Crispy Air Fryer Arancini: Easy Cheesy Italian Rice Balls Recipe

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with these incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple air fryer arancini. This recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian rice balls, requiring significantly less oil than traditional deep frying methods, yet delivering that irresistible golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese center. They are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can prepare them in advance and cook them in under 15 minutes whenever you’re ready to serve, making them a perfect hassle-free snack or an elegant appetizer for unexpected guests or special occasions. Keeping a batch on hand ensures you’re always ready for a flavorful bite!

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Your Arancini?

Making arancini in the air fryer is a game-changer for several reasons. First and foremost, it drastically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying, making this beloved dish a lighter option without compromising on flavor or texture. This means less guilt and, perhaps even better, less mess and easier cleanup in your kitchen – truly a win-win situation!

Beyond the health benefits, the air fryer is excellent at creating that perfect crispy crust that arancini are famous for. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden finish, achieving a texture that closely rivals its deep-fried counterpart. This method is also incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy these cheesy rice balls anytime you have a craving, not just on special occasions.

Furthermore, this recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover risotto. If you find yourself with an abundance of creamy risotto from a holiday feast, a romantic date night, or simply a larger batch you prepared, transforming it into arancini is a brilliant way to repurpose it. It adds new life to leftovers, turning them into an exciting new dish. While arancini often grace our New Year’s table as a cherished tradition, there’s no need to limit their enjoyment. Feel free to cook up some fresh Arborio rice specifically for this purpose, and treat yourself to these delightful Italian bites whenever the mood strikes!

Essential Air Fryer Arancini Ingredients

Crafting perfect air fryer arancini starts with a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful Italian rice balls to life, along with tips for customization.

• 2 cups cold cooked rice or leftover risotto: Arborio rice is highly recommended for its creamy texture.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the rice mixture.
• 3 large eggs: Essential for binding the rice balls and for the breading process (divided).
• 2 Tbsp butter or margarine: For sautéing aromatics and adding richness.
• 1 shallot, minced: Provides a delicate onion flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more to taste): A fundamental aromatic for Italian dishes.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that captures classic Italian flavors.
• 1 tsp salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper: For a subtle kick.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a touch of heat.
• 2 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into ½” pieces (approximately 8 per stick): The creamy, melty heart of your arancini.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: The first layer in the breading process.
• ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Provides the signature crispy coating.
• Nonstick spray: For achieving a golden, crisp finish in the air fryer.
• Marinara sauce for dipping: The perfect accompaniment for serving.

How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Arancini: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly crispy and cheesy arancini using your air fryer. This method simplifies the traditional process, making it accessible for home cooks.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin by melting butter in a pan on the stove over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they are soft and slightly browned, which typically takes 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base.
2. Cool Aromatics: Once cooked, remove the shallot and garlic mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely when added to the rice.
3. Combine Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold cooked rice or leftover risotto, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 of the large eggs (lightly beaten), Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the cooled shallot and garlic mixture to the bowl.

5. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is cohesive. This ensures even flavor distribution and helps the arancini hold their shape.

6. Portion Rice Mixture: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture into the palm of your hand. Gently flatten it slightly to create a small disc.

7. Add Mozzarella: Place one ½-inch piece of mozzarella cheese into the center of the rice disc. This will be the delicious, melty core of your arancini.

8. Form the Balls: Gently squeeze the rice mixture around the mozzarella, then roll it between your palms to form a compact ball, similar to shaping a meatball. Ensure the cheese is completely enclosed within the rice to prevent it from oozing out during cooking.

9. Repeat and Chill: Continue this process until all of the arancini have been formed. Once shaped, arrange the rice balls on a plate or tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is vital as it helps the arancini firm up, preventing them from falling apart during the breading and cooking process. You can even leave them in the fridge for longer if you’re preparing them in advance.

11. Preheat Air Fryer: While the arancini are chilling, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (or 375°F, depending on your specific air fryer model’s settings). Allowing it to preheat ensures even cooking and a crisper result.
12. Set Up Breading Station: Prepare a dredging station with three separate shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the remaining egg until well beaten. In the third, place the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Season each with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
13. Bread the Arancini: Take a chilled arancini ball and roll it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it generously in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well. A good coating is key to a crispy finish.

14. Air Fry: Place the breaded arancini balls in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the arancini with a mist of oil or nonstick spray to encourage browning and crispness.

