Arancini are crispy rice balls with a soft, cheesy center, and the air fryer makes them much quicker and lighter. This version is simple enough for a weeknight, but still full of comforting Italian flavor. They’re perfect when you want something warm, crunchy, and satisfying.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- rich cheesy flavor with a crisp coating
- faster than traditional fried arancini
- perfect snack or easy dinner side
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 10–12 balls
Related recipes: Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes with Creamy Feta and Spiced Chickpeas
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- No risotto rice → use leftover cooked rice, slightly sticky works best
- No mozzarella → try cheddar or scamorza for a stronger flavor
- No parmesan → pecorino is a good swap
- Want extra flavor → add chopped parsley or a pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small pan and cook the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking until fragrant.
- Mix the onion mixture into the cooled rice with parmesan cheese.
- Tip: Cold rice holds together much better than warm rice.
- Scoop a spoonful of rice mixture into your hand and press it flat.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and shape into a tight ball.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Roll each ball lightly in flour, then dip in beaten egg mixed with milk.
- Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
- Tip: A light breadcrumb layer gives the best crunch without feeling heavy.
- Arrange the arancini in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning once.
- Cook until deep golden and crisp on the outside.
- Rest for 2 minutes before serving so the cheese stays molten inside.
- Tip: Let them cool slightly — the center is very hot right out of the fryer.
Common Mistakes
- Using warm rice → balls will fall apart
- Overfilling with cheese → leaks during cooking
- Crowding the basket → they won’t crisp evenly
FAQ
Can I freeze arancini before cooking?
Yes, freeze them on a tray first, then air fry from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Do I need to spray them with oil?
Not required, but a light spray helps them brown more evenly.
Storage Tips
Store leftover arancini in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes to bring back crispness. They can also be frozen for quick snacks later.
I love making these when I want something crispy and cheesy that feels special but still comes together quickly.
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