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Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

Crispy and golden Air Fryer Arancini Rice Balls, made with creamy arborio rice, melted mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, coated in breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection. Served with warm marinara sauce, these Italian-inspired snacks are a delicious and healthier twist to the classic fried arancini.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Other

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked arborio rice, grated parmesan, diced mozzarella, chopped parsley, and dried basil. Season the mixture liberally with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  2. Form the Rice Balls: Using your hands or a medium cookie scoop, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and tightly shape it into a compact ball. Repeat this process until all the rice mixture is used, making approximately 16-20 arancini balls.
  3. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls for breading: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with Italian bread crumbs to prepare for coating.
  4. Bread the Arancini Balls: Roll each rice ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off, and finally coat it evenly with Italian bread crumbs. Place the coated balls on a plate ready for air frying.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) to get the basket hot and ensure crispiness during cooking.
  6. Air Fry the Arancini: Place the breaded arancini balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Lightly spritz the balls with olive oil to promote browning. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the arancini are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Cool Before Serving: Once cooked, carefully remove the arancini from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack or plate for a few minutes to firm up.
  8. Serve: Serve the air fryer arancini hot alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy treats as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Use warm, not hot, cooked arborio rice to help the cheese bind the mixture better.
  • Ensure arancini balls are compact to prevent falling apart during cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
  • Spritzing with olive oil helps achieve a golden crunchy exterior without deep frying.
  • Leftover arancini can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
  • For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the rice mixture.

Keywords: arancini, rice balls, air fryer recipe, Italian appetizer, crispy snacks, vegetarian, easy snacks, cheesy arancini

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/air-fryer-arancini-rice-balls-recipe/