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Air fryer ‘Nju-stuffed Arancini Balls
- Category: Dinner |
I can never resist arancini if I see them on a menu, and they’re even better if they’re made with ’nduja or chorizo.
SERVES
16
CALORIES
140
COOKING TIME
8 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
You can either use leftover rice for these or cook some fresh, but if you do this, I find it’s better to cook it the night before, as it sticks together better the next day – just simmer the rice in chicken stock, drain and cool completely before popping in the fridge overnight.
What is nduja, and why is it used in these arancini balls?
Nduja is a spicy, spreadable Italian sausage from Calabria, made with pork and chilli peppers. It adds a rich, smoky heat to these arancini balls, giving them a unique and flavourful kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy risotto filling.
Can I use freshly cooked rice for making arancini, or does it have to be leftover rice?
You can use freshly cooked rice, but it’s best to prepare it the night before. Cooking the rice in chicken stock, draining, and letting it cool overnight in the fridge helps the rice firm up and stick together better – making it easier to shape the arancini for air frying.
How do I cook arancini balls in the air fryer?
Simply shape your nduja-stuffed arancini balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and air fry at around 200°C (390°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy. The air fryer makes them wonderfully crunchy with far less oil than traditional deep-frying.
Can I freeze nduja arancini balls before cooking?
Yes! Freeze the shaped and breadcrumb-coated arancini balls on a baking tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with nduja arancini balls?
They’re delicious served with a simple tomato sauce, garlic mayo, or a fresh green salad. These arancini also make a fantastic party snack or appetiser.
Is air frying arancini healthier than deep frying?
Absolutely. Using the air fryer drastically cuts down on oil usage while still delivering crispy, golden arancini—making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.
Can I substitute nduja with other fillings?
Definitely! While nduja adds a spicy twist, you can fill your arancini with mozzarella, mushrooms, or even leftover bolognese sauce. Feel free to get creative with your fillings.
For more quick and easy airfryer recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my airfryer cookbooks Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals and The Healthy Air Fryer Book on Amazon today.
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Method
Step 1
Take the rice out of the fridge and allow to come to room temperature.
Step 2
Beat 2 of the eggs in a large bowl, add the melted butter, Parmesan and most of the mozzarella and season to taste.
Step 3
Combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning in another bowl.
Step 4
Take a tablespoon of the rice mixture and press it together into a ball, then flatten the ball and put a piece of ’nduja or chorizo in the middle along with some of the egg and mozzarella mix. Enclose the filling with the rice and roll it into a ball. You might need to wet your hands for this.
Step 5
Beat the remaining egg in a bowl and dip in the rice ball, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Step 6
Spray the rice balls well with a low-calorie spray and cook in an air fryer preheated to 190°C (375°F) for 8 minutes.
Ingredients
400g (2 cups) cooked risotto rice, such as arborio
3 eggs
3 tbsp light butter, melted
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
100g (3.5 oz) grated mozzarella
135g (2 cups) panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
200g (7 oz) ’nduja or cooked chorizo
Low-calorie oil spray
Salt and pepper, to taste
