Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer arancini rice balls are a delicious twist on a classic Italian snack. Crispy on the outside and gooey with cheese on the inside, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun party finger food.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked arborio rice (warm, but not hot)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese (in small cubes)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• Marinara sauce (for serving)
• Olive oil (for spritzing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked arborio rice, grated parmesan cheese, diced mozzarella, chopped parsley, and dried basil. Season liberally with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and shape it into a compact ball using your hands or a medium cookie scoop. Repeat until all the mixture is used, forming 16-20 arancini balls.
3. Step 3: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the Italian bread crumbs.
4. Step 4: Roll each arancini ball in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then coat evenly with bread crumbs. Place on a plate.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the arancini balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spritz lightly with olive oil.
6. Step 6: Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
• For extra crunch, double coat the arancini by repeating the egg and bread crumb steps.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Make a batch ahead and freeze the shaped balls before breading and cooking for quick snacks later.

Storage

Store leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 370°F until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice to make arancini?

Yes, leftover cooked arborio rice works well, but make sure it’s slightly warm and not too dry for easy shaping.

Do I need to deep fry arancini or can I always use an air fryer?

The air fryer is a fantastic healthier alternative that still yields crispy results, so deep frying is not necessary if you have an air fryer available.