Air Fryer Arancini

These air fryer arancini, or fried rice balls, are full of flavor and make a wonderful appetizer. Pair with any dipping sauce such as pesto, or marinara, or use a meat sauce for a hearty meal. The Highlands Italian cheese sprinkle is from the Savory Spice Shop, but is optional.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 385 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch salt
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• nonstick cooking spray
• 3 large eggs, divided
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 ½ cups cooked rice
• 1/2 teaspoon Highlands Italian cheese sprinkle (optional)
• 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Press a mozzarella cube into the center of each ball and reshape.

Step 2

Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes. Increase temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and air fry for 3 more minutes.

Step 3

Beat 2 eggs lightly in a large bowl. Stir in rice, Parmesan cheese, butter, cheese sprinkle, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (187 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5

Combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Beat remaining egg lightly in a second bowl. Dip each rice ball first into egg, then roll in the bread crumb mixture. Place rice balls in air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.