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

FAQs

What is the difference between arancini and Sicilian rice balls? ›

There are two main recipes of the fried rice balls: the Roman suppli, and the Sicilian arancino. The main difference between the fried rice balls is that suppli are made with arborio rice and mozzarella, while arancini are made with arborio rice, mozzarella, and the addition of beef and peas.

Why is my cauliflower fried rice soggy? You don't want to cook the cauliflower too long, or it might end up too soft. All it takes is about three minutes to make it tender, but don't cook it much longer than that.

One additional step I like is to press any excess moisture from the rice by transferring the cauliflower rice to a large paper towel or absorbent dish towel and squeeze/press to remove any remaining water. This ensures no excess moisture remains, which can make your dish soggy.

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.

If it is not properly chilled, it will fall apart in the hot oil instead of forming crisp, glistening, orbs filled with molten cheese.

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.

In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and cauliflower and sauté until heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to help remove any bitterness from the raw cauliflower.

For one, it doesn't absorb liquid like rice does, so riced cauliflower alongside stews and curries will be more watery.

The best way to deal with the liquid is to put the riced cauliflower in a covered microwave-safe dish, heat it thoroughly to get all the liquid out of it you can, then drain it. If you have to cook it on the stovetop, add as little water as possible and stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the pan.

While cauliflower is a great stand-in for rice, these “grains” don't actually need to be cooked in water like rice. Simmering riced cauliflower will leave it soft and mushy, without the toothsome texture that makes it such a good replacement.

Is riced cauliflower healthier than rice? ›

However, rice can be high in calories and carbohydrates, meaning it will fill you up without providing you with many additional nutrients. Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

On the flip side, eating low glycaemic foods – including cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower rice - can curb blood sugar spikes, help control weight and lower the risk of diabetes. Riced cauliflower is an excellent low-carb, low-calorie alternative to rice.

Pro tip: arancini can be frozen before or after being fried. If you freeze them before, just fry them like you normally would and finish cooking them in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Arancini are best served hot and eaten warm, and they will hold their warmth for a good while once you serve them. They are lovely cold too – to be honest I'd eaten them at any temperature state haha.

Fry the remaining rice balls. MAKE-AHEAD TIPS: To make the arancini ahead of time, simply let them cool to room temperature on the paper towel-lined baking sheet after frying. Once cool, store in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C).

Arancini derives from the Sicilian plural diminutive of aranciu ( transl. orange), from their shape and colour which, after cooking, is reminiscent of an orange. In Sicilian, arancini is grammatically plural.

Arancini, rice balls stuffed with sauce and peas, are one of the best-loved Sicilian snacks and street foods. They have become increasingly popular throughout Italy and worldwide. The filling in this recipe is one of the most classic—a meat ragù, green peas, and melty mozzarella.

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.