Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls offer a crispy, cheesy twist on a classic Italian favorite. These golden, crunchy bites are filled with gooey mozzarella and seasoned perfectly for a delicious snack or appetizer. Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and easier cleanup.

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 forms 16-20 rice balls.
3. Step 3: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian bread crumbs.
4. Step 4: Roll each rice ball in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat evenly with bread crumbs. Place the coated balls on a plate.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Arrange the rice balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Spritz them lightly with olive oil.
6. Step 6: Air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove the arancini from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or chilled rice for firmer balls that hold together better.
• Add finely chopped cooked ham or mushrooms to the rice mixture for extra flavor.
• Try panko bread crumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the arancini at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make arancini balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the arancini balls ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before air frying.

What type of rice is best for arancini?

Arborio rice is ideal because its starchy texture helps the balls stick together and creates a creamy interior.

Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

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These Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls offer a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, cheesy center made from arborio rice, parmesan, and mozzarella. Perfectly seasoned with fresh parsley and dried basil, these bite-sized Italian treats are air fried to perfection for a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried snack. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 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

For Cooking and Serving

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

Instructions

1. Mix the Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked arborio rice, grated parmesan cheese, diced mozzarella, minced fresh parsley, and dried basil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Shape the Arancini Balls: Using your hands or a medium cookie scoop, take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and shape it into a compact ball. Repeat this process until you form 16 to 20 evenly sized arancini balls.
3. Prepare the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls side by side with all-purpose flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and Italian bread crumbs in the third bowl.
4. Bread the Rice Balls: Roll each shaped rice ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing extra to drip off, and finally coat it thoroughly with the Italian bread crumbs. Place the coated balls onto a plate.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully before cooking.
6. Air Fry the Arancini: Arrange the breaded rice balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Lightly spritz them with olive oil. Cook at 370°F for 10-12 minutes or until the balls turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Cool Before Serving: Remove the arancini from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes to set and avoid burning when eaten.
8. Serve: Serve the air fryer arancini hot alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this delicious, crispy Italian appetizer!

Notes

• Use warm— not hot— cooked rice to help the arancini hold their shape more easily.
• If you prefer a spicier dip, add some crushed red pepper to the marinara sauce.
• You can make these arancini ahead of time and refrigerate them before air frying for convenience.
• Ensure the arancini balls are spaced apart in the air fryer basket to allow even browning.
• Opt for freshly grated parmesan and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Arancini, Rice Balls, Air Fryer, Italian Appetizer, Crispy Snack, Vegetarian, Easy Recipe