Frying Rice Balls: Air Fryer Magic

Yes, you can fry rice balls in an air fryer! Rice balls, or arancini, are a popular Italian street food that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, guilt-free snack or appetizer. Arancini are typically deep-fried, but air frying gives them a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. They are made with cooked rice or risotto, bread crumbs, flour, and cheese, and can be served with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, pesto, or meat sauce.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for frying rice balls in an air fryer will depend on the model of the air fryer, the number of rice balls, and the size of the balls. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to around 360-370 degrees Fahrenheit (about 187 degrees Celsius).

Once the air fryer is preheated, the rice balls can be placed inside. It is recommended to spray the rice balls with oil before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they become crispy. The rice balls should be cooked for around 6 minutes, and then the temperature should be increased to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for the final 3-4 minutes of cooking. This will ensure that the rice balls are crispy and golden brown on the outside.

It is important to keep an eye on the rice balls while they are cooking, as the timing may vary depending on the specific air fryer and the size and number of rice balls. The rice balls are done when they are golden brown and crispy all over.

If you are cooking frozen rice balls, they may take longer to cook through. It is recommended to break the frozen rice balls into smaller chunks and place them in the air fryer basket, covering them with foil. They can then be cooked at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Arancini stuffing

Arancini, or Italian Rice Balls, are a very popular street food in Sicily. They are typically made with cooked rice or risotto, bread crumbs, flour, and corn flour. The rice is mashed into a soft mush, and mixed with sautéed vegetables, corn flour, and bread crumbs. This mixture is then shaped into balls, with a piece of mozzarella stuffed inside each one.

Classic Mozzarella

The classic Arancini is stuffed with mozzarella cheese. The cheese is the star of the dish, so be sure to use good-quality fresh mozzarella. You can use mozzarella string cheese or fresh mozzarella balls. The cheese should be cut into small pieces or cubes that can fit inside the rice balls.

Chicken-Apple Sausage

For a savoury and flavourful option, try stuffing your Arancini with cooked and diced chicken-apple sausage. This adds a juicy and tasty centre to the rice balls. You can also use other types of cooked sausage, such as hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.

Ground Beef and Peas

For a heartier option, try a mixture of ground beef and peas. This combination provides a meaty and savoury centre to the Arancini. You can cook the ground beef with spices and herbs of your choice before mixing it with the peas. This option is perfect for a more substantial snack or appetiser.

Ricotta and Mozzarella

For an extra creamy and indulgent option, try a mixture of ricotta cheese and mozzarella. The ricotta adds a soft and tangy flavour to the Arancini, while the mozzarella provides that classic stretchy, melted texture. Use whole milk ricotta for the best flavour and texture.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly option, you can stuff your Arancini with sautéed vegetables. Try onions, bell peppers, garlic, or crushed pepper flakes. You can also add spices and herbs to the vegetable mixture to enhance the flavour. This option is perfect for those who want a meatless version of this dish.

Breading station

The breading station is a crucial part of the rice ball preparation process. It involves coating the rice balls with a layer of batter and breadcrumbs, which gives them a crispy golden-brown exterior when fried. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your breading station and efficiently breading your rice balls:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter Bowl

In a wide bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, and pepper. Add water gradually and mix thoroughly until you achieve a thick batter with a consistency that will easily coat the rice balls.

Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumbs Bowl

In another wide and shallow plate or bowl, spread out the breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, garlic powder, paprika, or any other desired seasonings. It is essential to ensure the breadcrumbs are well-seasoned, as plain breadcrumbs may result in a bland taste.

Step 3: Dipping and Coating

Now, you can begin the breading process. Using one hand for the wet batter and the other for the dry breadcrumbs will help keep things tidy. Dip each rice ball into the batter bowl, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, transfer the coated ball to the breadcrumbs and gently roll it around until it is completely covered. Place the breaded rice balls on a tray as you work through the batch.

