Best 4 Air Fryer Quinoa Arancini Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Arancini, a culinary treasure originating from Sicily, Italy. These irresistible fried rice balls are a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring a crispy exterior that yields to a tender, flavorful interior. Arancini come in a variety of fillings, each offering a unique culinary adventure. From classic fillings like mozzarella and ragù to contemporary twists like pesto and vegetables, there's an Arancini for every palate. In this article, we'll embark on a culinary journey, exploring three mouthwatering Arancini recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to experience the magic of Arancini, a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.

Let's cook with our recipes!

AIR FRYER ARANCINI



Air Fryer Arancini image

If you've ever had arancini in a restaurant, you know how incredibly delicious they are. Here the round balls of risotto and cheese are rolled in seasoned breadcrumbs and air fried to crispy perfection for an easier, lighter spin on the classic. We even put a cube of mozzarella inside each one, for a melty, gooey surprise.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 2h55m

Yield 15 arancini

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
Fifteen 1/2-inch cubes whole-milk mozzarella cheese (from a 3.5-ounce piece)
Nonstick cooking spray, for the air fryer
Warmed marinara sauce, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and cook until completely absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes more. Pour in the warm chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time; cook, stirring constantly and allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed before adding more, until the rice is just tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
  • Transfer the risotto to a shallow bowl and refrigerate until completely cool, about 1 hour and up to 8 hours (cover with plastic wrap).
  • Stir 3 tablespoons of the breadcrumbs into the risotto until evenly combined. Form the mixture into 15 arancini (each about 3 tablespoons and 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Insert 1 mozzarella cube in the center of each one, then roll between the palm of your hands to make a smooth, round ball. Refrigerate until chilled through, about 30 minutes more.
  • Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 400 degrees F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs in a small bowl, then roll the arancini in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Add the arancini to the basket and spray the tops with more nonstick cooking spray. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a platter and serve with warm marinara sauce, for dipping.

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

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.

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

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

ARANCINI



Arancini image

There's no way around it: To make arancini, you have to make risotto, although you could also use any kind of leftover risotto, as long as the mixture isn't loose from excess liquid. This recipe employs a simple base of Parmesan risotto that is chilled, rolled, breaded and fried, but the classic version starts with saffron risotto, which explains the Italian name arancine, or little oranges, named for their shape and hue. Simmering risotto and frying the arancini are simple tasks, but the step in between is crucial: Do not skimp on chilling your risotto. If it is not properly chilled, it will fall apart in the hot oil instead of forming crisp, glistening, orbs filled with molten cheese. Serve these arancini with warmed tomato sauce or even pesto, and crown them with a flurry of gremolata or plain lemon zest for brightness.

Provided by Alexa Weibel

Categories     dinner, finger foods, grains and rice, appetizer, side dish

Time 1h15m

Yield About 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1/2 medium white or yellow onion, minced (about 3/4 cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup arborio rice (about 7 ounces)
1/3 cup white wine or white vermouth
2 cups chicken stock, warmed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
4 ounces whole-milk or part-skim mozzarella, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup panko or bread crumbs
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or dried parsley (optional)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 quarts canola or vegetable oil
1 cup arrabiata sauce or other tomato sauce (fresh or store-bought), warmed

Steps:

  • Prepare the risotto: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium. Add onion, garlic and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice until coated, about 1 minute, then add wine. Cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup stock. Cook, stirring frequently, until stock is almost absorbed, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining stock, adding 1/2 cup at a time and stirring until absorbed before adding the next cup, about 15 minutes.
  • Once all the stock has been absorbed - the rice should be tender but still slightly toothsome and the risotto creamy - stir in the Parmesan, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread out in an even layer and let cool, at least 20 minutes. Cover tightly in plastic wrap (or transfer to a lidded container) and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 2 or 3 days.
  • Once the risotto is chilled, slice it into about 24 even portions. Working with one at a time, gently roll each into a ball, then press between your palms to flatten slightly. Press one cube of mozzarella into the center and shape the risotto up and over it, sealing the cheese in the center. Roll the ball in your palms until round. Repeat with remaining risotto balls. (If you're not planning to fry them right away, arrange them on a small baking sheet in a single layer, cover and refrigerate until cooking, up to 2 or 3 days in advance. If the risotto mixture isn't cold, it can fall apart in the hot oil.)
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium. (If you have a candy thermometer, now is a good time to use it: Heat the oil to about 350 degrees.)
  • Prepare the breading: Add the flour to a shallow bowl, then add the eggs to another shallow bowl and beat the eggs to combine. In a third bowl, combine the panko and Italian seasoning, if using, with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Working with one arancini, roll it first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then in the egg, then in the panko, taking care to coat it on all sides with each roll. Transfer to a clean baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining arancini.
  • Fry the arancini in batches, leaving at least one inch between each ball, until golden and crisp on the outside, about 5 minutes. (By the time the crust crisps, the cheese filling will melt.) Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining arancini. (If the crust is cooking to quickly, you can turn off the heat momentarily and continue to cook in the oil, which will maintain residual heat. Turn the stove back on if needed.)
  • Spoon warmed tomato sauce onto small plates or into bowls and top with warm arancini, or set sauce in a bowl for dipping and arrange arancini on a serving platter. Sprinkle arancini with finely grated Parmesan and more parsley, if desired.

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect crispiness, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the recommended temperature before adding the arancini.
  • Make sure the quinoa is cooked al dente before forming the arancini. This will help them hold their shape better during the air-frying process.
  • Use a light hand when mixing the ingredients for the arancini. Over-mixing can make them dense and heavy.
  • For a gooey cheese center, use a shredded cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or fontina.
  • If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
  • Serve the arancini hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or tzatziki.

Conclusion:

Air fryer quinoa arancini is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield delicious results. So next time you are looking for a fun and healthy way to use up leftover quinoa, give air fryer quinoa arancini a try. You won't be disappointed!

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