Easy Fried Polenta Bruschetta

5 from 9 votes

Get the air fryer out for a delicious fried polenta recipe. This tubed polenta recipe is quick and easy with a Mediterranean twist! And, if you don't have an air fryer, baking is an option. You will love these fried polenta cakes!

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Course: Entrees, Small Bites

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 92kcal

Author: Kathy Carmichael

Ingredients

1 14 ounce Package tubed polenta, cut into half inch rounds
1 pint Grape tomatoes cut in half
1 15 oounce Can white beans, drained I used Cannellini beans
2 Tablespoons Red onion, diced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
2 Tablespoons Balsamic glaze Plus extra for drizzling on the top
½ cup tofu feta cheese or vegan feta of choice
⅛ cup unsweetened, unflavored plant milk I used oat milk
2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning

Instructions

Bruschetta Mixture

Combine the tomatoes, garlic, onion, white beans, ⅛ cup of parsley and basil, and 2 Tablespoons of balsamic glaze.
Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator covered, so the flavors enhance.

Vegan Whipped Tofu Feta Cheese

Place the vegan tofu feta cheese and the plant milk together in a small blender cup and blend until smooth.
Cover and place in the refrigerator while cooking the fried polenta.

Preparing and Cooking the Polenta

Cut the polenta tube into ½-inch round slices.

Air Frying

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
Season both sides of each polenta cake.
Place a single layer of polenta cakes in the air fryer pan.
Cook for 15 minutes until crispy.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Season both sides of the polenta cakes.
Place the polenta cakes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Cook for 30 minutes until crispy.

Making the Mediterranean Fried Polenta

Place the cooked polenta cakes on a platter.
Add a thin layer of whipped tofu feta cheese with a butter knife.
Using a spoon, add a Tablespoon of bruschetta topping to each polenta cake.
Sprinkle with the additional basil and parsley.
Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze.

Video

Notes

- Although many people suggest drying the polenta tube, I recommend leaving it wet so the Italian seasoning sticks to it.

- You do not need oil or cooking spray on the baking sheet or air fry pan. The moisture in the polenta keeps it from sticking to the air fry pan or parchment paper.

- Seasoning both sides of the polenta cakes with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

- Put the balsamic drizzle into a squeeze bottle to make pretty drizzle marks on the top of the fried polenta cakes.

- Serve cold or hot. Once the polenta is cooked, it remains solid and crispy.

- If you have leftovers, I recommend keeping the polenta cakes, vegan whipped feta cheese, and the bruschetta topping separately.

- If you have extra bruschetta topping, add it to toasted sourdough bread, pasta, crackers, or cucumbers. Another great way to enjoy it is on top of or inside your favorite Mediterranean Tofu Scramble.

Nutrition