• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Vegetarian Mamma
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Tumblr
    • YouTube

Vegetarian Mamma

  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Air Fryer
    • COMMON AIR FRYER MISTAKES
    • Tips for Using an Air Fryer
    • How to Clean You Air Fryer
    • Best Air Fryers on the Market
  • Recipe Index
  • Travel
  • Shop
    • Kitchen Equipment
    • Coffee Lovers
    • Gluten Free Food
      • Gluten Free Snacks
      • School Safe Snacks

Don’t Miss Another GLUTEN FREE recipe!

You are here: Home / Air Fryer / Air Fryer Risotto Balls

June 16, 2018 by Cindy Gordon

Air Fryer Risotto Balls

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe


Game changing air fryer risotto balls to try right now! We love our easy to make air fryer recipes! Use your leftover risotto to make these delicious arancini balls!

Air Fryer Risotto Balls

Air Fryer Risotto Balls (aka arancini balls)

This post does contain affiliate (ad) links.

I am a huge risotto fan. I was intrigued by risotto after watching all the cooks on Hell’s Kitchen fail at the task of making it.

While many times it looked delicious, Gordon Ramsey was not happy with the quality and the consistency.

With that said, I decided that I needed to try it. Not that I was better than your average aspiring chef on Hell’s Kitchen. I just wanted to give it a try.

Fried Risotto Balls

I came to learn that it is actually not that hard to make. You just need to pay attention to it.

It likes attention on the stove. Constant stirring and adding of liquid. It is definitely an attention seeker in the kitchen.

How to make Air Fryer Arancicini Balls

  1. If using leftover risotto, skip to step 6.
  2. Add olive oil to a deep and large saucepan over medium heat. Heat the oil Add the onions and saute until soft.

  3. Add dry rice and saute for 1 minute.
  4. Next, add 2 cups of veggie broth. Let the broth cook down while you continually stir to avoid any burning. Once the liquid has been cooked down, add 2 more cups. Continue with this process until all your liquid is absorbed and your rice is soft. This process should take about 20 minutes. Stir in parmesan. 

  5. Pour risotto into a casserole dish or sheet pan. Cool for 1-2 hours in the fridge. (This step is very important. The risotto HAS to be cold to be able to be rolled into balls).
  6. In a small bowl, place the bread crumbs. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs.

  7. Remove chilled risotto (rice mixture) from the fridge. Roll into 1 inch rice balls. Dip into eggs then into bread crumbs to coat the entire ball. Do this until you run out of ingredients.

  8. Place rolled and coated balls back into the fridge for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove from fridge and place into Air Fryer in small batches. Free at 400 degrees F for a cooking time of 10 minutes. Shake at minute 8. The balls are actually done around minute 6-7 but the browning doesn’t happen until minute 8-10 🙂

  10. Serve with marinara sauce and ENJOY!

Air Fryer Risotto Balls

We’ve created some mouthwatering risotto recipes that are amazingly easy. You have probably seen our other risotto recipes. If not, be sure to check out Broccoli and Cheese Risotto, Kale Risotto, and Spinach and Shallot Risotto!

What about the rice?

I have found that the key to good risotto is great rice. In our risotto recipes we generally use Lundberg White Arborio Rice. (affiliate ad link)  For us, we like this rice because it is certified gluten-free.

Wondering what Arborio Rice is? It is actually a traditional rice used when cooking creamy Italian dishes! If you want a creamy texture with your rice, Arborio Rice is the rice to use!

Air Fryer Risotto Balls

Several years back my husband asked me to make risotto balls from our leftover risotto.

These delicious breaded balls are simply amazing. You are going to fall in love with the flavor of these little guys.

You can use your leftovers!

Since it uses your leftovers, it’s a huge bonus in the menu planning area! We love to eat and use leftovers!

Since air fryers are pretty hot right now, we decided to create some air fryer risotto balls. Heck, we cook everything in our air fryer! (affiliate ad link)

Air Fryer Risotto Balls

We love our air fryer baked potatoes, air fryer jalapeno poppers, air fryer tofu, air fryer Brussel sprouts, air fryer grilled cheese and air fryer French toast.

The options for air fryers (affiliate ad link) are simply endless! There are so many amazing delicious options out there now for easy air fryer recipes.

Back to these risotto balls. So we are using our left over risotto (or even making a new batch) and coating the risotto balls with breading.

In our case, we are gluten-free. So our breading will be gluten-free breading. If you don’t have any food restrictions, you can use your favorite bread crumbs.

In this particular recipe, we used Ian’s Gluten Free Italian Bread Crumbs. (affiliate ad link) These particular gluten-free bread crumbs are super allergen friendly. So if you need to avoid things like eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat, you should check them out!

Air Fryer Risotto Balls

Risotto Balls (aka gluten free arancini balls) Recipe

Air Fryer Risotto Balls
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Air Fryer Risotto Balls (aka arancini balls)

Game changing air fryer risotto balls to try right now! We love our easy to make air fryer recipes! Use your leftover risotto to make these delicious arancini balls!
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer risotto balls
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 264kcal

Ingredients

Risotto

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 cup onions diced very small
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese

Breading

  • 1.5 cups Bread Crumbs I used Ian's GF Italian Pankos
  • 2 eggs beaten

Instructions

  • If using leftover risotto, skip to step 6.
  • Add olive oil to a deep and large saucepan over medium heat. Heat the oil Add the onions and saute until soft.
  • Add dry rice and saute for 1 minute.
  • Next, add 2 cups of veggie broth. Let the broth cook down while you continually stir to avoid any burning. Once the liquid has been cooked down, add 2 more cups. Continue with this process until all your liquid is absorbed and your rice is soft. This process should take about 20 minutes. Stir in parmesan. 
  • Pour risotto into a casserole dish or sheet pan. Cool for 1-2 hours in the fridge. (This step is very important. The risotto HAS to be cold to be able to be rolled into balls).
  • In a small bowl, place the bread crumbs. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs.
  • Remove chilled risotto (rice mixture) from the fridge. Roll into 1 inch rice balls. Dip into eggs then into bread crumbs to coat the entire ball. Do this until you run out of ingredients.
  • Place rolled and coated balls back into the fridge for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from fridge and place into Air Fryer in small batches. Free at 400 degrees F for a cooking time of 10 minutes. Shake at minute 8. The balls are actually done around minute 6-7 but the browning doesn't happen until minute 8-10 🙂
  • Serve with marinara sauce and ENJOY!

