Air-Fryer Arancini: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Yes, you can make arancini in an air fryer! Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily. They are usually deep-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that produces the same delicious result.

Air fryer arancini recipe

Arancini, or Italian Rice Balls, are a very popular street food in Sicily. The traditional deep-fried recipe can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, guilt-free snack or appetizer. Here is a recipe for Air Fryer Arancini.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked rice or risotto
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of corn starch
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of crushed pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 5 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of corn starch
• Water, as needed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray
• Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Method

• Mash the cooked rice or risotto to a very soft mush and set aside.
• In a small pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion and bell peppers until soft. Add the salt and crushed red peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
• Cool the vegetable mixture and then add it to the mashed rice.
• Add the corn flour, all-purpose flour, and bread crumbs to the rice mixture and combine well.
• Take a handful of the rice mixture and form it into a ball. Stuff a piece of mozzarella inside, close it well, and form a tight ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
• Set up a breading station: combine the all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, and pepper in a wide bowl and add about ¼ cup of water to make a thick batter. Place the breadcrumbs in another wide plate.
• Dip each rice ball into the batter and coat evenly, then roll in the breadcrumbs.
• Layer the prepared arancini in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil.
• Air fry at 360 F for about 6 minutes, then shake the basket to rotate the balls and air fry for another 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips

• You can use leftover rice for this recipe.
• Adding onions and bell peppers is optional but adds great flavor.
• Season the ingredients at every stage and check if the breadcrumbs need seasoning or use seasoned breadcrumbs.
• When breading the arancini, use one hand for the batter and the other hand for the breadcrumbs to avoid mess.
• You can freeze the prepared arancini and then air fry or deep fry them when ready.

How to make arancini in an air fryer

Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily. They are usually deep-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative. Here is a step-by-step guide to making arancini in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice or risotto
• Bread crumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Corn flour/corn starch
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Oil
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Method:

First, make the risotto by heating some oil in a pan and cooking the onion and garlic until soft. Add the rice and cook for a few minutes, then pour in the stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the rice is tender. Stir in the Parmesan, if using, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the risotto to cool to room temperature.

Next, cut the mozzarella into small pieces and pat them dry. Take a handful of risotto and form it into a ball. Flatten the ball in the palm of your hand and place a piece of mozzarella in the centre. Enclose the cheese with the risotto and roll it between your palms to make a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process until you have used up all the risotto.

Now, prepare a breading station. In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, and pepper, and add water to make a thick batter. In another bowl, add the bread crumbs and season if needed. Dip each risotto ball into the batter and coat evenly, then roll it in the bread crumbs.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-380°F. Place the prepared arancini in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with oil. Air fry for about 6 minutes, then check on the rice balls and shake the basket to rotate them. Air fry for another 6-8 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve the arancini hot, with marinara sauce or pesto on the side.

Tips:

• You can make arancini with either risotto or regular rice. Risotto will give them a chewier texture, while regular rice will make them softer.
• You can also add other ingredients to the risotto, such as crushed pepper flakes, peas, or beef, for extra flavour.
• Arancini can be frozen after breading and cooked in the air fryer at a later date.
• If you don't have mozzarella, you can use other types of cheese, or none at all.
• You can use any type of breadcrumbs, but panko gives the arancini a nice, crispy texture.
• For spicy arancini, add a tablespoon of 'nduja paste to the cooked rice instead of Parmesan.

What to serve with arancini

Arancini are delicious on their own, but serving them with a variety of dips and sides can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauces and Dips:

• Marinara sauce is a classic choice for arancini, offering the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavours.
• Pesto is another great option, especially if you're looking for something a little different.
• Meat sauce can be a heartier choice to dip your arancini in.

Salads:

• A bright and bold salad can be a great companion to arancini. Try arugula with goat cheese, Parmesan, and balsamic vinegar.
• A Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is another fresh option that pairs well with the fried rice balls.
• A simple Caesar salad with a crunchy element like croutons can also be a nice, tangy side dish.

Vegetables:

• Lemon garlic roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, add a zesty and lively contrast to the creamy arancini.
• Garlic Parmesan green beans provide a crunchy and savoury side dish that pairs perfectly with arancini.

Other Sides:

• Creamy polenta with a touch of garlic or Parmesan can be a comforting side dish to dip your arancini in.
• Balsamic glazed mushrooms bring a sweet-tangy kick to the plate and work well as a saucy companion to arancini.
• Grilled zucchini is a simple, fresh, and quick side dish that adds a charred depth of flavour to the meal.

These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

How to store arancini

Arancini are best enjoyed freshly fried, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the coating as crispy as possible, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Alternatively, you can line the container with uncooked rice, which will stop the breadcrumbs from getting too soggy. Make sure the arancini aren't touching, as this will encourage sogginess. You can separate the layers with a paper towel or parchment paper if you need to layer them.

You can also freeze leftover arancini. First, lay them out on a baking tray so they aren't touching and put them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once they're hard, transfer them to a heavy-duty freezer bag. They'll last for 1-2 months in the freezer. Before putting the bag in the freezer, squeeze out as much air as possible to protect the arancini against freezer burn.

Can you freeze arancini?

Yes, you can freeze arancini for around three months. Arancini are deep-fried rice balls flavoured with herbs and cheese. They are a delicious Sicilian snack, but it's best not to keep them in the fridge for more than two days as they will begin to dry out.

How to Freeze Arancini

Firstly, leave your cooked arancini to cool down completely. Then, place them on a tray lined with greaseproof paper, making sure they are not touching each other, and put them in the freezer for a couple of hours until they are frozen solid. After that, you can transfer the arancini to a freezer bag or container.

Reheating Arancini

If you are planning to fry your arancini in oil, you can add them straight from the freezer to the pan without defrosting them. If you would prefer to defrost them first, you can take them out of the freezer and leave them to thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

Tips for Perfect Arancini

• Use cheddar or mozzarella as these hard cheeses freeze well. Soft cheeses don't freeze well, so avoid using them in your arancini if you plan to freeze them.
• Adding breadcrumbs to your arancini mixture will prevent them from falling apart and give them a crunchy texture.
• If you are freezing uncooked arancini, you can freeze them as balls with cheese in the centre. Then, when you are ready to use them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, roll them in the coatings, and cook as usual.

Frequently asked questions