Are you ready to elevate your snack game with a mouthwatering twist on a classic Italian dish? These Vegan Arancini Fried Rice Balls are not only irresistibly crispy on the outside but also bursting with flavor on the inside! Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a delightful treat any time of day, this air fryer recipe is a game changer. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you'll have a deliciously satisfying dish that even non-vegans will love. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create these golden, cheesy bites that are sure to impress!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Make sure your cooked rice is at room temperature or slightly chilled, as this will help the rice balls hold their shape better.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, shredded vegan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly with water to make rolling easier.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the arancini cook evenly.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the rice balls in the basket, making sure to leave space between them for proper air circulation.
- Spray the tops of the rice balls with a little more olive oil spray to help them crisp up during cooking.
- Air fry the rice balls for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the arancini from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the vegan arancini warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of marinara for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Tips
- Use Cold Rice: For the best texture, make sure your cooked rice is at room temperature or slightly chilled. This helps the rice balls hold their shape better when frying.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined in the mixing bowl to achieve a uniform flavor in every bite.
- Wet Your Hands: If the mixture feels too sticky while forming the balls, wet your hands slightly with water. This will make it easier to roll them into perfect shapes.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
- Space Them Out: When placing the rice balls in the air fryer basket, make sure to leave enough space between them. This allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Crisp It Up: A light spray of olive oil on top of the rice balls before air frying will enhance their crispiness.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a shake to ensure all sides of the arancini are perfectly golden and crispy.
- Serve Warm: These rice balls are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. Pair them with a tangy marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
