Air Fryer Arancini Balls with Cheese

You'll love the taste of these air fryer arancini balls without the mess, smell, and extra fat that comes from using a deep fryer.

I have wanted to try to make arancini balls ever since I went on a walking food tour in NYC with some friends. However, deep frying is so messy and the smell of fried food seems to linger. I suppose you could bake them but then I don't think they would be as crispy.

In comes the air fryer. I know I am late to the party but we just bought an air fryer. This is one of the first things I made with it.

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How to Make Air Fryer Arancini

Arancini are Italian breaded and fried rice balls. Typically they use leftover risotto and stuff them with cheese, peas, and sometimes meat.

Step 1 - Start with cold risotto. You can make your own with arborio rice or buy a package from the store and make it. However, you'll want to set it in the refrigerator for a little while first to make it easier to work with.

Step 2 - Set up a breading station with a bowl of cold risotto, a bowl of beaten eggs, a bowl of breadcrumbs and grated cheese, and a bowl of the stuffing.

In my case, I mixed Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and I used mozzarella string cheese cut up into cubes as the stuffing.

Step 3 - Grab some of the risotto rice and cup it in one hand. Poke a hole or indentation with your other hand and place a piece of cheese there.

Step 4 - Then roll the rice into a ball adding more if needed.

Step 5 - Next, roll the ball into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 6 - Set the breaded arancini aside and continue making more until you have used up all the risotto.

Step 7 - Place 5 of the arancini in an air fryer basket spaced out in a single layer and spray them with olive oil or another cooking spray.

Step 8 - Air fry the arancini for 6-7 minutes at 400 degrees, turn over, spray, and fry for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown.

They come out all crispy and delicious.

Garnish the arancini balls with a little fresh chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese, and serve them hot with a side of marinara sauce.

If you already have an air fryer you'll want to try making arancini. They are still crispy without all the extra fat from a deep fryer. Delicious comfort food everyone will love.