Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer arancini rice balls are a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for appetizers or snacks. Made with creamy arborio rice and gooey mozzarella, these golden bites are easy to prepare and healthier than traditional fried versions.

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 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 any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and coat evenly with the bread crumbs. Place coated balls on a plate.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Arrange 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, or until they are 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 the arancini hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a more melty center or swap with provolone for a different flavor.
• Make sure the rice mixture is not too hot when shaping to help it hold together better.
• Try adding cooked peas or finely chopped mushrooms to the rice mixture for extra texture and taste.
• Spritz the arancini generously with olive oil to ensure a crispy outer layer in the air fryer.

Storage

Store leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice for arancini?

Yes, leftover cooked arborio rice works well as long as it is warmed and not too dry. Freshly cooked rice tends to be creamier and holds together better.

Do I have to use an air fryer?

No, traditional deep frying or baking in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden are good alternatives, though air frying offers a lighter, less oily result.

Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

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Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls are a delicious Italian appetizer made with creamy arborio rice, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Coated in Italian breadcrumbs and air fried to golden perfection, they’re perfect served with marinara sauce for dipping.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 arancini rice balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Rice Mixture

• 2 cups cooked arborio rice (warm, but not hot)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese (small cubes)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Breading Station

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs

Additional

• Olive oil (for spritzing)
• Marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked arborio rice, grated Parmesan cheese, diced mozzarella, minced fresh parsley, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper liberally, ensuring flavors are balanced.
2. Shape Arancini Balls: Using your hands or a medium cookie scoop, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and form into compact balls. Repeat until you have 16-20 balls.
3. Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls; one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian bread crumbs for coating the rice balls.
4. Bread the Arancini: Roll each ball first in flour, shake off excess, then dip into beaten eggs allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat evenly with Italian bread crumbs. Place them on a plate ready for air frying.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and let it preheat to ensure an even cooking temperature.
6. Air Fry the Arancini: Place arancini balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without touching. Lightly spritz them with olive oil to help crisping. Air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the arancini from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy this crunchy, cheesy Italian delight.

Notes

• Using warm but not hot rice helps the balls hold their shape without becoming mushy.
• Ensure the arancini are spaced apart in the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and crispiness.
• Spritzing olive oil before air frying gives them a crisp golden crust similar to deep frying but with less oil.
• Leftover arancini can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the air fryer for best crispiness.
• For extra flavor, include a small piece of mozzarella in the center of each ball for a gooey core.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be deep-fried or baked but the texture and cooking time will vary.

Keywords: arancini, rice balls, air fryer recipe, Italian appetizer, crispy arancini, mozzarella, parmesan, easy snack