Make the BEST appetizer with these Gluten-Free Air Fryer Arancini, also known as Italian Rice Balls!
Learn how to make these perfect arancini it’s both easy and delicious! Arancini is an Italian Rice Ball, filled with gooey cheese and crispy on the outside. These are sure to be a hit in your household!
The best part is these are easy to make as Gluten-Free Air Fryer Arancini if needed! The inside will be filled with mozzarella cheese, making it a delicious combination of flavors.
How do you make Gluten-Free Arancini?
Only a few swaps are needed to make these Gluten-Free, the first being gluten-free all-purpose flour will need to be used. This must be a 1:1 ratio with traditional flour. We typically use Better Batter or King Arthur, but Bob’s Red Mill and Cup 4 Cup work well too.
Along with the flour, the bread crumbs will also need to be gluten-free. This recipe will use a mixture of gluten-free fine bread crumbs and gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
We have easily found these at our local Walmart, but they can also be found at many other grocery stores.
The remaining ingredients will be naturally gluten-free; however, as always check all ingredients to be sure they are free from cross-contamination.
What type of rice do you use for Gluten-Free Air Fryer Arancini?
These are best served with day-old cooked Jasmine Rice. It gives it a sticky texture when it’s cold and preferably at least a day old. This will make the rice much easier to work with.
How to serve Gluten-Free Air Fryer Arancini?
Arancini are best served with marinara sauce for dipping. These are typically served as a finger food or appetizer.
Variations of this dish:
- Make it Spicy – Add chili powder or red pepper flakes, even lemon pepper is a great addition.
- Make it Kid-Friendly – Instead of a cheese stick, use Colby Jack.
- Make it Deluxe – Add in spinach or finely chopped mushrooms.
How do you store the leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, cook in the air fryer at 380 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
Enjoy this delicious Gluten-Free Air Fryer Arancinin, and serve it alongside Air Fryer Chicken Pesto.
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Arancini
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 2 Cups Cooked Sticky Jasmine Rice (Cold)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Chopped White Onion
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper, Finely Chopped
- 2 Tbsp Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tsp Parsley
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/3 Cup Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs
- 2-3 Mozzarella Sticks, Cut into 10 1-inch pieces
Breading
- 1 Egg
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 3/4 Cup Gluten-Free Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 Cup Gluten-Free Fine Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 Cup Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
Instructions
Rice Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the rice, olive oil, onions, bell pepper, flour, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Using a fork or Danish dough whisk, mix until well combined.
- Add the bread crumbs and mix well.
- The mixture should be sticky, if it isn't, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. This will depend on the rice.
- Using a large cookie scoop (3 tablespoons), scoop the rice mixture into the palm of your hand and make a ball.
- Place one of the cheese stick pieces in the center and gently roll to enclose the cheese in the rice ball. Place on a plate and continue until you have used all the mixture.
- Freezer for at least 45 minutes.
Breading
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
- Prepare 3 shallow bowls. In bowl #1, whisk together the egg and water. In bowl #2, add the flour and spread evenly. Lastly, in bowl #3, add the bread crumbs and mix so they are evenly spread out.
- Take the frozen arancini out of the freezer.
- Roll in the flour and shake off the excess.
- Roll in the egg bowl and shake off the excess.
- Roll in the bread crumbs.
- Place in the air fryer basket and give them a coat of grapeseed oil cooking spray.
- Leave space between each one.
- Air Fry at 380°F for 6 minutes.
- Flip them and cook for 6 more minutes. If they need to be more crisp or brown, add additional grapeseed oil spray.
- Repeat steps for the remaining balls.
- Serve with the sauce of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristy says
A delicoius appeitzer!
Esme Slabbert says
WOW, just wow, love this, saved it as its a must try.
Found your post on A pinch of Joy. My entries this week are numbered #92+93
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