Air Fryer Arancini
If you’ve never had arancini before, let me paint a picture: imagine a ball of creamy risotto, stuffed with gooey mozzarella, rolled in breadcrumbs, and cooked to a golden crunch. It’s comfort food, appetizer, and snack—all rolled into one.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Small Spoon or Scoop
- Baking Sheet or Plate
- Cooking Spray or Brush
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Rice Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked risotto cooled
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella for stuffing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs Italian seasoned or plain
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- Make sure your risotto is fully cooled—warm or hot rice won’t hold its shape well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled risotto, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything gently but thoroughly until the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Pro tip: If your risotto feels too loose or wet, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up before shaping.
Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Arancini
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella in the center.
- Carefully mold the rice around the cheese, rolling it into a tight ball so the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Repeat with the remaining rice and cheese.
- Pro tip: Wet your hands with water between shaping to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Stations
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Coat the Arancini
- Roll each rice ball first in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll it in the breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
- Place the coated arancini on a baking sheet or plate.
- Pro tip: For an extra-crispy crust, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
Step 5: Air Fry the Arancini
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the arancini with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Check for a deep golden color and melted cheese inside.
- Pro tip: If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and soggy arancini.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the arancini cool for a minute or two—hot cheese can be very hot!
- Serve with marinara sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy warm, crispy, and melty bites of deliciousness.
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving – approx. 3 arancini balls):
- Calories: 280–320
- Protein: 10–12g
- Fat: 10–14g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450–600mg
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.