What matters
Spread rice thinly to cool, not in a warm deep pan.
Everyday cooking Recipe
Air fryer mozzarella arancini
Air fryer arancini with mozzarella centres. Cook risotto rice fresh, chill promptly and shape small breaded balls before baking in two batches.
Total time
2 hr 21 min
Calories
331 kcal
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Why this recipe works
Cook rice fresh and chill promptly
Twelve small balls make four snack servings. Preparation includes 15 minutes steaming off and 45 minutes refrigeration. This is a baked adaptation, not a classic deep-fried crust.
Air Fryer Recipes
Rice
Italian Recipes
Cheese
Recipe
Air fryer mozzarella arancini
Air fryer arancini with mozzarella centres. Cook risotto rice fresh, chill promptly and shape small breaded balls before baking in two batches.
Ingredients
4 servings
Method
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1
Prepare
Cook rice with water and salt, stirring often, about 20 minutes total until soft and thick. Stir in Parmesan and butter. Spread shallowly, steam off about 15 minutes then refrigerate about 45 minutes until shapeable.
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2
Mix and season
Divide mozzarella into twelve pieces. Divide chilled rice into twelve portions, seal cheese inside and shape compact small balls. Coat thinly in flour, egg and crumbs and brush with oil.
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3
Cook
If required by the manufacturer, preheat for 3 minutes at 180 °C. Bake two batches of six about 14 minutes each at 180 °C, spaced apart. Turn gently halfway. Cold rice centres and egg coating must heat through fully. Check that the thickest part reaches at least 70 °C for 2 minutes; continue cooking if needed.
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4
Check and serve
Lift out and cut carefully; cheese is very hot. Do not leave leftovers unrefrigerated for long. Serve three balls each as a snack.
Kitchen know-how
Tips for Air fryer mozzarella arancini
Serving guidance
Calculated without tomato sauce. Parmesan means not automatically vegetarian.
Variations
How to adapt this recipe
Use vegetarian hard cheese and labelled mozzarella if avoiding animal rennet.
Stir fine lemon zest into the still warm rice.
Nutrition per serving
331kcal
42.7 gCarbohydrates
11.3 gProtein
12.3 gFat
Values are estimates per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about Air fryer mozzarella arancini
No, risotto rice must cook soft and starchy so it holds together.
No, cool promptly and refrigerate. Reheating does not reliably fix unsafe storage.
Cracks or wet cheese expose the centre. Dry cheese and seal fully in rice.
The thin oiled coating roasts differently and may brown less evenly. Rice stays soft inside.
Keep cooking