Air Fryer Arancini Recipe

Risotto: A creamy Italian rice dish that forms the base of the arancini.

Mozzarella cheese: Provides a gooey, melty center for each arancini ball.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the arancini before dipping in egg and breadcrumbs.

Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the arancini balls.

Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy outer layer when air-fried.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the risotto mixture.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice to the risotto mixture.

When shaping the arancini balls, make sure your hands are slightly damp. This prevents the risotto from sticking to your hands and helps in forming a smooth, even ball around the mozzarella cube.

• cooked risotto - Substitute with cooked quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a gluten-free alternative.

• mozzarella cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina melts well and has a creamy texture similar to mozzarella.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a good gluten-free option that will still help bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works as a vegan binding agent.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and are gluten-free.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar salty flavor and can enhance the umami taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar flavor profile but is slightly milder and less visually noticeable.

• Allow the arancini to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled arancini in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, arrange the arancini on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the arancini to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the frozen arancini in the basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat refrigerated arancini in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at the same temperature, ensuring they regain their crispy texture.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or aioli.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover arancini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Use your air fryer to reheat the arancini. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the arancini in the basket in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

• For a quick method, you can use a microwave. Place the arancini on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the oven or air fryer.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the arancini on the toaster oven tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the arancini balls, ensuring they become golden brown and crispy without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked risotto with salt and pepper, and to hold the mixture while forming the arancini balls.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the cooked risotto, flour, and breadcrumbs.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to cube the mozzarella cheese.

• Knife: Used to cut the mozzarella cheese into small cubes.

• Hand: Used to flatten the risotto mixture and shape it around the mozzarella cubes.

• Small bowls: Used to hold the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs for the coating process.

• Tongs: Helpful for placing the arancini balls into the air fryer basket and removing them once cooked.

• Serving plate: Used to serve the hot arancini balls with your favorite dipping sauce.

Use leftover risotto: Save time by using leftover risotto from a previous meal.

Pre-cut cheese: Buy pre-cut mozzarella cheese cubes to avoid extra prep work.

Assembly line setup: Set up an assembly line with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to streamline the coating process.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple arancini balls at once in the air fryer to save time.

Quick dipping: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to speed up the dipping process.