Step 4: Frying or Freezing

At this stage, you have the option to fry the rice balls immediately or prepare them for frying later. If you plan to fry them right away, preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F and place the breaded rice balls inside in a single layer. Lightly spray the balls with oil and air fry for about 6 minutes before checking on them. Shake the basket to rotate the balls, and then continue air frying for an additional 3-6 minutes, or until they are evenly golden brown and crispy.

Alternatively, you can freeze the breaded rice balls for frying at a later time. Place the tray of breaded rice balls in the freezer for a couple of hours until they are hardened. Then, transfer the frozen balls into a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to fry them, place the frozen balls directly into the air fryer basket and cook for a slightly longer time than you would for fresh rice balls.

Shaping the rice balls

Firstly, it is important to start with warm, slightly sticky rice. This makes it easier to shape the rice balls and ensures they hold together well. Using a potato masher or a flat heavy spoon, mash the cooked rice or risotto to a very soft mush. If using leftover rice, warm it up slightly to make mashing easier.

Next, you will need to prepare the filling. Cut the mozzarella cheese into small cubes or sticks. The filling should be cool before adding it to the rice balls, so it does not cause the rice to fall apart. You can also experiment with other fillings, such as cooked ground Italian sausage, ground beef, diced salami, or pepperoni. Ensure that any fillings are cut into small pieces.

Now, it's time to form the rice balls. Take a handful of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball with your palm. If you are making arancini, flatten the ball slightly in the palm of your hand. This will allow you to add the filling more easily.

Place a piece of mozzarella or your chosen filling in the centre of the rice ball. Gently but firmly, bring up the edges of the rice to enclose the filling and shape it back into a ball. It is important to ensure that the ball is tightly sealed so that the filling does not ooze out during cooking. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the rice mixture.

At this stage, you can chill the rice balls to help them firm up and hold their shape even better. Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Once the rice balls are firm and holding their shape well, you can proceed to the breading process. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one containing all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with Italian breadcrumbs. You can also add some seasoning to the breadcrumbs if desired.

Roll each rice ball in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the rice ball evenly with the breadcrumbs. Return the coated rice balls to the tray and chill again until you are ready to cook them.

Your rice balls are now shaped and ready for air frying! Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-400°F (187-200°C). Place the rice balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Spray or brush them with a small amount of oil, and air fry for 6-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Now you know how to shape the perfect rice balls for air frying! Enjoy your delicious, crispy treat.

Dipping sauces

Air-fried rice balls, or arancini, are a delicious snack or appetiser. They are often served with a dipping sauce, but which sauces work best? Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried rice balls.

Marinara Sauce

A classic Italian tomato sauce, marinara is a popular choice to serve with arancini. Its tangy flavour and smooth texture complement the crispy, cheesy rice balls perfectly.

Pesto

Pesto is another excellent option for dipping your air-fried rice balls. The fresh herb flavour of basil in pesto adds a bright, summery note to the rich, fried rice balls.

Meat Sauce

For a heartier meal or a more substantial dipping sauce, a meat sauce is a great choice. This can be as simple as adding some cooked, crumbled sausage or ground beef to your favourite tomato sauce.

Spicy Dipping Sauces

If you like a bit of heat, there are several options for spicy dipping sauces. Try a buffalo sauce, made with cayenne pepper and butter, or a spicy Thai chilli sauce with garlic and coriander.

Creamy Dipping Sauces

For a rich, creamy dipping sauce to contrast the crispy exterior of the air-fried rice balls, there are several options. A simple garlic aioli is an excellent choice, or you could go for a creamy honey mustard sauce. For a fruity option, blend some cream cheese with guava or apricot preserves.

Asian-Inspired Sauces

For an Asian twist, try a peanut dipping sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes, or a sweet and sour sauce with a kick of crushed red pepper.

Other Ideas

There are endless possibilities for dipping sauces to accompany air-fried rice balls. You could try a tangy, creamy blue cheese sauce, a zesty orange marmalade sauce, or a simple ranch dressing.

Experiment with different sauces and enjoy your crispy, golden treats!

Frequently asked questions