Creamy, comforting polenta topped with tender, flavorful seafood — finished in the air fryer for a lightly crisped, golden top. This Air Fryer Seafood Polenta is elegant enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.
If you enjoy seafood-forward air fryer meals like this
Air Fryer Chili Lime Basa:
https://airfriedyum.com/air-fryer-chili-lime-basa/
or bold shrimp dishes like
Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Bowl:
https://airfriedyum.com/air-fryer-cajun-shrimp-bowl/
this recipe will fit perfectly into your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Creamy, rich polenta base
• Tender, perfectly cooked seafood
• Lightly crisped top from the air fryer
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Customizable with your favorite seafood
Ingredients
For the Polenta
• 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Seafood
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb white fish (basa, cod, or scallops), cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional additions: cherry tomatoes, spinach, red pepper flakes, mozzarella.
How to Make Air Fryer Seafood Polenta
Step 1: Cook the Polenta
Bring broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta while stirring. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.
Stir in butter, cream, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour into a lightly greased air fryer-safe dish and smooth the top.
Step 2: Season the Seafood
In a bowl, toss shrimp and fish with olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
For bold flavor inspiration, you can take cues from
Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken:
https://airfriedyum.com/air-fryer-piri-piri-chicken/
Step 3: Assemble
Arrange seafood evenly over the polenta. Add cherry tomatoes or spinach if using.
Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cook for 10–12 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and fish flakes easily. For extra browning, increase to 400°F for the final 2 minutes.
Step 5: Finish
Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
• Do not overcook seafood — it becomes rubbery quickly
• Pat seafood dry before seasoning
• Avoid overcrowding for even cooking
• Add mozzarella before cooking for a golden crust similar to
Air Fryer Keto Chicken Parmesan:
https://airfriedyum.com/air-fryer-keto-chicken-parmesan/
Flavor Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
Spicy Cajun
Use Cajun seasoning and finish with hot honey.
Creamy Garlic
Stir roasted garlic into the polenta for depth.
Italian-Inspired
Top with marinara and mozzarella, similar to flavors in
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:
https://airfriedyum.com/air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-meatballs/
Storage & Reheating
• Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days
• Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
• Add a splash of broth before reheating to loosen polenta
• Seafood can be frozen separately, but polenta texture may change
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
What fish works best for this recipe?
Mild white fish like cod or basa works beautifully. See how basa cooks in this recipe:
https://airfriedyum.com/air-fryer-chili-lime-basa/
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil and omit or substitute the cheese.
Can I use instant polenta?
Absolutely. It reduces cooking time significantly.
How do I keep the polenta creamy?
Add warm broth gradually while stirring if it thickens too much.
Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil before serving.
What to Serve With
• Arugula salad
• Garlic bread or naan
• Roasted asparagus
• Crisp white wine
Conclusion
Air Fryer Seafood Polenta combines creamy comfort with perfectly cooked seafood and a lightly crisped top. The air fryer makes this dish faster and easier than traditional baked versions while keeping the flavors bold and balanced.
It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for busy weeknights — rich, satisfying, and full of coastal flavor.
