Air-Fryer Risotto Balls: A Crunchy, Cheesy Delight

Risotto balls, or arancini, are a popular Italian street food, especially in Sicily. They are made by forming cooked risotto into balls, stuffing them with cheese, and coating them in breadcrumbs before frying. This can be done in an air fryer, which is healthier than deep-frying, and requires less oil.

How to make the risotto mixture

To make the risotto mixture, you'll need cooked risotto, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and seasoning. You can also add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavour.

Start by cooking your risotto. You can use a basic recipe with rice, veggie broth, and parmesan, or get creative with additional ingredients. Try a tomato risotto, or add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to your mixture. Once your risotto is cooked, spread it out in a casserole dish or sheet pan and leave it to cool in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

While your risotto is cooling, you can prepare your other ingredients. Grate or shred your parmesan or parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and cut your mozzarella into small cubes. You'll also need two bowls: one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs and seasoning. For the breadcrumbs, you can use plain, Italian-style, panko, or gluten-free, depending on your preference and dietary requirements. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, or Italian seasoning.

Once your risotto is cool, you can start forming your mixture into balls. Take a handful of the risotto and form it into a ball with your palm. If you're adding cheese to the centre of your arancini, press a cube of mozzarella into the middle of the ball and close it up, ensuring the cheese is fully covered. Repeat this process until you've used up all your risotto.

How to form the risotto balls

To form the risotto balls, start by preparing your risotto mixture. In a large bowl, mix together your cooked risotto, Parmesan cheese, butter, Italian cheese, and seasonings. For a more authentic experience, you can also add sautéed onions and bell peppers to the mixture. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 20 minutes to an hour.

Once your mixture is chilled, it's time to form the balls. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If you want to add a cheesy surprise, press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball and reshape it to ensure the cheese is covered completely.

After forming the balls, it's time to bread them. Set up a dredging station with two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Dip each risotto ball into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

Place the breaded risotto balls on a tray and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour before air frying. This step will help them hold their shape better during cooking.

How to coat the risotto balls

To coat the risotto balls, you will need to set up a dredging station with two bowls. In the first bowl, whisk 2-3 eggs. In the second bowl, add bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley.

Then, dip each ball into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll the ball in the breadcrumb mixture. You can press the crumbs gently into the rice to ensure it is fully coated.

Repeat this process until all of your risotto balls are formed and coated, and ready to cook.

How to cook the risotto balls in an air fryer

Once you have prepared your risotto mixture, it is important to chill it in the fridge for at least an hour, or until it is cold. This will make it easier to roll the risotto into balls.

Roll the risotto mixture into balls, and if you want to add cheese to the centre, now is the time to do so. Press a cube of mozzarella into the middle of each ball and reshape.

Prepare your dredging station with two bowls. In the first bowl, whisk a couple of eggs. In the second bowl, add your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley (if using).

Dip each ball into the egg mixture and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the balls into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the air fryer.

Cook at 360-400°F for 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The risotto balls are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Arancini balls can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main course. Enjoy!

How to serve the risotto balls

There are many ways to serve risotto balls, also known as arancini. They can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main course. They are a great choice for a party appetizer, served with a side of tomato or marinara sauce for dipping. They can also be included as part of an antipasti platter, served alongside cured meats, cheese, bread, and olives.

If you're looking to make a full Italian meal, start with arancini as an appetizer, followed by minestrone soup or spinach and ricotta lasagna roll-ups as the main course. Finish the meal with Italian pudding or Zeppole for dessert.

For a healthier option, serve arancini with a salad or vegetables to create a complete meal. They can also be served as a fun snack or light meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, arancini are a delicious and versatile option that your guests are sure to enjoy!

Frequently asked questions