Air-Frying Arancini Balls: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily. They are traditionally deep-fried balls of rice and cheese that are breaded and fried. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer, which makes them healthier and easier to prepare. The rice balls are crispy on the outside and gooey and cheesy on the inside. They can be served as an appetizer with a side of tomato or marinara sauce for dipping.

How to prepare arancini balls for air frying

Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily. They are traditionally deep-fried but can be cooked in an air fryer to make them healthier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare arancini balls for air frying:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need cooked arborio rice (or leftover risotto), grated Parmesan cheese, diced Mozzarella, chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, pepper, eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs. You can also add meat, such as cooked ground Italian sausage, ground beef, diced salami, or pepperoni. For vegetables, you can use peas, diced onion, mushrooms, tomato, bell pepper, or spinach.

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, grated Parmesan, diced Mozzarella, chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well. You can also add meat or vegetables of your choice at this stage. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and shape it into a compact ball with your hands. Repeat until all the rice mixture is used up, making about 16 to 20 arancini balls.

Breading

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or dishes. The first bowl should contain beaten eggs, the second bowl should have flour, and the third bowl should contain breadcrumbs combined with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each rice ball first into the egg, then roll it in the flour, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded arancini balls on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator until they are firm and hold their shape well.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (187-190 degrees Celsius according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the chilled arancini balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the balls with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up. Cook the arancini balls in batches if necessary. Air fry for 6 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit, then increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Serve your air-fried arancini balls hot as an appetizer or snack. They go well with a side of marinara sauce, tomato sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

The best temperature to cook arancini balls in an air fryer

Air fryer arancini balls are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version of this classic Sicilian street food. The best temperature to cook arancini balls in an air fryer depends on the model of the air fryer, the number of rice balls, and the size of the balls. However, generally, you should preheat your air fryer to between 187°C and 200°C (370°F to 400°F).

One recipe recommends preheating your air fryer to 187°C (370°F) and cooking the arancini balls for 9 minutes in total: 6 minutes at 187°C (370°F) and then a further 3 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Another recipe recommends cooking the arancini balls at 190°C for 10-15 minutes until crunchy and golden brown.

If you are reheating cooked arancini balls in an air fryer, one source recommends setting the temperature to 176°C (350°F) and heating the balls for about 5-7 minutes.

It is important not to open your air fryer too frequently as the cool air can interrupt the cooking process and prevent the rice balls from crisping properly. You will know the arancini balls are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

How long to cook arancini balls in an air fryer

Air fryer arancini is a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried Italian rice balls. The cooking time depends on the model of the air fryer, the number of balls, and their size. Arancini balls are done when they are evenly golden brown and crispy on the outside, with melted mozzarella inside.

To make arancini balls, you will need cooked arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings like parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. You can also add meat, vegetables, or other fillings of your choice. The rice mixture can be sticky, so it is recommended to wet your hands with cool water before shaping it into balls.

Once the arancini balls are shaped, you can place them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill before air frying. This step is optional but helps the cheese firm up and the breading set, resulting in a crispier exterior. When ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 187°C and 200°C.

The cooking time for arancini balls in an air fryer is generally around 6-9 minutes at 200°C or 10-15 minutes at 190°C. If you are cooking frozen arancini balls, they may take longer to cook, and it is recommended to freeze them uncooked to maintain the best texture. For reheating, set the air fryer to 350°F and heat the balls for about 5-7 minutes.

What to serve with air-fried arancini balls

Air-fried arancini balls are a healthier take on the classic Sicilian street food. They are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a molten cheese centre. They can be served as an appetizer or a snack and go well with a variety of dips and sauces.

A popular choice is to serve arancini balls with a tomato-based dip such as marinara sauce or oven-roasted tomato sauce. For a heartier meal, this could be a meat sauce. For a more authentic Italian flavour, serve with a tomato sauce, such as a vodka tomato sauce, or a tomato-based soup like minestrone.

Other dips that pair well with arancini include pesto, garlic aioli, and ranch. If you want to keep it simple, the balls can also be served as they are without any sauce or dip.

Arancini balls can be served as part of an Italian meal, perhaps as an appetizer followed by a main course such as spinach and ricotta lasagna roll-ups or chicken parmesan.

How to store arancini balls before and after air frying

Arancini balls are a popular Sicilian snack, made with fried risotto balls and stuffed with meat sauce or cheese. They are often shaped like spheres and are called "arancine" (the female form) in Western Sicily, while in the Eastern regions, they are shaped like cones and are called "arancini" (the male form).

Storing Arancini Balls Before Air Frying:

Before air frying, arancini balls can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator. Here are the steps:

• Prepare the arancini balls by mixing cooked rice with ingredients like Parmesan cheese, butter, and seasonings.
• Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 20 minutes to let it cool and firm up.
• Shape the mixture into balls and stuff each ball with your desired filling, such as mozzarella cheese or meat sauce.
• Bread the arancini balls by dipping them into a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Place the breaded arancini balls on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
• Store the prepared arancini balls in the refrigerator for up to one day before frying and serving.

Storing Arancini Balls After Air Frying:

After air frying, arancini balls are best served fresh and hot. However, if you have leftovers or want to store them for later, follow these steps:

• Allow the arancini balls to cool to room temperature after frying.
• Store the cooled arancini balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C) or 375°F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of arancini balls you are reheating.
• Place the arancini balls on a greased baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Arancini balls can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Freeze them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
• To reheat frozen arancini balls, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the same reheating instructions as above.

Frequently asked questions