Cauliflower Rice (Arancini) Balls - Air Fryer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between arancini and rice balls? ›

Although the preparation of arancini is very similar to that of supplì there are two significant distinctions. Arancini are generally considerably larger than supplì, about twice the size. An arancino is more likely to be stuffed with ragù (or peas and prosciutto) rather than having it incorporated into the rice.

If you don't have a lot of time to chill the rice, make sure it's spread out as thin as possible. It's important for the starches to gel in order for the rice balls to stick together. The minimum amount of time that I have chilled the rice is 1 hour, and the arancini held together successfully.

You can eat the arancini hot out of the fryer, or store in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 5 days. To reheat, place in oven (or toaster oven) preheated to 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or reheat in an air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.

Works fine. these are so delicious - you will love them! You can make the batch of risotto the day before, let it cool and stick it in the fridge and then make the arancini the next day if you want. If you can't find the little mozzarella "pearls", just buy the larger balls and cube them.

Arancini (UK: /ˌærənˈtʃiːni/, US: /ˌɑːr-/, Italian: [aranˈtʃiːni]; Sicilian: [aɾanˈtʃiːnɪ, -ˈdʒiː-]), also arancine, are Italian rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. They are a staple of Sicilian cuisine.

Rice

Arancini / Main ingredient

Rice is a cereal grain, and in its domesticated form is the staple food for over half of the world's human population, particularly in Asia and Africa, due to the vast amount of soil that is able to grow rice. Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa or, much less commonly, O. glaberrima.

Wikipedia

First, using the wrong type of rice can cause it to fall apart because it's not sticky enough. Use short or medium-grain rice and avoid long-grain rice. The second reason can be that it was not firmly pressed into its shape. Be sure to use firm pressure so there are no gaps in the rice.

Tips for Perfect Japanese Rice Balls

Freshly cooked rice is warm, moist, and sticky, which makes it easier to shape into the desired form and ensures that the onigiri holds together well. Wet Your Hands: Keep a bowl of water next to you when shaping the rice balls and wet your hands when the mixture gets too sticky.

Once you have made the risotto, it is important to let the rice mixture cool completely before rolling into balls. If the risotto is too wet, then you can add more binding ingredients, such as more parmesan cheese or bread crumbs.

Arancini is one of those words, so it's pronounced like “ar-an-chee-nee,” with emphasis on the “chee” and a rolled “r” if you want to sound authentically Italian!

What do you serve with arancini? ›

Arancini are meant to be enjoyed as a finger food, on their own or with Homemade Marinara on the side to bring out the herby flavors. They also go great with a variety of appetizers, from roasted vegetables to bite-sized meatballs. Serve them at your next party or pack them up for an outing.

Arancini freeze well before or after frying. Once thawed fry frozen uncooked rice balls as above. For cooked arancini, reheat in a preheated 170 C degree (350 degree) oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Onigiri (お握り or 御握り), also known as omusubi (お結び), nigirimeshi (握り飯), or rice ball, is a Japanese food made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in nori.

Deliver that wow factor with our easy but delicious Arancini – a traditional Italian risotto rice balls recipe, perfect as a starter or a light lunch.

Freshly cooked rice is warm, moist, and sticky, which makes it easier to shape into the desired form and ensures that the onigiri holds together well. Wet Your Hands: Keep a bowl of water next to you when shaping the rice balls and wet your hands when the mixture gets too sticky.

Supplì, Rome's favorite street food

Without a doubt, the Romans' most beloved fried snack is the supplì. These fried rice balls, that are prepared in Rome only, are on sale across the city in pizzerias and street food shops and are the perfect choice for a hearty, comforting bite on the go at any time of day.