Air Fryer Arancini: Crispy, Golden Perfection in Minutes!

Arancini, those delightful Sicilian rice balls, are traditionally deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection. But what if you could achieve that same amazing texture and flavor with significantly less oil and effort? Enter the air fryer! This recipe for air fryer arancini delivers all the satisfying crunch and cheesy, savory goodness of the classic, without the mess and guilt of deep-frying.

This recipe will guide you through the process of making arancini from start to finish, including instructions for both leftover risotto and from-scratch risotto. We’ll also cover different filling options, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to enjoy a healthier, quicker, and equally delicious version of this Italian street food favorite!

Why Air Fry Arancini?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why air frying is such a fantastic method for cooking arancini:

* **Healthier:** Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep-frying, resulting in a lower-fat arancini.
* **Faster:** The air fryer preheats quickly and cooks the arancini in a fraction of the time it takes to deep-fry.
* **Less Mess:** No need to deal with a large pot of hot oil and the associated splatters and cleanup.
* **Even Cooking:** The circulating hot air ensures that the arancini cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
* **Perfect Texture:** Air frying creates a beautifully golden and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make air fryer arancini. We’ll cover the risotto ingredients separately, depending on whether you’re using leftovers or making it from scratch.

**For the Arancini:**

* **Risotto:** About 3-4 cups of cooked and cooled risotto. Arborio rice is traditional, but other short-grain varieties will also work. The key is to have a creamy, well-seasoned risotto.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Cubed into small pieces (about 1/2 inch). Fresh mozzarella, while delicious, can be a bit too watery. Part-skim mozzarella works well.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated, for adding flavor and helping to bind the arancini.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. These are used for the egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1-2 cups of plain or Italian breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest results.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup, for dredging the arancini. This helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick.
* **Olive Oil Spray:** For lightly coating the arancini before air frying.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning the arancini.

**Optional Fillings:**

* **Meat Sauce (Ragù):** A classic filling option. Use a hearty, well-seasoned ragù.
* **Peas:** Frozen peas, thawed.
* **Ham or Prosciutto:** Diced into small pieces.
* **Mushrooms:** Sautéed and finely chopped.
* **Spinach:** Cooked and chopped.

**For Risotto (From Scratch):**

* **Arborio Rice:** 1 cup. This is the traditional rice used for risotto.
* **Chicken or Vegetable Broth:** 4-5 cups, heated. Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 small onion, finely chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (optional, but adds a lovely flavor).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Making Risotto: From Scratch or Leftovers?

You have two options for the risotto: use leftover risotto (which is a great way to use up leftovers!) or make it from scratch. If you’re using leftover risotto, skip ahead to the “Assembling the Arancini” section.

**Making Risotto From Scratch:**

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. **Toast the Rice:** Add the Arborio rice to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted. This helps to release the starch and create a creamy texture.

3. **Deglaze with Wine (Optional):** If using white wine, pour it into the pot and stir until it is completely absorbed. This adds a layer of flavor to the risotto.

4. **Add Broth Gradually:** Begin adding the heated broth, one ladleful at a time. Stir constantly until the broth is absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Continue this process until the rice is cooked through and creamy, but still slightly al dente. This will take about 20-25 minutes.

5. **Stir in Parmesan and Season:** Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The risotto should be creamy and slightly loose. It will thicken as it cools.

6. **Cool Completely:** Spread the risotto out on a baking sheet to cool quickly and evenly. This is crucial for forming the arancini. The risotto needs to be cold and firm enough to hold its shape.

Assembling the Arancini

Now that you have your risotto ready (either leftover or freshly made and cooled), it’s time to assemble the arancini.

1. **Prepare Your Workstation:** Set up a workstation with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs.

2. **Form the Rice Balls:** Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled risotto and form it into a ball in your hand. Flatten the ball slightly and make a small indentation in the center.

3. **Add the Filling:** Place a few cubes of mozzarella cheese (and any other optional fillings you’re using) into the indentation. Don’t overfill the arancini, or they may burst during cooking.

