Indulge in the delectable world of Italian cuisine with these savory delights – Italian Rice Balls, also known as arancini. Bursting with flavors and textures, these crispy rice balls make for a delightful appetizer or snack. Crafted from sticky rice and filled with gooey mozzarella and briny black olives, they are a vegetarian treat that captures the essence of Italy in every bite. Whether you’re seeking a delectable party snack or a unique addition to your Italian-themed dinner, these rice balls are sure to please your taste buds.
Yield: 8 rice balls
Prep Time: 20–25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ cups cooked sticky rice
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 8 pitted black olives
- 1 ounce mozzarella cheese, cut into tiny sticks (small enough to stuff into olives)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for misting or cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This will ensure the rice balls cook to perfection with a crispy exterior.
- In a bowl, gently stir together the cooked sticky rice, Italian seasoning blend, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This creates the flavorful base for your rice balls.
- Take the pitted black olives and stuff each one with a piece of mozzarella cheese. This hidden surprise will add a burst of gooey goodness to each bite.
- Divide the rice mixture into 8 equal portions. With slightly damp hands, mold each portion around one stuffed olive, shaping it into a firm ball. Place the formed rice balls in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until they become cold to the touch. Chilling them ensures they hold their shape during the breading process.
- Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process. In one dish, place the beaten eggs. In another, spread out the Italian breadcrumbs. In the third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining salt.
- Roll each rice ball in the Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Dip the coated rice ball into the beaten egg, making sure it’s well-covered. Finally, roll the egg-coated ball in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Lightly mist all sides of each rice ball with oil or use cooking spray. This step is essential for achieving that golden-brown and crispy exterior.
- Place the breaded rice balls in the preheated air fryer. Cook them for about 10 minutes, or until the outside is beautifully light golden brown and delightfully crispy.
VARIATION:
- For an extra burst of flavor, serve these Italian Rice Balls with your favorite pizza or spaghetti sauce for dipping. The combination of the savory rice balls and the tangy sauce is a match made in culinary heaven.
Indulge in the delightful experience of these Italian Rice Balls, an irresistible fusion of textures and flavors that pay homage to the heartwarming cuisine of Italy.
