Air Fryer Arancini
Air Fryer Arancini are crispy, golden rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. This healthier take on the classic Sicilian snack uses less oil but delivers all the flavor and crunch. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or indulgent treat, these arancini are easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
For the Risotto Base:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Arancini Balls:
- 12 small cubes of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs Panko preferred
- Cooking spray
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Risotto Base:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes. Gradually add broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Once rice is cooked and creamy, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Spread risotto on a baking sheet to cool.
Shape the Arancini Balls:
- Take a tablespoon of cooled risotto and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and mold the risotto around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining risotto and cheese.
Bread the Arancini:
- Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating (double breading).
Chill the Balls:
- Place breaded balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Air Fry the Arancini:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the arancini in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The arancini should be golden and crispy.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the arancini up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge before air frying.
- Alternative Fillings: Try roasted vegetables, prosciutto and fontina, or spinach and ricotta for variety.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover arancini in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and plant-based cheese for vegetarian-friendly arancini.