15. Cook to Perfection: Cook the arancini on the air fryer setting for 10-15 minutes at 370°F. Halfway through the cooking time (around 5-7 minutes), pause to flip the arancini and reapply a light spray of oil to ensure even browning on all sides.
16. Check for Doneness: Your air fryer arancini are done when they are gloriously golden brown and crisp on the outside, and the mozzarella cheese within is perfectly melted. You can check the internal temperature with a thermometer; for mozzarella, it should be around 130°F.
17. Serve with Marinara: Transfer the hot, crispy arancini to a serving platter and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the crunchy exterior and the soft, cheesy interior!

What to Serve With Air Fryer Arancini

Air fryer arancini are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways, from a standalone appetizer to a key component of a larger meal. Their crispy texture and savory, cheesy interior pair beautifully with a variety of Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

• Polenta Cakes: Complement the arancini with savory parmesan polenta cakes for a delightful textural contrast.
• Spinach Balls: Light and flavorful spinach balls offer a nice green counterpoint.
• Hearty Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup provides a comforting and balanced accompaniment.
• Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan: Turn your appetizer into a full Italian feast by serving alongside classic chicken or eggplant parmesan.
• Bolognese or Other Meat Sauce: For a richer experience, serve with a hearty bolognese or a robust meat sauce, perhaps even drizzling a little over the arancini themselves.
• Cold Cheese and Prosciutto Platter: Create an elegant spread with a selection of cured meats and cheeses.
• Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance.
• Creamy Hummus: While not traditional, a smooth hummus can offer an interesting, unexpected dip.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic glaze make a vibrant side.
• Panzanella Salad: A rustic Italian bread salad with tomatoes and fresh herbs.
• Bruschetta: Offer additional toasted bread appetizers for a complete antipasto experience.

Whether you’re crafting an elaborate appetizer spread for a party or integrating them into your main course, these air fryer arancini are sure to impress. Don’t forget to try some of my other air fryer recipes for perfect pairing options, such as Air Fryer Parmesan Polenta Cakes, Air Fryer Spinach Balls, Aldi Eggplant Fries in the Air Fryer, Vegetable Soup in the Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Bruschetta!

Recipe Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Arancini

Achieve air fryer arancini perfection with these insider tips and tricks, ensuring every batch is as delicious as possible:

• Don’t Skip Sautéing Aromatics: While you can skip browning the shallot and garlic if you’re truly short on time or prefer not to use the stovetop, I highly recommend this step. Sautéing them first develops a deeper, more nuanced flavor that significantly enhances the overall taste of your arancini. If you’re cooking fresh rice, you can even incorporate this step into your rice preparation.
• Even Egg Distribution: For the rice mixture, make sure to beat your eggs thoroughly before adding them. This ensures they are more evenly distributed throughout the rice, acting as a better binder and contributing to a more consistent texture in your finished arancini.
• Batch Size and Scaling: This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 arancini balls, which is perfect for a small gathering or as a generous snack. However, it’s incredibly easy to scale up! If you’re hosting a larger crowd or want to freeze some for later, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients.
• Air Fryer Variations: Air fryers can vary in their power and efficiency. For reference, I achieved a perfect balance of exterior browning and melted cheese in about 12 minutes using a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer. If your air fryer runs hotter or cooler, you might need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two. Always monitor your arancini, especially during the first batch, to find the ideal timing for your specific appliance.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Air Fryer Arancini

Whether you have leftovers or are planning to make a batch in advance, proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your arancini at their best.

• Storing Leftover Arancini: Allow any leftover arancini to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, arancini freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Arancini: The best way to reheat arancini and restore their crispy texture is in the air fryer or a conventional oven.
  • In the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the cooled arancini in the basket in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
  • In a Conventional Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the arancini on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Again, add 3-5 minutes if reheating from a frozen state. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make them soft rather than crispy.

• Stuffed Banana Peppers: For another savory, flavorful Italian-inspired dish.
• Air Fryer Lasagna: A comforting classic that pairs wonderfully with arancini as a starter.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Arancini

These air fryer arancini truly stand out as an elegant yet incredibly simple appetizer that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you continue the tradition of serving them for New Year’s celebrations, as I do, or introduce them at another party or family get-together, they make a perfect, memorable addition to your spread. Their golden, crispy crust and molten, cheesy center are universally loved.

One of the great benefits is their versatility; by simply cooking your rice in vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, they become entirely vegetarian-friendly, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences. Who doesn’t adore discovering that melty, cheesy goodness tucked inside a perfectly crisp rice ball? Despite their seemingly fancy Italian name, these delightful rice balls are adored by both kids and adults alike, proving that classic Italian flavors can be both sophisticated and approachable for everyone.

For another irresistibly crunchy breaded snack idea, especially perfect for New Year’s or any festive occasion, be sure to check out my popular recipe for Air Fryer Sauerkraut Balls With Bacon!