Air Fryer Arancini Recipe

Get Ready to Fall in Love with Air Fryer Arancini!

Looking for a delectable treat that will tantalize your taste buds and make your heart sing? Look no further than arancini- a crispy, cheesy, Italian-style rice ball that's been beloved by foodies everywhere since the Middle Ages. In this blog post, we're going to answer all your burning questions about arancini- its origins, ingredients, and how to make it in your air fryer. Plus, we'll throw in some pro tips and variations on the classic recipe. Get ready to be wowed! This Air fryer arancini recipe will do the trick.

So what exactly is arancini?

This tasty treat consists of round balls of rice that are stuffed with cheese (usually mozzarella) and usually coated in breadcrumbs before being fried to crispy, golden perfection. The name actually means "little oranges" in Italian- some say this is because the shape and color of the finished product is reminiscent of an orange. But whatever the reason, one thing is certain- arancini is an awesome, addictive snack that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Its Origin

Arancini originally hails from Sicily, an island off the southern coast of Italy. The dish probably originated as a way for working-class folks to make use of leftover rice and ingredients they had on hand. Over time, arancini became a beloved street food and eventually made its way onto menus at fancy restaurants and other upscale spots around the world. And while classic arancini are still made with traditional ingredients like Arborio rice and tomato sauce, there are plenty of fun variations to try out.

Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Arancini

Arborio Rice - 1 cup
Water - 3 cups
Salt - 1 tsp
Garlic Powder - 1 tsp
Mozzarella Cheese - 1 cup, grated
Bread Crumbs - 1 cup
Parmesan Cheese - 1/2 cup, grated
Black Pepper - 1 tsp
Eggs - 2, lightly beaten
Olive Oil - 2 tbsp

Steps to make Air Fryer Arancini

Rinse the Arborio rice well and add it to a saucepan with 3 cups of water, salt, and garlic powder. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool for a while.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rice with beaten eggs, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese.
Now, wet your hands and take a small amount of rice mixture, shape it into a ball, and roll it into bread crumbs. Repeat this step until all of the mixture is used up.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly brush the arancinis with olive oil.
Arrange the air fryer basket with arancinis, then cook it for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove the Arancini from the air fryer and allow them to cool down for a few minutes before serving.

Pro tips and Variations

Be sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the arancini so they'll cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the arancini in batches. Check on them frequently to ensure they don't burn or cook unevenly. And for a fun variation on classic arancini, try adding other fillings besides cheese- like ground beef or leftover stew.