4. **Seal the Rice Balls:** Gently bring the edges of the risotto together to enclose the filling completely. Roll the arancini between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Make sure there are no cracks or openings.

5. **Dredge, Dip, and Coat:** Dredge the arancini in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the arancini in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere completely. Make sure the entire surface is covered in breadcrumbs.

6. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 2-5 until all the risotto is used.

Air Frying the Arancini

Now for the exciting part: air frying your arancini to crispy, golden perfection!

1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:** Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. This will prevent the arancini from sticking.

3. **Arrange the Arancini:** Place the arancini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

4. **Spray with Oil:** Lightly spray the arancini with olive oil spray. This will help them to brown evenly.

5. **Air Fry:** Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the arancini are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.

6. **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the arancini are heated through, you can insert a thermometer into the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. **Serve Immediately:** Remove the arancini from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Arancini

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible results when making air fryer arancini:

* **Use Cold Risotto:** This is crucial! Cold risotto is much easier to handle and form into balls. It also helps prevent the arancini from falling apart during cooking.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the arancini can cause them to burst during cooking. Be conservative with the fillings.
* **Seal Properly:** Make sure the risotto is completely sealed around the filling. Any cracks or openings will allow the filling to leak out.
* **Coat Thoroughly:** Ensure that the arancini are completely coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This will help them to become crispy and prevent them from drying out.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the arancini from cooking evenly. Cook them in batches, if necessary.
* **Flip Halfway Through:** Flipping the arancini halfway through cooking ensures that they brown evenly on all sides.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the arancini and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest results.
* **Add Seasoning to Breadcrumbs:** Consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (like oregano or basil), or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Variations and Add-ins

Arancini are incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and add-ins to try:

* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or smoked mozzarella.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Use vegetable broth for the risotto and fill the arancini with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Spicy Arancini:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the risotto or the breadcrumbs for a little heat.
* **Saffron Arancini:** Add a pinch of saffron to the risotto for a beautiful golden color and a unique flavor.
* **Sweet Arancini:** Believe it or not, sweet arancini are a thing! Use sweet rice for the risotto and fill them with Nutella, ricotta cheese and chocolate chips, or candied fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer arancini are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. They can also be served as part of a larger Italian meal.

Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Marinara Sauce:** Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
* **Pesto:** A dollop of pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Garlic Aioli:** Garlic aioli is a creamy and flavorful accompaniment.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Antipasto Platter:** Include arancini on an antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, and olives.

Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* **Cooked Arancini:** Store leftover cooked arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Air Fryer:** Reheat the arancini in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
* **Oven:** Reheat the arancini in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

## Recipe: Air Fryer Arancini

**Yields:** Approximately 12-15 arancini
**Prep time:** 45 minutes (including risotto cooling time)
**Cook time:** 8-12 minutes per batch

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 cups cooked and cooled risotto (see instructions above for making from scratch)
* 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed into small pieces
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1-2 cups plain or Italian breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* Olive oil spray
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional fillings: meat sauce, peas, ham, mushrooms, spinach

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Risotto:** If making risotto from scratch, follow the instructions above and allow it to cool completely. If using leftover risotto, ensure it is cold and firm.
2. **Set Up Workstation:** Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
3. **Form Arancini:** Take 2-3 tablespoons of risotto and form into a ball. Flatten slightly and make an indentation in the center.
4. **Add Filling:** Place a few cubes of mozzarella cheese and any other desired fillings into the indentation.
5. **Seal Arancini:** Bring the edges of the risotto together to enclose the filling. Roll into a smooth ball.
6. **Dredge, Dip, and Coat:** Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
7. **Preheat Air Fryer:** Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
8. **Prepare Air Fryer Basket:** Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
9. **Arrange Arancini:** Place arancini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
10. **Spray with Oil:** Lightly spray the arancini with olive oil spray.
11. **Air Fry:** Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
12. **Check for Doneness:** Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
13. **Serve:** Serve immediately with marinara sauce, pesto, or garlic aioli.

Enjoy your delicious and easy air fryer arancini!