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 835mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 196mg | Iron: 2.4mg


All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.

Want more?

You might also like our Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts!

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Or you might enjoy our Air Fryer Baked Potatoes!

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Love Grilled Cheese? Maybe Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is what you need!

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

This air fryer tofu recipe is very simple and delicious!

Looking for other amazing bloggers with amazing recipes? Check out Gluten Free Palate, My Gluten Free Kitchen, MI Gluten Free Gal and Flippin Delicious.

Let’s talk!

Leave me a comment below telling me if you have an air fryer. What recipes have you tried in your air fryer? I’d love to know!

Filed Under: Air Fryer Tagged With: Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian

About Cindy Gordon

This is Cindy Gordon’s website. You might also know her as Vegetarian Mamma. Cindy is an author, recipe developer, social media and content marketer. In addition to her digital roles, Cindy’s interests are gluten-free vegetarian foods, food allergies, gluten-free travel and wellness. Want to know more? Click the ABOUT tab at the top of your screen!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lori Bosworth says

    February 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

    I love risotto so I’m sure I would love this recipe. I need to get an air fryer.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      Yep, air fryers are pretty awesome!

      Reply
  2. Rachel says

    February 25, 2019 at 10:07 pm

    I don’t have an air fryer but I keep seeing recipes that tempt me. This is not helping me resist! It all looks so good.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      You won’t be able to resist much longer, ha! So yummy!

      Reply
  3. Beth says

    February 25, 2019 at 10:33 pm

    We love risotto! These look delicious, I might have to get an air fryer.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      WE are HUGE risotto fans too!

      Reply
  4. Melissa Dixon says

    February 26, 2019 at 7:58 am

    This sounds really good. l love using the air fryer whenever I get a chance. This is a really unique idea that sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing, I have to give this one a try.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      Air fryers are THE best, aren’t they? Such yummy food you can make!

      Reply
  5. Kathy says

    February 26, 2019 at 8:13 am

    Those look amazing! I can’t wait to try out your recipe. I bet they’re going to be so good. I love using my air fryer too, so I’m interested in giving these a try.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      They are quite tasty!

      Reply
  6. Ruth I says

    February 26, 2019 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    Ahh, these looks so delicious! A healthy and yummy recipe. This is so new to me so I’m excited to try this!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      Thank you, enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Shannon Gurnee says

    February 27, 2019 at 12:29 am

    This looks like such a fun and yummy recipe. I would love to try making this for my family.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 27, 2019 at 6:33 pm

      It is delicious!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    July 12, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Oh sweet! I just got an air fryer, and I can’t wait to give these a try! I love arborio rice dishes.

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 12, 2019 at 5:31 pm

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  9. SHANIKA says

    July 12, 2019 at 5:26 pm

    5 stars
    I love Air Fryer recipes! These Risotto Balls look so crisp and delicious!

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 12, 2019 at 5:31 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  10. Sandhya Hariharan says

    July 12, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    5 stars
    Airfryer is such an amazing gadget and I love to treat myself often with Airfryer treats guilt free. Aranchini Balls in airfryer looks like must try for me.

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 13, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Thanks for adding it to your must try list!

      Reply
  11. Matt Ivan says

    July 12, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    5 stars
    I don’t have an air fryer but am eyeing one. This will be one of the first recipes I make!

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 13, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      We love our air fryer!

      Reply
  12. Krissy Allori says

    July 12, 2019 at 6:48 pm

    5 stars
    I just got my air fryer. I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 13, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  13. Jay says

    July 19, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    When do you add the cheese to the rice? I may be missing it but I would love to make these, but am not sure when to add that part!

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm

      Hi Jay! In step four, you add the parmesan cheese 🙂 . These are SO good and filling!

      Reply
  14. Linda says

    July 27, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    Can this be made with leftover sticky rice?

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 28, 2019 at 10:37 pm

      Yes 🙂 It can be 🙂

      Reply
  15. Care says

    October 20, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    What kind of parmesan would you recommend?
    Am I buying fresh grated Parmesan cheese or am I using the stuff out of the shaker?

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      October 22, 2019 at 7:10 pm

      I would recommend the fresh grated or shreds 🙂 . That works the best 🙂

      Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

I'm Cindy! I create recipes that are free from gluten, meat and often times dairy-free and nut-free. We love to share our experiences with gluten-free travel! Read More
Gluten FreeDairy FreeNut FreeEgg FreeVegetarianVeganKeto

Footer

Buy My Cookbooks

Looking for recipe ideas to tackle your sweet tooth? Cindy Gordon, will show you how easy it is to curb your sweet cravings with recipes that are gluten-free, peanut-free and tree-nut-free. Not only are the recipes free from other allergens, but they are also simple to make and use common ingredients.

BUY
New to the world of Gluten free? The Gluten Free Fork is for you. With a variety of 40 easy-to-make recipes created from simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe book is sure to provide your family with a new favorite.

BUY

As seen on/in:

COPYRIGHT© 2016 · VEGETARIAN MAMMA

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means
for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.