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Air fried risotto arancini balls in a white bowl garnished with pieces of green parsley.

Air Fryer Risotto Balls (Italian Rice Arancini)

Nataliia
Air fryer risotto balls are a delicious and quick way to repurpose leftover risotto. Enjoy them as a fun appetizer, snack, or light meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 322 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 small bowl or shallow dishes
  • 1 ¼ measuring cup
  • 1 air fryer, I used Ninja XL

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups leftover risotto
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese or 2 cheese sticks, cut into cubes.
  • 2 ea eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions
 

  • Use a ¼ measuring cup (or ice cream scoop) to divide the risotto into 8 parts. Form 8 balls with your hands, pressing the ball firmly. You might have about 10 balls if using the ice cream spoon.
  • Gently press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed by the risotto mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking oil (optional).
  • In one bowl, add 2 eggs and beat them with a fork. In a second ball, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, pepper and dried parsley.
  • Dip each risotto ball into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll the ball in a breadcrumbs mix until evenly coated. Place in a prepared air fryer basket. Repeat the process with the rest of the balls.
  • Air fryer for about 8 minutes at 400°F, flipping the balls once half way through. They are ready when golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Notes

If you do not have mozzarella cheese, you can use Gouda, Cheddar or make them without it.
Any type of leftover risotto will work well. I used the mushroom one this time.
Of you want the balls hold their shape better, roll them into cornstarch before dipping into the eggs mixture.
Once made, this Arancini balls should be consumed or tossed, because it is not recommended to reheat any rice more then twice.

Nutrition

Serving: 2eaCalories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 50.4gProtein: 12.5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 25.5mgSodium: 516mgPotassium: 7.8mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 1.9g
Keyword air fryer risotto balls, how to make arancini, leftover risotto balls
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