30-Minute Air Fryer Polenta Lasagna Cakes
These crispy air-fried polenta rounds create elegant individual portions that combine the comfort of lasagna with sophisticated presentation. Each round is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb-parmesan mixture and air-fried until golden, then layered with tangy marinara sauce and creamy burrata cheese. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender polenta interior, topped with rich burrata, makes this perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals. The recipe transforms humble tube polenta into restaurant-quality stacked cakes.
Ingredients
- 1 tube polentacauliflower rounds1:1low-carb option
4
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-free optiongluten-free
4
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup burrata cheese
Instructions
- 1
Remove polenta from wrapper and cut off rounded ends if desired, then slice into thin rounds
- 2
Season polenta rounds with salt and pepper on both sides, then coat lightly with flour
- 3
Dip each round into beaten eggs, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture
- 4
Air fry coated polenta rounds at 380°F for 12-15 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy
- 5
Set finished polenta on wire cooling rack to maintain crispiness
- 6
Plate by starting with a smear of marinara sauce, top with prepared polenta, add greens, and finish with burrata pieces
- 7
Garnish with flaky salt, black pepper, and drizzle of olive oil
Tips
Use a wire cooling rack after air frying to keep polenta rounds crispy while preparing other components
Mix breadcrumbs and parmesan in 1:1 ratio with seasonings for the coating mixture
Cut polenta rounds to consistent thickness for even cooking
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled cakes up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness
Coat and refrigerate polenta rounds up to 4 hours before air frying
Serve immediately while polenta is crispy and burrata is at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Skip the wire rack and polenta will get soggy from steam
Don't season the breadcrumb mixture and coating will be bland
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
4
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
What if I don't have burrata cheese?
Fresh mozzarella or ricotta work well as substitutes for similar creamy texture.
How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
Store assembled cakes up to 2 days, but reheat to restore crispiness before serving.