Air Fryer Lemon Polenta Pudding

 Introduction

Lemon Polenta Pudding is a moist, spoonable dessert made with fine cornmeal (polenta), butter, sugar, and zesty lemon. It has a unique texture — slightly grainy yet tender — and the citrus brightens every bite. Traditionally oven-baked or steamed, this version is adapted for the air fryer, giving it a perfect golden finish and quick cooking time.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)

100g (½ cup) caster sugar (or granulated sugar)

2 large eggs

85g (¾ cup) ground almonds

50g (⅓ cup) fine polenta (cornmeal)

1 tsp baking powder

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of ½ lemon

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

 Equipment

Air fryer (basket or oven-style)

Ramekins or a small pudding bowl (heat-safe and fits in air fryer)

Mixing bowl

Electric mixer or whisk

 Instructions

Prep Ramekins

Lightly grease 3–4 ramekins (or 1 small heatproof dish).

Preheat your air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.

Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time.

Stir in ground almonds, polenta, baking powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using).

Mix until smooth and combined.

Fill the Moulds

Spoon the batter into the greased ramekins, filling each about ¾ full.

Gently tap to level the top.

Air Fry

Place ramekins into the air fryer basket carefully.

Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

Check around 18 minutes. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Cool Slightly

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a spoonful of lemon curd, yogurt, or whipped cream.

Total Time Breakdown

Prep time: 10 minutes

Preheat time: 3 minutes

Air fry time: 18–22 minutes

Cooling: 5 minutes

Total: ~35–40 minutes

 Tips

Use fine polenta for a smooth pudding texture (not coarse cornmeal).

For extra moistness, add a drizzle of warm lemon syrup after baking (1 tbsp lemon juice + 2 tbsp sugar, heated).

Great served warm or cold!