Emilie Meyer
If you're looking for a healthier, guilt-free way to cook arancini, then using an air fryer is the perfect solution. Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Sicily, traditionally deep-fried to golden perfection. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy, golden brown exterior without using excessive oil. The process is simple: shape your cooked and cooled rice or risotto into balls, stuff them with cheese, coat them in breadcrumbs, and then air fry until they're crispy and golden. You can even make a big batch and freeze them for later, making this a quick and easy appetizer or side dish for any Italian-inspired feast.
How to cook arancini in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cooked rice, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Olive oil |
| Optional ingredients | Fontina, Provolone, Meat, Pesto, Marinara sauce |
| Tools | Air fryer, Large bowl, Shallow bowl |
| Preparation | Mix rice, Parmesan, butter, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Roll into balls. Add mozzarella cube to the center. Roll in breadcrumbs. |
| Cooking | Preheat air fryer to 370-380°F. Place balls in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil. Cook for 6 minutes. Increase temperature to 400°F and cook for 3 minutes. |
| Serving | Serve hot with marinara sauce or other dipping sauce. |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
To make arancini in an air fryer, you will need cooked and cooled rice, breadcrumbs, cheese, and eggs. You can use any type of rice, but long-grain, easy-cook rice is a good option, and leftover rice works great. For the cheese, you'll need grated Parmesan and mozzarella, and you can add fontina or provolone for a cheesy twist. You can use any type of breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra-crunchy texture. You'll also want to have olive oil cooking spray or regular olive oil on hand, as well as salt and pepper for seasoning.
Start by beating two eggs lightly in a large bowl. Stir in the rice, Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything together, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. If you're using mozzarella, cut it into small cubes and set them aside for later.
Once the rice mixture is chilled, it's time to shape your arancini balls. Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking to them, and use a large cookie scoop (about 1/4-1/3 cup) to portion out the rice mixture. Roll the rice into balls, and if you're using mozzarella, press a cube into the center of each ball and reshape. If you want to freeze some arancini for later, this is a good point to do so. Place the shaped arancini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
To bread the arancini, beat another egg in a shallow bowl and place the breadcrumbs in a separate dish. Dip each rice ball into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until it's well coated. Place the breaded arancini in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not crowded, and spray them with cooking spray or olive oil.
Preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit (187 to 193 degrees Celsius). The exact temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Cook the arancini for about 6 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and air fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. Serve your arancini hot with a side of marinara or tomato sauce for dipping.
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Shaping the arancini
Shaping arancini is an art, and there are a few techniques to ensure you get the perfect shape and texture. Firstly, it is important to prepare your hands and the arancini mixture. Dip your hands in cool water to prevent the sticky rice mixture from clinging to your hands and to help shape smoother, more even balls. The rice mixture should be cooked and cooled before shaping, and you can use any type of rice, although long-grain is a good option. Leftover rice works great, and you can also use leftover risotto.
The arancini balls can be shaped into spheres or cones, depending on your preference. In Sicily, the western regions shape them into spheres and call them "arancine" (the female form), while the eastern regions opt for a conical form and name them "arancini" (the male form). To shape the balls, use a large cookie scoop (about 1/4-1/3 cup) to scoop the rice or risotto mixture, and then roll it between your palms to form a ball. If you want to add cheese to the centre, simply press down on the ball, add the cheese, and then close the ball, reshaping it as you go.
Once shaped, the arancini balls can be frozen for later or breaded and placed directly into the air fryer. If freezing, place the shaped arancini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, simply place the frozen balls directly into the air fryer basket and follow the cooking instructions.
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Cooking method
To cook arancini in an air fryer, you will first need to prepare the arancini mixture. This typically includes cooked and cooled rice, risotto, or leftover rice, combined with cheese, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or fontina, and other ingredients like butter, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is then shaped into balls, with a cube of mozzarella or other cheese in the center of each ball. The balls are then coated in breadcrumbs and can be frozen at this stage for cooking later.
When ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to around 370-380°F (187-193°C). You can spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Then, place the arancini balls in the basket, ensuring they have some space around them. Spray the balls with cooking spray or oil to help them crisp up and gain a golden color.
Fry the arancini for around 6-10 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are evenly golden brown and crispy. 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.
Depending on the model of your air fryer, the size of the arancini balls, and whether you are cooking them from frozen, the cooking time may vary. Arancini are best served hot and fresh, as this is when they are crispiest, but they can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for a few days and reheated in the air fryer or oven.
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Serving suggestions
Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried arancini:
Sauces and Dips
Arancini are commonly served with a dipping sauce or a side of sauce. Marinara sauce, a classic Italian tomato sauce, is a popular choice that pairs well with the crispy, golden arancini. You can also blend oven-roasted tomatoes for a smoother dipping sauce. For a more robust flavour, consider a meat sauce. Alternatively, garlic aioli, pesto, or a simple sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a delicious Italian twist. If you're feeling adventurous, try a vodka tomato sauce or a spicy 'nduja paste for an extra kick.
As a Starter or Appetizer
Arancini makes an excellent choice for a starter or appetizer, especially when serving an Italian meal. They can be a tasty prelude to a main course such as Minestrone soup or spinach and ricotta lasagna roll-ups.
Snack or Street Food
In Sicily, arancini are commonly enjoyed as a snack or street food. They are a perfect handheld treat, offering a crunchy exterior and a soft, cheesy centre.
Main Course
While arancini are typically smaller in size, you can also make larger portions to serve as a main course. Pair them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a heartier meal.
Customise Your Arancini
Feel free to experiment with different fillings and ingredients to create unique flavour combinations. You can stuff your arancini with meat, vegetables, or different types of cheese. Try mushroom risotto with truffle oil, or pesto with ricotta, for a more elevated take on this classic Sicilian dish.
Remember to let your air-fried arancini cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy them while they're still warm and crispy!
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Storing and reheating
Storing arancini:
Arancini can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days when stored properly. To maintain their freshness, ensure they are kept in an airtight container. For the best quality, it is recommended to consume them within the first few days after cooking, as they may start to lose their crispy texture over time. If you want to keep leftovers for a longer period, consider freezing them. Frozen arancini can last up to 2-3 months.
Reheating arancini in an air fryer:
The air fryer is an excellent method for reheating arancini as it helps to retain the crispy texture. Before you begin reheating, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 375°F (180°C to 190°C). This step ensures even cooking and heat distribution. If desired, spray a light layer of cooking oil on the surface of the arancini and the air fryer basket to enhance their crispiness and prevent sticking.
Arrange the arancini inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough space between each ball to allow for proper air circulation and even reheating. Set the timer to approximately 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the arancini. During the cooking process, periodically check on your arancini to ensure they are evenly browning and crisping up. If necessary, flip or shake them gently halfway through the cooking time.
Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the arancini from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving as the filling may still be very hot. Your arancini should now have a crispy exterior and a warm, creamy interior. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Arancini are fried rice balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They are a very common sight in a local Sicilian deli or from a roadside vendor.
You will need cooked rice or risotto, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. You will also need cooking spray to prevent sticking.
First, mix the rice, cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes. Roll the mixture into balls and press a cube of mozzarella into the centre of each ball. Dip each ball into egg and roll in the breadcrumbs. Place the balls in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.
Preheat the air fryer to 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit halfway through cooking.
Air fry the arancini for 6-10 minutes. Then, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes at a higher temperature. The arancini are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
