Air-Fryer Arancini: A Healthy, Crispy Twist

Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily. They are made with cooked rice or risotto, bread crumbs, flour, and cornflour, and are usually stuffed with cheese. The traditional method of preparing arancini involves deep frying, but they can also be made in an air fryer as a healthier alternative. This method gives them a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.

How to make arancini in an air fryer

Arancini are a delicious Sicilian snack, consisting of a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, creamy inside. They are traditionally deep-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that produces the same delicious result.

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice or risotto
• Bread crumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Corn flour/starch
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Cheese (mozzarella or fontina)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Butter (optional)
• Eggs (optional)

Optional Ingredients for Serving:

• Marinara sauce
• Pesto
• Meat sauce
• Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Parsley

Method:

First, cook your rice or risotto and allow it to cool. You can also use leftover rice or risotto for this recipe. In a separate pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft. Add this mixture to the rice, along with corn flour, all-purpose flour, bread crumbs, and season with salt and pepper.

Take a handful of the mixture and form it into a ball. Stuff a piece of mozzarella into the centre and seal it well. Repeat this process until you have used all the mixture.

Next, prepare your dredging station. Have three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Dip each rice ball into the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure they are evenly coated.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F. Place the arancini in the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil. Cook for around 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Serve immediately with a marinara sauce, pesto, or enjoy as they are!

Tips:

• You can freeze any leftover arancini and cook them in the air fryer straight from frozen. They may just need a couple of extra minutes.
• If you want to add extra flavour to your arancini, try adding some 'nduja paste to the cooked rice, or fill them with shredded cheese.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What temperature to air fry arancini at

Arancini are a delicious Sicilian snack, consisting of a crispy, golden, breaded exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. They can be made in an air fryer, which is healthier than deep-frying and creates a similar result.

Air Frying Temperature

Different recipes suggest air frying arancini at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F. One recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 370°F, and then increasing the temperature to 400°F for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Another recipe suggests a temperature of 360°F, while a third recommends 380°F. A fourth recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 190°C (which is 374°F).

Cooking Time

Arancini will take between 10 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the temperature and the number of arancini being cooked. It is important not to open the air fryer too frequently, as this can interrupt the cooking process and prevent the arancini from crisping properly.

How long to air fry arancini for

Arancini, the Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily. The classic deep-fried recipe can be made healthier by using an air fryer. The cooking time for arancini in an air fryer depends on the quantity, size and model of the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to air fry arancini for:

Preparation:

Before air-frying arancini, prepare the risotto or cooked rice along with the desired fillings and coat them with breadcrumbs. The risotto should be completely cooled or refrigerated before shaping it into balls. This makes it easier to mould and ensures it holds its shape while cooking. The arancini balls should be of a consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Cooking:

Preheat the air fryer to 350-370˚F (187˚C). Place the arancini balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Spray the arancini balls with cooking spray or oil to help achieve a golden colour and crispy texture.

Air fry the arancini in batches, if necessary, at 350-370˚F (187˚C) for 6 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400˚F (200˚C) and cook for another 3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time is approximately 9-10 minutes.

Serving:

Arancini can be served hot with a side of marinara sauce, pesto or aioli for dipping. They can also be paired with a simple side salad or antipasto to make it a meal.

Tips:

• For a crispier exterior, use panko breadcrumbs as their flaky and coarse texture results in a crunchier shell when air-fried.
• Rotate the basket or shake it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides of the arancini balls.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.
• Let the arancini rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to help them retain their shape and prevent the fillings from spilling out.

What to serve with air fryer arancini

Air fryer arancini is a tasty snack or appetiser that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer arancini:

• Dipping Sauces: Arancini pairs well with various dipping sauces. Some popular options include pesto, marinara, or meat sauce. These sauces add flavour and make the dish more filling.
• Tomato Sauce: Blending oven-roasted tomato sauce into a smooth texture creates an excellent dipping sauce to accompany the arancini.
• Italian-inspired Feast: Arancini, or fried rice balls, make a wonderful side dish for an Italian-themed meal. Their crunchy, golden texture complements other Italian dishes.
• Minestrone Soup: For an Italian-inspired meal, start with arancini as an appetiser, followed by Minestrone soup as the main course.
• Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-ups: Another option for the main course is to pair arancini with spinach and ricotta lasagna roll-ups, creating a delicious and hearty Italian feast.
• Dessert: Finish off your meal with a sweet treat such as Budino (Italian Pudding) or Zeppole, which are popular Italian desserts.

Can you freeze arancini?

Yes, you can freeze arancini! Arancini are deep-fried rice balls flavoured with herbs and cheese. They can be frozen for around three months and are best frozen after they've been cooked. Here are some steps to follow to freeze your arancini:

• Cool your arancini thoroughly. The best way to do this is to place them on a cooling rack to allow airflow to circulate around each ball.
• Line your cooled arancini on a tray covered with greaseproof paper, ensuring they are not touching. Place the tray on a flat surface in the freezer for a couple of hours until the balls are frozen solid.
• Transfer the frozen arancini to a freezer-safe bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the bag with the date you prepared the arancini and their use-by date.

If you want to freeze your arancini before cooking, you can do so, but the egg batter and breadcrumb coating may not hold up as well in the freezer. If you do freeze them uncooked, it is recommended to add at least a quarter of a cup of breadcrumbs or dry cheese to the risotto to help the balls stick together when thawing.

To reheat your frozen arancini, you can deep-fry them straight out of the freezer, brushing off any ice crystals first. Alternatively, put them in the refrigerator to thaw for 24-36 hours before cooking.

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