reply
    7. Patti Isopi

      July 14, 2022 at 8:55 am

      Hi Kathy, I love polenta and haven't enjoyed it because I like it crispy. I used to fry it in olive oil - since I stopped frying I stopped polenta! I didn't think to air fry! I have corn meal in the pantry and will let you know how much I love the results. I made round patties in the past and served with tomato sauce. Yum!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        July 14, 2022 at 10:44 am

        Hi Patti, I'm going to grill polenta patties and make a Mexican-themed dish next week. If it turns out, you'll see it posted. I hope you enjoy the fries. They were so good!

        Reply
    8. Kathy

      July 14, 2022 at 7:26 am

      do you mean 400 degrees for the polenta fries? says to heat the oven to 40 degrees

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        July 14, 2022 at 7:56 am

        Kathy, thank you so much for letting me know! Yes! 400 degrees in the oven. I appreciate you catching that! I hope you enjoy the recipe.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Kathy! I love creating delicious whole foods plant-based recipes. I believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet!

    More about me →

    Light and Delicious Vegan Spring Food Recipes

    • Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe
      Spicy Peanut Noodles
    • Pineapple fried rice Recipe
      Pineapple Fried Rice
    • superfood salad recipe
      Superfood Salad
    • White Bean Avocado Sandwich Recipe
    • creamy mushroom pasta
      Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    • Vegan Minestrone Recipe
      Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

    Top 50 Recipes Cookbook

    Popular Vegan Dishes

    • vegans tir fry recipe
      The Best Vegan Stir Fry
    • mango salad
      Simple Mango Kale Salad
    • lentil meatloaf
      The Best Vegan Meatloaf
    • vegan chicken salad
      Best Vegan Chicken Salad
    • easy bean salad recipe
      Bean Salad With Oil Free Dressing
    • vegan drunken noodles recipe
      Easy Vegan Drunken Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Affiliate Policy

    Cookbook

    • My Top 50 Recipe Cookbook!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Made with ♥️ in Arizona.

    Copyright © Kathy's Vegan Kitchen :)

    122 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.