Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini Recipe That’s Better Than Fried
Last winter, I stood in my kitchen staring into the pantry, craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting. I had leftover risotto from the night before and a fresh block of mozzarella. As someone who’s obsessed with transforming leftovers into gourmet air fryer creations, I decided to try something daring Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini. I wasn’t even sure if it would work in the air fryer, but I figured, why not?
The moment I pulled those golden orbs out of the air fryer and saw gooey mozzarella stretch with the first bite, I knew I had struck gold. And that’s how my obsession with arancini began.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini from ingredients and tips to variations and pro techniques. If you’re a fan of crispy textures, cheesy centers, and kitchen hacks, keep reading.
Discover great ideas like this savory snack by visiting Air Fryer Crispy Potato Cheese Bombs
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Table of Contents
What is Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini?
Arancini are Italian rice balls typically filled with ragù, peas, or mozzarella, then deep-fried. But in this air-fried twist, we’re skipping the oil bath while keeping all the crisp.
By using an air fryer, you still get the crunchy outer shell without the extra grease. Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini are healthier, faster, and just as addictive as the traditional version.
These cheesy risotto balls are perfect for:
- Meal prepping
- Party appetizers
- Using leftover risotto creatively
Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked risotto cooled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed and frozen for 10 minutes
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray or oil as needed
Instructions
- Cube the mozzarella and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Take a scoop of risotto, flatten it, place a cheese cube in the center, and form a ball.
- Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb step for extra crunch if desired.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray arancini lightly with oil.
- Place arancini in air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create the best Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini at home:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked risotto (cooled) | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese (cubed) | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 (beaten) |
| Italian breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cooking spray or oil | As needed |
Don’t miss our unique take on cheesy garlic bread bites: Cheesy Garlic Flatbread Bites
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Filling
Start by cubing the mozzarella into small chunks about ½ inch each. Freeze them for 10 minutes so they don’t melt too fast while cooking.
2. Form the Balls
Take a scoop of risotto, flatten it in your hand, and place a cheese cube in the center. Enclose the cheese and form into a tight ball.
3. Coat the Arancini
Roll each ball in flour, then dip into beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, double dip them in egg and breadcrumbs.
4. Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the arancini with cooking oil and place in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini
- Chill Before Frying: Cold risotto makes shaping easier and keeps the balls intact.
- Use Panko: For an extra crunchy texture, mix Panko breadcrumbs into the coating.
- Don’t Overload the Basket: Cook in batches to ensure even browning.
Looking for inspiration? Try this clever variation using broccoli rice: Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bites
Delicious Variations You Can Try
Want to jazz up your arancini? Here are some creative twists:
- Spicy Arancini: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Meat-Lovers’ Arancini: Insert cooked ground beef with mozzarella.
- Vegetarian Arancini: Add chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Learn more about stuffed appetizers by checking out: Pita Garlic Cheese Triangles in Air Fryer
Serving Suggestions
Serve these golden nuggets with:
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Pesto dip
- Spicy sriracha mayo
For a complete Italian night, pair with a Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes or until hot and crispy.
You can even freeze uncooked balls for up to a month and fry them directly from frozen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Warm Risotto
Warm rice falls apart when forming balls. Cool or chill before shaping.
2. Not Freezing the Mozzarella
If not frozen, the cheese melts too fast and oozes out prematurely.
3. Skipping the Oil Spray
Even a small spritz of oil makes a big difference in crispiness.
4. Overcrowding the Basket
Crowded arancini = soggy arancini. Cook in single layers.
Check out our guide to snack-ready perfection in: Low Calorie Air Fryer Snacks
My Second Arancini Fail (That Taught Me Everything)
After my first success, I got cocky. I rushed the next batch used warm rice, didn’t freeze the cheese, and skipped the breadcrumbs. The result? Gooey rice puddles leaking sad cheese in my air fryer.
Lesson learned: shortcuts don’t work when you’re aiming for crispy perfection. From that disaster, I fine-tuned every step until Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini became my signature dish.
Learn more about air fryer disasters and fixes: Air Fryer Tips and Hacks
Add Arancini to Your Weekly Meal Plan
| Day | Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Monday | Lunchbox with arancini + salad |
| Wednesday | Snack plate with arancini + pesto dip |
| Friday | Family appetizer night |
| Sunday | Brunch side with eggs and marinara |
They reheat perfectly and freeze beautifully.
Conclusion
From my first attempt to my favorite kitchen fail, Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini has become a go-to recipe in my weekly rotation. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and innovation crispy, cheesy, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re entertaining or meal prepping, this air fryer recipe delivers every time.
Check out a stuffed veggie version with: Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
FAQs About Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini
Can I use regular rice instead of risotto?
Technically yes, but arborio rice holds shape better due to its starchiness.
How long should I air fry arancini from frozen?
14–16 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway.
What’s the best way to keep arancini crispy after cooking?
Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! They’re bite-sized, fun, and you can sneak in veggies.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
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