Golden air fryer cheesy risotto arancini served on a platter
AirFryerRecipe.co.uk
Quick Vegetarian Meals
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Emma Lawson | 
15.07.2025

Air Fryer Cheesy Risotto Arancini

Discover the taste of Italy from your home with these crispy air fryer arancini. Made using leftover risotto, they are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Try baked arancini in an air fryer for a healthier option! Impress your guests with this air fryer rice balls recipe that's simple yet delectable.
Prep Time
10m
Cook
15m
Total Time
25m
Yield
serves 4
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Vegetables
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Vegetables

Ingredients for Air Fryer Arancini

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 cups day-old risotto
  • 100g mozzarella, cubed
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Basil

Chop fresh basil and add it to the arancini mixture or as a garnish for a burst of flavour and fragrance.

Why Use Day-Old Rice

Using day-old rice makes it easier to form firm balls without falling apart. It is drier and holds together better, ensuring each bite stays crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This tip is crucial for a successful air fryer arancini.

Steps to Cook Air Fryer Arancini

These instructions detail how to achieve crispy arancini in an air fryer.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200C.
  2. Form cooled risotto into balls, inserting a cube of mozzarella into each.
  3. Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
  4. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Cook at 200C for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Avoid Overcooking

For best results, keep an eye on the cooking time to achieve just the right level of crispiness without drying the arancini.
Air fryer basket filled with freshly cooked arancini

Nutrition for Air Fryer Arancini

Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 15g

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Arancini

Serve your air fryer arancini with a side of marinara sauce or a fresh salad. They make a great starter or a hearty snack, perfect for gatherings or family meals.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Arancini

These air fryer arancini are a delight - crispy on the outside, cheesy and satisfying on the inside. It's a perfect vegetarian snack or appetiser that's easy to make and full of flavour. Give it a try and find more exciting recipe ideas on airfryerrecipe.co.uk. Whether you're looking for easy air fryer arancini without meat or cheesy risotto balls in an air fryer, you're sure to love this recipe.

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Air Fryer Arancini FAQs

What are arancini?

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Arancini are Italian rice balls, typically stuffed with cheese, and often served as appetizers.
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Can you make baked arancini in an air fryer?

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Yes, using an air fryer is a healthier way to create baked arancini without losing flavour and texture.
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How do you prevent arancini from falling apart?

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Be sure the risotto is well-chilled and firm before forming balls, and coat them thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
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What dip goes well with arancini?

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Serve them with marinara sauce or a rich tomato dip for added flavour.
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