Air-Fryer Rice Balls: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat!

Air fryers are a great way to make rice balls, also known as arancini, a healthier and guilt-free snack. This cooking method achieves the same deep-fried texture and taste as traditional arancini, without the need for excessive oil. Arancini is a popular street food in Sicily, Italy, and is usually made with leftover risotto or rice, shaped into a ball, and deep-fried. The air fryer method is a more convenient and healthier alternative, resulting in crispy and golden rice balls that can be paired with various dipping sauces.

How to make the rice sticky enough to form balls

To make the rice sticky enough to form balls, you will first need to cook the rice. Different recipes suggest using either sushi rice, short-grain white rice, or risotto rice. Wash the rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then combine it with water in a saucepan. Bring the rice to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water. This should take around 15-20 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, it's time to assemble the rice balls. Most recipes suggest using a small measuring cup to portion out the rice. Wet the cup with cool water, then fill it loosely with warm rice. Make a hole in the middle of the rice and add your desired filling. Top with more rice, then gently shake the rice ball out of the cup and shape it with your hands. Repeat this process until you have used up all your ingredients. If the rice becomes too sticky, simply re-wet your hands.

How to shape the rice balls

Shaping the rice balls is a fun and simple process. The size of the rice balls is up to you, but a good guide is to make them about the size of your palm. This will give you around 6 to 8 rice balls. You can use an ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture, or just use your hands.

First, flatten the risotto/rice mixture into your palm and add a piece of mozzarella to the centre. Then, carefully shape the mixture around the cheese to form a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed and that the ball is tightly compacted. Repeat this process until all of your mixture is used up.

Now it's time to coat the rice balls. First, roll each ball in flour, followed by dipping them in a whisked egg mixture, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs. Make sure they are evenly coated at each stage. Place the coated rice balls in the fridge to chill and set.

How to cook the rice balls in the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Balls

First, you'll need to make the rice balls. For this, you'll need cooked rice, which you'll mash into a soft mush. You can use leftover rice, which tends to be easier to work with. If you're using leftover rice, warm it up a little to help with mashing. You can also add sautéed onion and bell peppers to the mix for extra flavour.

Next, you'll shape the rice into balls. You can stuff the rice balls with cheese, such as mozzarella, or leave them unstuffed. If you're stuffing your rice balls, take a handful of the rice mixture and form it into a ball with your palm. Then, press a piece of cheese into the centre and reshape the ball, ensuring it is tightly closed.

Step 2: Bread the Rice Balls

Now it's time to bread your rice balls. You can do this by creating a breading station with two bowls: one with a batter and the other with breadcrumbs. For the batter, you can use a mixture of all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, pepper, and water. For the breadcrumbs, you can season them if needed.

Dip each rice ball into the batter and coat it evenly, then transfer it to the breadcrumbs and roll it around until the surface is coated. Repeat this process for all your rice balls.

Step 3: Air Fry the Rice Balls

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Place the prepared rice balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with oil.

Air fry the rice balls for 6-10 minutes, then check on them and shake the basket to rotate the balls. Continue air frying for another 6-10 minutes, or until the rice balls are golden brown and crispy.

Tips:

• Depending on the model of your air fryer, the size of the rice balls, and the number of balls you're cooking, the cooking time may vary.
• The rice balls are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
• You can also freeze the prepared rice balls before air frying them. Place them on a tray and freeze until hard, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook them, place them directly into the air fryer and cook for a slightly longer time.
• If you're using an egg for the batter, you can dip the rice balls into the whisked egg before coating them with the breadcrumb mixture.
• To shape the rice balls, slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking and achieve smoother balls.
• Don't overcook the rice balls. This will ensure a crispy exterior and enhance the flavours without drying them out.

How to store and reheat the rice balls

Storing your rice balls:

• If you've made a big batch of rice balls and want to save some for later, you can easily freeze them. Place the shaped and breaded rice balls on a tray and freeze them for a couple of hours. Once they're hard, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months.
• If you're planning to cook and eat the rice balls within a few days, you can store them in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Reheating your rice balls:

• Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the rice balls on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even heating.
• Cover the baking sheet with foil to help retain moisture and crispiness.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes if reheating from refrigerated, or 40-45 minutes if starting from frozen. The rice balls are ready when they are crispy and golden on the outside, and hot all the way through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat rice balls in the microwave for a quicker option. Wrap each rice ball in a damp paper towel or place them in a microwave-safe container covered with plastic wrap. Set your microwave to medium power (50-70%) and heat for around 1 minute per rice ball, checking regularly to avoid overheating.

Some tips for enhancing your reheated rice balls:

• If your rice balls are a little dry, try dabbing them with water before reheating to restore moisture.
• Serve with complementary dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or wasabi mayo.
• Experiment with different fillings or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before reheating for added texture and flavour.

What to serve with the rice balls

When it comes to serving up a delicious batch of air-fried rice balls, a few carefully chosen sides can elevate your meal and create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Here are some ideas to consider:

Firstly, a light and crispy side option could be vegetable tempura. Thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli florets are lightly battered and air-fried until golden. This adds a crunchy contrast to the soft rice balls and also provides a vibrant and nutritious element to the meal. You could also offer a variety of dipping sauces for the tempura, such as a spicy mayo or a tangy soy-ginger dip.

Alternatively, a fresh and vibrant salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the rice balls. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or a more substantial grain-based salad with quinoa or farro, packed with herbs and citrus flavors. A squeeze of lemon or lime, along with some chopped fresh mint or cilantro, can really lift the flavors and provide a tasty accompaniment to the rice balls.

For a heartier option, why not try a bowl of hearty miso soup? The savory, umami-rich broth pairs perfectly with the rice balls, and you can add ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and green onions for extra flavor and texture. Alternatively, a creamy pumpkin or squash soup could add a sweet and savory element to the meal, with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to finish.

If you're looking for a more substantial side, grilled or baked tofu can be a great source of protein to accompany the rice balls. Marinate the tofu in a tangy teriyaki sauce or a spicy Korean gochujang glaze before cooking, adding a sticky, sweet, and spicy dimension to the dish. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some sliced green onions for a colorful and tasty addition.

Lastly, don't forget the condiments! A simple pickle plate with various fermented vegetables, such as kimchi or Japanese tsukemono, can add a burst of flavor and a crunchy texture. Alternatively, a spicy chili oil or a tangy chutney can be the perfect finishing touch to your meal, adding a kick of flavor to the crispy rice balls.

Frequently asked questions