Air Fryer Arancini (Risotto Balls)
Air Fryer Arancini is a simple and delicious way to enjoy crispy risotto balls filled with gooey mozzarella—without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs leftover risotto (670 grams)
- 2 ½ oz mozzarella (cut into small cubes) (75 grams)
- 2 medium eggs
- ½ cup plain white flour / all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sunflower oil
Instructions
- Scoop the cold risotto into 14-16 equal pieces, slightly larger than a walnut. You can make smaller or larger balls, depending on your preferences.
- Use slightly wet hands to roll the risotto into balls. Flatten a risotto ball in your hand and put a piece of mozzarella cube in the center. Avoid making it too thin or the mozzarella will oose out!
- Close the rice around the mozzarella and roll it into a tight ball. Set the risotto ball aside on a plate and repeat until all the risotto is used.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with half of the seasoning, another with beaten eggs and the remaining seasoning, and a third with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each ball in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Transfer them to a tray and set them aside.
- Set the air fryer to 356°F (180°C). Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush the tops with oil for extra crispiness and place them in your air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 minutes, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C), and cook for another 7-8 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
- Use cooled risotto – warm risotto is too soft and won’t hold its shape. Refrigerate it for at least an hour, preferably overnight before shaping the balls.
- Organize your workspace before making the rice balls. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands. Place the seasoned flour on a plate, whisk the eggs in a bowl, and spread the breadcrumbs on another plate for easy coating.
- Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed in the rice when shaping the balls to prevent it from leaking while cooking.
- You might need to cook your rice balls in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Lightly brush the risotto balls with oil for crispiness to achieve a golden-brown crust.