Air Fryer Arancini

Air Fryer arancini is one of the delicious and easy appetizers. Make these air fryer rice balls quickly and easily. These are kid-friendly as well.

What is arancini?

Arancini is an authentic Italian crispy rice ball. These are risotto rice balls rolled with breadcrumbs and deep-fried to make them crispy. These are quick appetizers.

However, these crispy rice balls are air-fried with minimal oil, thus eliminating the tons of fat. And undoubtedly, these are better than deep-frying.

If you enjoy air fryer cooking or are a beginner, here is one of the best appetizers that are easy, quick, and delicious. Also, check out my air fryer appetizers and vegetarian air fryer recipes on the blog.

Why air fryer arancini are the best?

These are so easy to make in the air fryer. And quick as well. Making the healthier arancini version won't take more than 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes. Enjoy these healthy air fryer arancini and ditch the deep-fried ones.

And these arancini balls are gluten-free as well. The bread crumbs I have taken are gluten-free. And rice is naturally gluten-free. So, if you are gluten intolerant, you can enjoy these crispy rice balls.

Also, these rice balls are kid-friendly. I bet your kids will love these snacks. And since these are not deep-fried, you can ensure they're not adding bad fat and calories to the food.

Ingredients needed for arancini

Rice - Cooked or leftover rice is best for making arancini. The starch helps to bind them nicely. Authentically, it's made with risotto rice.

Flavors - Italian seasoning and a pinch of paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can add your favorite seasonings or make your Italian seasoning home. It has dried oregano, dried basil leaves, and dried parsley.

Breading - gluten-free bread crumbs/ panko bread crumbs/ brown bread crumbs. Whatever suits you, you can choose. To make slurry, corn starch, and water. Here, you can use eggwash to coat them before you roll them on bread crumbs.

Cheese - mozzarella cheese or any meltable cheese. You can take shredded cheese or cheese cubes to stuff here. For the vegan option, consider any vegan cheese for stuffing.

Oil Spray - To coat the rice balls. Olive oil also adds a nice flavor to the air fryer arancini. You can also substitute with avocado oil or any vegetable oil.

Alternative or Substitutes

Risotto rice is the best for making arancini. But you can take any leftover rice since it turns more starchy and easier to bing. I'm not using egg wash for this recipe since we don't eat eggs. But you can use eggwash if your diet allows that. I have substituted egg wash with a cornstarch slurry. This also made the rice balls crispy.

Since I have used cheese, this is not vegan. To make these arancini completely vegan, omit cheese or substitute with vegan meltable cheese or simple mushroom stuffing. However, these arancini are gluten-free.

How to make air fryer arancini?

Step 1

Take out rice in a large mixing bowl. Mash it roughly with the help of a masher. Add the seasonings and mix them nicely with the mashed rice.

Step 2

Take one scoop out of the mixture and flatten it by pressing it with your palms.

Step 3

Place the cheese cube or a small portion and cover it from all sides, making a ball again. Don't press too hard to avoid cracks; otherwise, it will fall apart while coating or cooking.

Step 4

In a bowl, add cornstarch and water, making a slurry. Drop the ball into the slurry, then roll it on seasoned bread crumbs. Repeat this for all the balls.

Preheat the air fryer at 400 F for 3 minutes. Grease the pan by lightly brushing it with oil. Place the coated balls and spray oil from the top or sides. Avoid using the brush, as the breadcrumbs may stick to the brush and will be removed with a brush.

Cook the arancini in the air fryer at 375 F or 190 C for 12 minutes. Then last 3 - 4 minutes at 400 F or 200 C, depending on the doneness you want. This will make the crispy balls golden.

Pro Tip

If you want lovely, equally golden arancini, I recommend using brown bread or a mixture of regular and panko crumbs. Coating with panko will not give an equal browning effect on the end product.

Also, please note that every air fryer cooks differently. So, the timing may vary a little depending on the type and size of the air fryer, too.

Can I Bake the arancini?

If you don't have an air fryer, that is also no problem. You can bake them in an oven. Preheat the oven. Place the coated rice balls on the baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray oil on them. Bake them in the oven at 350 F/ 180 C for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden.

How to freeze and reheat?

To freeze the rice balls, follow the steps till coating the balls with bread crumbs. Don't Bake them before freezing. Place it on a tray lined with a silicon mat in the freezer for 1 - 2 hrs. Then, transfer the balls to a freezer bag or pouch. Store for up to 3 months. Whenever required, remove it from the freezer and bake it as instructed above.

Frequently Asked Question

Should I use risotto or rice?

Traditionally, arancini is made with risotto. However, you can also make them with any other rice. But make sure the rice is cold. This will make it sticky and help bind the rice balls better.

Can I make the arancini eggless?

Yes, you can make them eggless. This arancini is eggless. You can substitute eggwash with

How long does it take to make arancini in the air fryer?

Cook the arancini in the air fryer at 375 F or 190 C for 12 minutes. Then, it should last 3 - 4 minutes at 400 F or 200 C. This will make the crispy balls golden.

Why is my arancini falling apart while frying?

Always use leftover and chilled rice. They will be sticky. Avoid wet rice with too much moisture. After forming the arancini, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm them up and reduces the risk of falling apart while frying.

Can I cook frozen arancini in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen arancini in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen arancini in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure an even cooking. Cook the frozen arancini for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the frozen arancini and the type and size of your air fryer.

Dips/ sides to serve with arancini

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Mango Salsa

Simple Shirazi Salad

Southwest Dressing

Sweet & Hot Dipping Sauce

There is also a collection of 40+ vegan dips served with the delicious air fryer arancini.

Air Fryer Arancini

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