How to Make the Perfect Crispy Fried Arancini Rice Balls
Italian · Easy · 40 min · 12 servings
These golden crispy Italian fried rice balls with a gooey cheese center are one of the most kid friendly snacks you can make for a crowd. Kids go wild for the crunchy outside and melty mozzarella surprise hidden in the middle.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Fried Arancini Rice Balls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 180 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cooked Arborio rice cooled
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Rice
In a large bowl combine cooled cooked rice with Parmesan, one beaten egg, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of rice mixture into your hand, press a cube of mozzarella into the center, and shape the rice tightly around it into a round ball. Kids love helping with this fun step. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Arancini
Dip each rice ball in the remaining beaten egg then roll in breadcrumbs to coat completely. Press gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well. This double coating ensures maximum crunch after frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F. Fry arancini in batches of 3 to 4 at a time for about 3 to 4 minutes turning gently until deep golden brown all over. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mozzarella filling → cheddar cheese cubes which many kids prefer and melt beautifully
- Italian breadcrumbs → panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using warm rice which makes the balls fall apart instead of holding their shape
- Frying at too low a temperature which makes arancini greasy instead of crispy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 180 calories, 6g protein, 22g carbs, 8g fat, 1g fiber.
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