Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini are crispy, cheesy risotto balls bursting with gooey mozzarella inside. This easy recipe transforms leftover risotto into a delicious Italian appetizer or snack, cooked quickly and healthily in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover cooked risotto
• 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks, each cut into 6 pieces crosswise
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Store-bought or homemade marinara and pesto, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the risotto into 24 balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indent, then place a piece of mozzarella inside. Carefully shape the risotto around the cheese, making sure it is fully covered and packed tightly.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and garlic powder (if using), then season with salt and pepper. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, combine the panko bread crumbs and Pecorino Romano, seasoning with black pepper.
3. Step 3: One at a time, coat each risotto ball in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the panko and cheese mixture until fully coated.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange half of the arancini in the basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops with more cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining balls.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked arancini to a serving platter. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano and season with black pepper. Serve immediately with marinara and pesto on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper directly into the risotto mixture before shaping.
• You can substitute mozzarella sticks with small cubes of fresh mozzarella or fontina cheese.
• If you prefer, pan-fry the arancini in a shallow layer of oil until golden instead of air frying.
• Use homemade marinara or a spicy arrabbiata sauce to add a bit of heat when serving.

Storage

Store leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm gently in the oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh risotto or only leftover risotto?

Leftover risotto works best because it is firmer and easier to shape. Fresh risotto can be used if chilled thoroughly to firm up before shaping the arancini.

What can I substitute for Pecorino Romano?

If you don’t have Pecorino Romano, Parmesan cheese is a great alternative. It provides a similar salty, nutty flavor that complements the dish well.

Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini are a delightful twist on the classic Italian risotto balls. Stuffed with melted mozzarella and coated in a Pecorino Romano and panko crust, they are lightly air-fried to perfection, making a delicious appetizer or snack served alongside tangy marinara and fresh pesto.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 arancini 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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For the Arancini

• 4 cups leftover cooked risotto
• 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks, each cut into 6 pieces crosswise
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
• Olive oil cooking spray

For Serving

• Store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
• Store-bought or homemade pesto

Instructions

1. Shape the Risotto Balls: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the leftover risotto into 24 small balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Create an indent in the center of each ball, place a piece of mozzarella into the indent, then carefully mold the risotto tightly around the cheese to fully enclose it.
2. Prepare Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, garlic powder if using, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs lightly. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs with the shredded Pecorino Romano and season with freshly ground black pepper.
3. Coat the Risotto Balls: One at a time, roll each risotto ball in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the beaten eggs, followed by the panko-Pecorino mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Air Fry the Arancini: Spray the basket of your air fryer generously with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange half of the coated risotto balls in the basket in a single layer and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the arancini are golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process for the remaining balls.
5. Serve: Transfer the cooked arancini to a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh black pepper. Serve warm with marinara sauce and pesto on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Using day-old or leftover risotto helps the arancini hold their shape better.
• You can substitute mozzarella string cheese with fresh mozzarella balls cut into small pieces.
• Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to avoid cheese leakage during air frying.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the arancini with olive oil before air frying.
• These arancini can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Keywords: arancini, cacio e pepe, air fryer recipes, Italian appetizers, risotto balls, mozzarella, crispy snacks