Air Fryer Arancini, or crispy Italian rice balls, are a delicious treat you won’t want to miss. Picture creamy risotto rice mixed with gooey cheese, all coated in a seasoned, crunchy breading. These rice balls are air-fried to perfection, giving you a golden, crispy outside with a soft, cheesy center.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We’re all about anything breaded and air-fried, and these arancini are no exception. Perfect as an appetizer for your next Italian dinner or simply as a snack, these rice balls will quickly become a family favorite. They’re an excellent way to use up leftover rice, turning it into something irresistibly tasty.
Pair these crispy arancini with marinara sauce for a classic Italian combo, or get creative with dips like ranch if that’s more your style. My kids love them with ranch, but they’ll dip anything in it! For a complete Italian meal, serve them alongside Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan or keep it vegetarian with Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan.
What Are Arancini?
Arancini are a popular Italian street food, made from rice mixed with cheese, breaded, and fried until golden brown. The name “arancini” means “little oranges,” reflecting their shape and color. By using an air fryer, we’ve made these rice balls healthier and easier to prepare, while still delivering that delicious crispy texture.
Why This Recipe Works
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding more ingredients. Cheese, meats, veggies—whatever you like!
- Crispy Perfection: Italian bread crumbs mixed with all-purpose flour give these arancini a golden, crunchy finish.
- Great for Leftovers: Have some leftover rice? This recipe is perfect for transforming it into something new and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Arborio Rice: This type of rice creates the perfect creamy texture needed for arancini. Slightly warm leftover rice works best.
- Cheese: A blend of grated parmesan and diced mozzarella makes for a deliciously gooey center. Cut the mozzarella into small pieces for even distribution.
- Herbs & Seasoning: Fresh parsley and dried basil add vibrant flavors. Season the rice with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Breading: All-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and Italian bread crumbs create the crispy exterior. Panko crumbs can also work for extra crunch.
- Marinara Sauce: Serve these rice balls with marinara for dipping. Rao’s is a favorite, but any tomato-based sauce will do the trick.
How to Make Air Fryer Arancini
- Mix the Ingredients: Start by combining the cooked arborio rice, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, parsley, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the Balls: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Shape each portion into a compact ball with your hands.
- Bread the Balls: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all rice balls are coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the arancini balls in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray with olive oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the arancini cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Serving Suggestions
These arancini are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a meal. For an Italian-inspired spread, pair them with a side salad, air fryer garlic bread, or even a hearty soup like sausage tortellini. Experiment with different dips—garlic aioli or pesto are fantastic options!
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your arancini by adding different cheeses, meats, or veggies. Swap the mozzarella for provolone or add cooked ground sausage for a meaty twist. Veggies like peas, mushrooms, or spinach can also be mixed into the rice for added flavor and texture.
