17 Italian Rice Balls Recipe Air Fryer Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
If you love the taste of crispy, savory Italian rice balls, but want a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, look no further than this delicious Italian rice balls recipe air fryer. Not only does using an air fryer cut down on the amount of oil needed, but it also ensures a perfectly crispy and golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and a little help from your air fryer, you can easily recreate this classic Italian dish in the comfort of your own home. Let's dive into the recipe and see just how easy it is to make these delectable rice balls.
This Italian chicken and rice casserole is a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Tender chicken, creamy risotto, and flavorful Italian seasonings come together in this delicious dish. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftovers or pantry staples like rice and canned tomatoes.
2of 20
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Red Bell Peppers, Yellow Onions, Ground Meat, Eggs
These Italian-style stuffed peppers are a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Instead of using ground beef, we use Italian sausage for a flavorful kick. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of rice, sausage, and herbs, then topped with melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and add some Italian flair to your dinner menu.
3of 20
Italian Porcupine Balls
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Rice, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
If you've never had Italian porcupine balls, you're missing out! These delicious meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and Italian seasonings. The rice gives them a unique texture and the Italian herbs add a burst of flavor. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.
4of 20
Italian Rice Ball Skillet
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Ground Beef, Sweet Italian
This Italian rice ball skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's full of flavor. It's made with Italian sausage, rice, and veggies, all cooked together in one skillet for easy clean-up. The sausage adds a nice kick of spice, while the rice and veggies make it a well-rounded meal. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes!
5of 20
Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Ham, Pepperoni
Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Italy and for good reason. They're crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with delicious Italian flavors. These rice balls are typically filled with a meat and cheese mixture, but you can customize them with your favorite ingredients. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Zucchini, Rice, Cream Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato
If you're looking for a healthier twist on traditional arancini, try these baked pesto zucchini arancini. They're made with brown rice, zucchini, and pesto for a flavorful and nutritious option. These rice balls are baked instead of fried, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Serve them as a side dish or as a satisfying snack.
This Italian tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a cold winter day. It's packed with tender tortellini, veggies, and Italian seasonings for a bowl of pure comfort. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you have a complete meal in one bowl.
8of 20
Italian Sausage and Asparagus Risotto
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic, Butter, Rice
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that's all about the rice. This Italian sausage and asparagus risotto is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe. The sausage adds a nice spicy kick, while the asparagus adds a pop of freshness. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
These Italian stuffed peppers are a great way to use up leftover rice and add some Italian flair to your dinner menu. The peppers are stuffed with a tasty mixture of rice, ground beef, and Italian seasonings, then topped with melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal. They're easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you're looking for a fun and tasty appetizer, try these Italian rice balls. They're made with a mixture of rice, cheese, and herbs, then rolled into balls and fried to perfection. Serve them as a party snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite Italian dishes.
11of 20
Easy Italian Rice – Love Every Minute!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tomato Sauce, Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
This easy Italian rice recipe is a staple in our house. It's quick, easy, and full of flavor. We love it as a side dish for any Italian meal, or as a base for other dishes like stuffed peppers or meatballs. The key to this recipe is using good quality Italian seasonings and cooking the rice in chicken broth for added flavor.
12of 20
Baked Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Shredded Mozzarella, Shredded Parmesan
If you love arancini but don't want to fry them, try these baked Italian rice balls. They're made with a mixture of rice, cheese, and herbs, then baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown. They're a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, but just as delicious.
These Italian rice balls are a classic appetizer that's always a hit at parties. They're made with a mixture of rice, sausage, and cheese, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in minutes.
14of 20
Arancini (Rice Balls) with Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Parmesan, Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella
Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Italy and for good reason. They're crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with delicious Italian flavors. These rice balls are typically filled with a meat and cheese mixture, but you can customize them with your favorite ingredients. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
15of 20
Fried Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Grated Parmesan, Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella
If you're craving a taste of Italy, try these fried Italian rice balls. They're made with a mixture of rice, cheese, and herbs, then fried until crispy and golden brown. They're perfect as a snack or appetizer, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
These cheesy Italian stuffed peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground beef, and cheese, then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and add some Italian flair to your dinner menu.
17of 20
Air Fryer Arancini | Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Bread Crumbs, All Purpose Flour, Corn
If you have an air fryer, you have to try these air fryer arancini. They're made with a mixture of rice, cheese, and herbs, then coated in breadcrumbs and air fried until crispy. They're a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, but just as delicious.
18of 20
Italian Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italian Chicken Sausage
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, try these Italian rice bowls. They're made with rice, Italian sausage, and veggies, all cooked together in one skillet for easy clean-up. The sausage adds a nice kick of spice, while the rice and veggies make it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
19of 20
Mom's Italian Stuffed Pepper
Main Ingredients: Peppers, Boiled Eggs, Bread Crumbs, Egg, Hamburger
This recipe for mom's Italian stuffed pepper is a family favorite. It's a classic stuffed pepper recipe with a twist – instead of ground beef, we use Italian sausage for a flavorful kick. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of rice, sausage, and herbs, then topped with melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This baked Italian chicken is an easy and delicious dinner option that's perfect for any night of the week. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Italian seasonings and then baked until juicy and flavorful. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal that's sure to please.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Rice
The first step in making Italian rice balls is, of course, choosing the right type of rice. It's important to use a short-grain rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli, to achieve the perfect texture for these fried balls. These types of rice have a higher starch content, which helps the rice balls stick together and gives them a creamy center. Arborio rice is the most commonly used type in this recipe, and it can easily be found in most grocery stores.
Cheese
Most Italian rice ball recipes call for a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. However, for a more indulgent and flavorful twist, consider using a mix of gouda and provolone as well. The combination of these four cheeses adds a rich and creamy texture to the rice balls and enhances the overall flavor.
Breadcrumbs
To achieve that crispy exterior, you'll need to coat the rice balls in breadcrumbs before air frying. You can use regular panko breadcrumbs, or for a gluten-free option, try using crushed rice crackers. For an extra dose of flavor, mix in some Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs before coating the rice balls.
Eggs
The eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, helping the rice balls hold their shape while frying. Be sure to fully whisk the eggs before adding them to the rice mixture to ensure an even distribution.
Extras
While the basic recipe for Italian rice balls calls for the ingredients mentioned above, you can always add in some extra ingredients to personalize the flavor. Some popular additions include chopped parsley, sundried tomatoes, or chopped olives. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.
The Air Frying Process
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start assembling and air frying the rice balls. Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions and letting it cool. Once cooled, mix in the cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and any additional ingredients you chose. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and carefully place the rice balls into the basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process until all the rice balls are cooked, and serve them hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
With this Italian rice balls recipe air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier and easier version of this classic Italian dish. So next time you're craving some crispy, cheesy goodness, pull out your air fryer and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!