These air fryer arancini are so easy to make, and require way less oil than deep frying! They’re able to be prepared ahead of time and cooked when you’re ready for them in under 15 minutes. I love to keep some on hand for an easy appetizer or snack when company comes over!
Why Make Arancini in the Air Fryer
You’ll love this simple version of arancini, which requires no deep frying. That means less oil and cleanup involved, which is always a win!
This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover risotto. If you’ve got some on hand from a holiday meal or after date night, why not repurpose it and put it to good use?
While arancini is a classic New Year’s dish in my house, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it at other times, too. Just cook up some rice anytime you have a craving for these crispy, cheesy rice balls!
Katie’s tip
If you’re short on time to make your own, make sure to check out my shortcut Air Fryer Frozen Arancini recipe, with Aldi’s sweet pea flavor rice balls!
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Air Fryer Arancini Ingredients
- 2 cups cold cooked rice or leftover risotto
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into ½” pieces (approximately 8 per stick)
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Nonstick spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Rice. If you’re cooking fresh, I recommend Arborio. I typically cook it in chicken stock and white wine for flavor (but you can use veggie stock to keep it vegetarian friendly). If you’re using leftover risotto, you will likely want to adjust other seasonings accordingly
- Seasonings. All of the seasonings here are adjustable based on preference. This is a good starting point, though
- Mozzarella. You may also cube a block of regular or fresh mozzarella if preferred
- Meat. For a meat arancini variation, add 1 tsp cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ball along with the cheese
- Flour. You can swap in another type of flour or cornstarch if needed
- Breadcrumbs. Substitute seasoned panko instead of regular bread crumbs if desired
How to Make Arancini in the Air Fryer
- Melt butter in a pan on the stove over medium heat
- Add the diced shallot and garlic and cook until soft and slightly browned
- Remove from heat and allow to cool
- In a mixing bowl, add cooked rice, 2 eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the cooled shallot and garlic mixture
- Stir to combine well
- Spoon approximately 2 Tbsp of the rice mixture into your hand
- Insert a mozzarella cube into the center of the rice pile
- Squeeze together and then roll into a ball using your hands (similar to rolling a meatball) making sure to completely enclose the cheese
- Repeat until all of the arancini have been formed
- Chill the rice balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so they cool and set (feel free to leave them for longer if you’re preparing in advance)
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (or 375°F depending on your air fryer’s settings)
- Set up a dredging station with all purpose flour, the remaining egg (beaten), and the seasoned breadcrumbs. Season each with some salt and pepper
- Roll the chilled arancini in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat thoroughly
- Place the breaded rice balls in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray with a mist of oil or nonstick spray
- Cook on the air fryer setting for 10-15 minutes at 370°F, pausing to flip and reapply oil halfway through
- Arancini are done when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside and the cheese is melted in the center (around 130°F for mozzarella)
- Serve with marinara for dipping
What to Serve With Arancini
- Polenta Cakes
- Spinach Balls
- Vegetable Soup
- Chicken or eggplant parmesan
- Bolognese or other meat sauce
- Cold cheese and prosciutto platter
- Green salad
- Hummus
- Caprese salad
- Panzanella
- Bruschetta
There are tons of great accompaniments to serve with your air fryer arancini! Make an entire appetizer spread, or turn them into part of your complete meal!
Try my Air Fryer Parmesan Polenta Cakes, Air Fryer Spinach Balls, Aldi Eggplant Fries in the Air Fryer, Vegetable Soup in the Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Bruschetta for some perfect pairing options.
Recipe FAQs
How Long Do You Heat Arancini in the Air Fryer?
It generally takes between 10 and 15 minutes to heat arancini in the air fryer.
This can vary slightly based on the cooking temperature, diameter of your rice balls, and your specific air fryer.
Can You Put Frozen Arancini in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put frozen arancini in the air fryer. Add an additional 5 minutes to cooking time to heat them from a frozen state.
There is no need to defrost arancini in advance. Flipping a couple times during cooking will help ensure no wet spots form from the moisture.
Can Arancini Balls Be Made in Advance?
Yes, arancini balls can be made in advance. Store them for up to 3 days in your refrigerator, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
They can be cooked from the fresh or frozen state in your air fryer. For frozen, add a few extra minutes to cooking time to account for the colder starting temperature.
What Are Air Fryer Arancini?
Air fryer arancini are delicious Italian rice balls that are typically stuffed with cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy. Using the air fryer requires less oil when compared to deep frying, making for a slightly healthier option overall.
To make your arancini, simply form the rice mixture into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry until golden and crispy.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for Air Fryer Arancini?
Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses for air fryer arancini, including mozzarella, fontina, provolone, or even a combination, like an Italian cheese blend.
Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the flavors in your arancini.
What Type of Rice Is Best for Making Arancini?
The traditional rice used for making arancini is Arborio rice, which is a short-grain rice commonly used in Italian risotto. Arborio rice has a high starch content, which helps the arancini hold their shape when formed into balls and fried.
However, you can also use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.
How Do I Prevent Air Fryer Arancini from Falling Apart?
