Air Fryer Arancini is made with cooked risotto or sticky rice, grated Parmesan, 1 egg, mozzarella cubes; air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes to serve 6. 240 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Equipment
Steps
- 1
Mix cold risotto with Parmesan and egg. The mixture should be sticky and moldable.
- 2
Take a golf ball-sized portion. Flatten, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and form into a ball, sealing completely.
- 3
Roll in flour, then egg, then Italian breadcrumbs.
- 4
Spray all sides with cooking spray.
- 5
Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until deeply golden. Rest 3 minutes (the cheese inside is molten). Serve with marinara.
Tip: The rice must be cold and sticky or the balls won't hold together. Leftover risotto is ideal, but any sticky rice works. Make sure the mozzarella is fully sealed inside or it leaks out. These can be formed ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 12 minutes vs ~19 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 240 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
How did it turn out?
Share your result and inspire others
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Arancini at 375°F for 12 minutes. The rice must be cold and sticky or the balls won't hold together. Leftover risotto is ideal, but any sticky rice works. Make sure the mozzarella is fully sealed inside or it leaks out. These can be formed ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook.
You need: 3 cups cooked risotto or sticky rice, chilled, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, mixed into the rice, 12 small mozzarella cubes (1/2 inch), 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, beaten, 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs, Cooking spray, Marinara sauce for dipping. This recipe serves 6 with 240 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Arancini takes 12 minutes total at 375°F. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until deeply golden. Rest 3 minutes (the cheese inside is molten). Serve with marinara.
This recipe is rated Medium. It serves 6 and takes just 12 minutes at 375°F.
More Snacks
Truffle Parmesan Fries
Truffle Parmesan Fries are made with russet potatoes, truffle oil, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano; air fry at 380°F for 22 minutes until shattering and golden.
Double-Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
Double-Breaded Mozzarella Sticks are made with string cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, and eggs; air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes until shatteringly crispy with gooey cheese pulls.
Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Parmesan Zucchini Chips are made with thin-sliced zucchini, Parmesan, panko, and smoked paprika; air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes until shatteringly crispy.