Air Fryer Arancini with Arroz Rojo
Instructions
Crispy on the outside and deliciously savory on the inside, these arancini balls are made with risotto-style arroz rojo, or red rice, using Mahatma® Arborio Rice.
Arroz Rojo
Step 1
In a saucepan, combine broth and tomatoes; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low to maintain heat.
Step 2
Melt butter in large high-sided skillet set over medium heat; cook onion, red pepper, jalapeño and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender.
Step 3
Stir in arborio rice, chili powder and cumin; cook for about 2 minutes or until well coated. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in wine; cook, stirring constantly, until rice absorbs most of the liquid.
Step 4
Stir in broth mixture, 1 cup at a time, until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding the next addition; cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until rice is very tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours or until well chilled.
Arancini
Step 5
Cut queso fresco into forty 1/2-inch cubes; set aside. Stir Parmesan cheese and 1 egg into rice mixture. Using 1/4 cup measure, roll mixture into balls. Press thumb into each ball to create an indent in center. Insert 2 cubes of queso fresco into each indent; re-roll to seal and enclose cheese. Repeat to make 20 rice balls.
Step 6
In a shallow bowl, toss together breadcrumbs, chili powder, oregano and garlic powder. In separate shallow bowl, lightly beat together the remaining eggs. Place flour in separate shallow bowl.
Step 7
One at a time, dredge each rice ball in flour, dip into eggs, and then roll in breadcrumbs. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 8
Preheat air fryer according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 9
In 4 batches, place rice balls in air fryer basket. Drizzle each batch with 1 tbsp oil. Air fry at 370°F, turning rice balls halfway during cooking time, for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Step 10
Serve rice balls with sour cream for dipping.
Recipe Tip
Use fresh, dried or panko breadcrumbs as preferred.
Recipe Video
Arancini with a Twist
We’ve taken the classic Italian fried rice ball, arancini, and spiced it up with a fusion of arroz rojo or red rice, similar to Mexican Rice. Spicy vegetables and seasonings with toasted arborio rice simmered in wine and a mix of broth and tomatoes.
The risotto balls can be filled with all sorts of fillings from ragú to mozzarella or even ham and cheese. To add a refreshing touch and gooey center, we’ve filled these arancini with light queso fresco.
And, the best part? These rice balls are fried in an Air Fryer, so you can enjoy that warm and crispy outer texture without having to deep fry anything!
Air Fryer Ease
This kitchen gadget fits on your countertop and works similarly to a convection oven for that deep-fried texture without so much oil. It uses hot air in a small space with just a little bit of oil or none at all! While it makes life easier, not everyone has one at home. This recipe can also be made using a deep fryer or a large pot and oil for frying over the stove.
Looking for more Air Fryer recipes? Check out this Air Fryer Baja Fish Taco Bowl or Chipotle Tuna Meatballs and Rice.
Find more meal options and global recipes like Spanish paella de marisco in our Cooking section. If you are craving something sweeter, why not learn our Arroz con Leche recipe? You can also learn more about our products, for example Jasmine vs Basmati rice, Which is better?
Other Recipe Inspiration
For something with more of a Latin American flavor, learn how to make these rice and beans tacos.
