Introduction
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, chances are you’ve come across the delectable dish known as arancini. These crispy, golden rice balls are a popular appetizer or snack that are traditionally made from leftover risotto. In this article, we will show you how to make air fryer arancini using your leftover risotto. This recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to reduce food waste.
Ingredients
Making air fryer arancini is easy, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Arancini:
– Leftover risotto
– Mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
– Breadcrumbs
– Parmesan cheese (grated)
– All-purpose flour
– Eggs (beaten)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil spray
For the Dipping Sauce:
– Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
1. Take your leftover risotto and form small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Make an indentation in the center of each ball and place a cube of mozzarella cheese inside.
2. In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Roll each rice ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is fully coated.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
6. Place the coated rice balls in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
7. Air fry the arancini for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. While the arancini are cooking, warm up your favorite marinara sauce or dipping sauce.
9. Once the arancini are done, let them cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve the air fryer arancini with the warm dipping sauce and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
– If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the arancini in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
– Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add cooked ground meat, peas, or any other ingredients you like to the center of the rice balls.
– If you have any leftover arancini, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Conclusion
Air fryer arancini is a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover risotto. With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your air fryer, you can enjoy these crispy and cheesy rice balls in no time. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!