Best 2 Air Fryer Arancini Recipes

Arancini, also known as Sicilian rice balls, are a delectable Italian appetizer or street food originating from Sicily. These crispy and flavorful spheres consist of cooked rice, typically Arborio or Carnaroli, which is mixed with various fillings such as ground meat, vegetables, cheese, and herbs. The rice balls are then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Arancini come in a variety of fillings and flavors, making them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. In this article, we'll explore two irresistible air fryer arancini recipes: a classic meat-filled arancini and a vegetarian arancini bursting with flavorful vegetables and cheese. Both recipes are easy to follow and can be prepared in the convenience of your own kitchen using an air fryer, resulting in crispy, golden arancini that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Sicily with these delectable air fryer arancini recipes.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AIR FRYER ARANCINI

Air Fryer Arancini image

These fried rice balls are full of flavor and are a wonderful appetizer. Pair with any dipping sauce such as pesto, marinara, or use a meat sauce for a hearty meal. The highlands Italian cheese sprinkle is from the Savory Spice Shop®, but is optional.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Antipasto Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 eggs, divided
2 ½ cups cooked rice
⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Highlands Italian cheese sprinkle (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

Beat 2 eggs lightly in a large bowl. Stir in rice, Parmesan cheese, butter, cheese sprinkle, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes.
Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (187 degrees C) according to manual's instructions.
Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Press a mozzarella cube into the center of each ball and reshape.
Combine panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Beat remaining egg lightly in a second bowl. Dip each rice ball first into egg, then roll in panko mixture. Place rice balls in air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.
Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes. Increase temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and air fry for 3 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.4 calories, Carbohydrate 38.5 g, Cholesterol 160.8 mg, Fat 21.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 732.6 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

AIR-FRYER QUINOA ARANCINI

Air-Fryer Quinoa Arancini image

We love arancini, but they're not the healthiest option! I wanted to make a version that we could enjoy guilt-free. I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. Now we can have these air-fryer arancini any time. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 25m

Yield 3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (9 ounces) ready-to-serve quinoa or 1-3/4 cups cooked quinoa
2 large eggs, lightly beaten, divided use
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 cubes part-skim mozzarella cheese (3/4 inch each)
Cooking spray
Warmed pasta sauce, optional

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 375°. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Stir in 1 egg, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oil, basil and seasonings., Divide into 6 portions. Shape each portion around a cheese cube to cover completely, forming a ball. , Place remaining egg and 1/2 cup bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip quinoa balls in egg, then roll in bread crumbs. Place on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. If desired, serve with pasta sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 423 calories, Fat 19g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 142mg cholesterol, Sodium 1283mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

Tips:

Use leftover risotto or make a fresh batch specifically for the arancini. Leftover risotto will have a more intense flavor, but fresh risotto will be creamier.
If you're using leftover risotto, make sure to spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before assembling the arancini. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.
When shaping the arancini, make sure to pack the rice mixture tightly around the filling. This will help to prevent the arancini from falling apart during cooking.
If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off to fill the arancini with cheese.
Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the arancini from cooking evenly.
Serve the arancini hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Arancini are a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack that can be made with a variety of fillings. They're perfect for using up leftover risotto, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether you like them classic or creative, arancini are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.