To prevent air fryer arancini from falling apart during cooking, make sure the rice mixture is well chilled before forming it into balls. Also make sure it is well coated in breading, as this adds stability to the ball shape.
Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to shape and reducing the risk of the arancini breaking apart during frying.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Arancini?
Air fryer arancini are delicious when served with marinara sauce, arrabbiata sauce, pesto, alfredo, or even a simple garlic aioli for dipping.
The tangy and savory flavors of these sauces complement the crispy exterior and creamy interior of the arancini perfectly.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Air Fryer Arancini
- You can skip browning the shallot and garlic if you don’t want to use the stove (but I feel it adds more depth of flavor that way), or you can combine it with cooking your rice if you’re not using leftovers
- Beat your eggs before adding to the rice mixture to ensure they’re more evenly distributed
- This recipe makes about 12 arancini balls based on the quantity of ingredients listed. However, it’s easily doubled for a crowd
- I cooked my rice balls for 12 minutes in a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer and that was the perfect mix of exterior browning and melted cheese. However, other air fryers may differ slightly in terms of cooking time
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To store any leftover arancini, make sure they are fully cooled and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer term storage, freeze with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking for up to 3 months
- Reheat arancini in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes (time can vary slightly based on the size of your rice balls) or in a conventional oven for about 10 minutes (also at 400°F). Add 2-3 minutes if you are reheating from frozen
- Stuffed Banana Peppers
- Air Fryer Lasagna
Final Thoughts
These air fryer arancini are an elegant yet simple appetizer that are sure to be a crowd pleaser for your next party. Whether you serve them for New Years like I do, or at another get together, they make a perfect addition to your spread!
They’re vegetarian friendly as long as you cook your rice in vegetable stock, and who doesn’t love finding melty, cheesy goodness in the middle? Despite the fancy name, these Italian rice balls are loved by kids and adults alike.
For another crunchy breaded snack for New Year’s, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Sauerkraut Balls With Bacon!
Air Fryer Arancini (Easy Italian Rice Balls)
Equipment
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
Ingredients
- 2 Cups cold cooked rice or leftover risotto
- ½ Cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 Large eggs (divided)
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 Shallot (minced)
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced (or more to taste)
- 1 Tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tsp salt
- ½ Tsp black pepper
- ¼ Tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into ½" pieces (approximately 8 per stick)
- ¼ Cup all purpose flour
- ½ Cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Nonstick spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan on the stove over medium heat2 Tbsp butter or margarine
- Add the diced shallot and garlic and cook until soft and slightly browned1 Shallot, 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- Remove from heat and allow to cool
- In a mixing bowl, add cooked rice, 2 eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the cooled shallot and garlic mixture2 Cups cold cooked rice or leftover risotto, ½ Cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 Large eggs, 1 Tsp Italian seasoning, 1 Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper, ¼ Tsp red pepper flakes
- Stir to combine well
- Spoon approximately 2 Tbsp of the mixture into your hand
- Insert a mozzarella cube into the center of the rice pile2 Mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into ½" pieces
- Squeeze together and then roll into a ball using your hands (similar to rolling a meatball) making sure to completely enclose the cheese
- Repeat until all of the arancini have been formed
- Chill the rice balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so they cool and set (feel free to leave them for longer if you’re preparing in advance)
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (or 375°F depending on your air fryer’s settings)
- Set up a dredging station with all purpose flour, the remaining egg (beaten), and the seasoned breadcrumbs. Season each with some salt and pepper¼ Cup all purpose flour, ½ Cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Roll the chilled arancini in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat thoroughly
- Place the breaded balls in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray with a mist of oil or nonstick sprayNonstick spray
- Cook on the air fryer setting for 10-15 minutes at 370°F, pausing to flip and reapply oil halfway through
- Arancini are done when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside and the cheese is melted in the center (around 130°F for mozzarella)
- Serve with marinara for dippingMarinara sauce for dipping
Notes
- If you’re cooking fresh rice, I still recommend Arborio (though it works with other varieties if need be). I cook mine with chicken stock and white wine for flavor (but you can use veggie stock to keep it vegetarian friendly). If you’re using leftover risotto, you will likely want to adjust other seasonings accordingly
- All of the seasonings listed here are adjustable based on preference or depending what flavor leftover risotto you have. This is a good starting point, though
- You may cube a block of regular or fresh mozzarella if preferred in place of the sticks
- For a meat arancini variation, add 1 tsp cooked ground beef or italian sausage to the ball along with the cheese
- You can swap in another type of flour or cornstarch if needed
- Substitute seasoned panko instead of regular bread crumbs if desired
- You can skip browning the shallot and garlic if you don’t want to use the stove (but the flavor is much better cooked), or you can combine it with cooking your rice if you’re not using leftovers
- Beat your eggs before adding to the rice mixture to ensure they’re more evenly distributed
- This recipe makes about 12 arancini balls based on the quantity of ingredients listed. However, it’s easily doubled for a crowd
- I cooked mine for 12 minutes in a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer and that was the perfect mix of exterior browning and melted cheese. However, other air fryers may differ slightly in terms of cooking time
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
