Traditional Arancini

2021-08-15

By Nonna Giulia

Italian Cuisine

Appetizer

Master Arancini: Instant Pot, Air Fryer, and Induction Cooker Techniques for Crispy, Creamy Perfection

Instant Pot Risotto: Quickly Prepare the Perfect Base for Your Arancini Filling

Use the "Rice" or "Manual" function on your Instant Pot to make creamy risotto quickly. This is the first step for your arancini filling, and it ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and ready for shaping into balls.

Air Fryer Arancini: Achieve a Golden, Crispy Crust with Less Oil

Skip the deep-frying mess by using your air fryer. Lightly coat the arancini in breadcrumbs and spray with a bit of oil. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for a crispy golden crust without the excess oil.

Induction Cooker Precision: Sauté Your Arancini Filling for Even Cooking and Maximum Flavor

Use the induction cooker's precise temperature control to sauté your filling ingredients (like onions, garlic, and mushrooms) before mixing them into your risotto. The rapid heating ensures even cooking with minimal effort.

Tips and Suggestions on Arancini

Use cold risotto

Cold mozzarella cheese or risotto is easier to handle and shape into arancini. It also prevents the cheese from sticking together and becoming mushy when frying.

Battering

Dip the arancini balls in a batter mixture. It's essential that each ball is fully coated to ensure that it doesn't fall apart during cooking.

Coat with breadcrumbs

Coat the arancini with breadcrumbs before frying to create a crispy outer layer.

Maintain proper oil temperature

The oil temperature should be around 350°F (175°C) to ensure the arancini cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.

Fry in small batches

Frying too many arancini at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy and unevenly cooked arancini. Fry in small batches for the best results.

Drain excess oil

Drain the arancini on a paper towel or wire rack to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

Serve immediately

Arancini are best served hot and fresh out of the fryer. Don't let them sit for too long before serving or they may become soggy.

Variations

You can make arancini balls in different shapes or experiment with different fillings. Additionally, you can bake or air fry the arancini instead of deep-frying them.

Classic Arancini Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 small cubes of mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Combine the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Using your hands, form golf ball-sized balls of rice mixture.
  3. Make a small indentation in each rice ball, place a cube of mozzarella cheese inside, then reshape the rice ball around the cheese, making sure to cover it completely.
  4. Roll each rice ball in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it evenly.
  5. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  6. Working in batches, fry the rice balls until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried Arancini to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or marinara.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 45 min

Total time 1 hr 15 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 185
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g

Variations for Arancini

Ragu Arancini

This version is made by encasing savory ragu in creamy risotto, then frying until golden brown, resulting in crispy, flavorful arancini bites.

Arancini al Ragu

Provolone Arancini

This version is made by filling risotto balls with gooey provolone cheese, then breading and frying them to golden perfection for a deliciously cheesy treat.

Arancini al Provolone e Prosciutto

Seafood Arancini

This version is made by mixing savory risotto with fresh seafood, including shrimp and calamari, then frying to create crispy, ocean-flavored delights.

Arancini ai Frutti di Mare

Artichoke Arancini

This version is made by blending creamy risotto with tender artichoke hearts, then breading and frying to create crisp, flavorful bites.

Arancini ai Carciofi

Spinach Arancini

This version is made by combining rich risotto with sautéed spinach and melted cheese, then shaping and frying until golden and crispy.

Spanakorisotto Arancini

Cheese Arancini

This version is made by mixing creamy risotto with gooey cheese, then forming and frying until crispy on the outside and melty inside.

French Onion Soup Arancini

Thai Arancini

This version is made by infusing risotto with fragrant Thai spices, coconut milk, and herbs, then frying to create a crispy, aromatic treat.

Green Curry Rice Balls ข้าวแกงทอด

Pork Arancini

This version is made with savory risotto blended with seasoned pork and herbs, then coated and fried for a golden, crunchy finish.

Noi's Thai Fried Rice Balls with Cucumber Salad

Mushroom Arancini

This version is made with earthy risotto infused with sautéed wild mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, then deep-fried to perfection.

Mushroom & Sage Arancini with Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce

Jalapeño Arancini

This version is made with creamy risotto mixed with diced jalapeños and melted cheese, then breaded and fried for a spicy kick.

Jalapeño, Corn, and Cheddar Arancini

Mozzarella Arancini

This version is made with savory risotto combined with gooey mozzarella cheese, then breaded and fried until golden and crispy.

Spicy Stuffed Arancini

Arancini Recipe Review

Go to Top