Why do my rice balls fall apart?

Since these arancini balls are not made with a starchy rice, I made my risotto recipe with cream cheese which acts as a binder. If you did not follow the risotto recipe and simply used cauliflower rice, there may not be a proper binder to hold them together. Another reason is that you did not allow them to cool enough and moved them while they were still hot.

Can I freeze the low carb air fryer arancini balls?

Yes, you can freeze prior to air frying or afterwards. Beforehand simple freeze them on a baking try until frozen and then place them in a ziploc bag. When ready to eat remove from freezer and allow to thaw completely. If you want to freeze after air frying, allow to completely cool and then freeze on a baking tray in the freezer, then place them in a ziploc. When ready to eat, thaw completely in the fridge and then reheat in the oven or air fry for 5 minutes at 325F.

Can I deep fry the arancini balls?

Deep fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

Are these arancini keto and diabetes friendly?

Yes, at only 2g net carbs per arancini they are keto, low carb and diabetes friendly and should easily fit into your macros.

Low Carb Air Fryer Arancini Balls - Appetizers

Name: Low Carb Air Fryer Arancini Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cauliflower risotto (See recipe (omit the lemon)); 1 cup pork rind crumbs; 1 large egg; 2/3 cup grated parmesan; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 2 oz mozzarella; 2 leaves basil; Cooking Spray; Use my Breadcrumb recipe instead of pork rinds

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These Low Carb Air Fryer Arancini Balls are made with a cauliflower risotto and are deliciously amazing. They also don't have the starchy rice that can spike my blood sugars. My family didn't notice that they were not made with rice. Stuffed with cheese and a sliver of basil, the perfect appetizer for your Sunday supper. They are made in the air fryer or oven often served with a keto Carbonara or a fresh Panzanella Salad.

plate with 6 air fryer arancini and dipping sauce

Jump To:

Ingredient notes
Step by step instructions
Recipe tips and serving suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
More Air Fryer Recipes
Low Carb Air Fryer Arancini Balls

In the past I would enjoy arancini at some of my favourite italian restaurants in toronto. However, once I stopped eating foods that affected my diabetes, I had to change what I ate. Luckily with this keto low carb recipe I can go back to enjoying arancini once again.

Ingredient notes

cauliflower risotto: The main ingredient here is a cauliflower risotto which I used my Keto Lemon Risotto recipe, without the lemon and it was perfect for this appetizer. Risotto is a must for arancini as the sticky cauliflower rice will hold it's shape once it sets.
breadcrumbs: You can use pork rind crumbs for this recipe but if that is not your thing, try toasting some low carb bread and then blitzing them in the blender with some oregano and garlic powder. I will work on a non pork rind breadcrumb recipe soon, promise.
parmesan: gives it that nutty flavour and adds a bit of saltiness which takes it to the next level.
mozzarella: This is the perfect cheese for the filling but if you have any other melty cheese you can use that instead.
basil: Fresh basil has an amazing fragrance and that tastes great in many dishes. I keep a basil plant in my home during the spring and summer months because I use it in many dishes like my keto pizza and in salads.

Step by step instructions

STEP 1: Make the cauliflower risotto using my Keto Lemon Risotto recipe but omit the lemon from the recipe. Store on a flat plate on wax or parchment paper in the fridge about an hour before using. I always use frozen cauliflower rice when I make my risotto.

STEP 2: Preheat air fryer at 400 F

STEP 3: Preheat air fryer at 400 FIn a medium size bowl combine the pork rind crumbs with the garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper and parmesan.

STEP 4: In another medium sized bowl beat 1 large egg

STEP 5: Cut 2 oz of mozzarella into 1" cubes and slice 2 basil leaves into thin strips.

STEP 6: Create an assembly line and form about 2 tablespoons of the risotto into a ball, then flatten it into your cupped hand, but don’t make it too thin, or the filling will ooze out. To the centre add 1 cube of mozzarella and 1 or 2 strips of the basil.

STEP 7: Roll the balls into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumb mixture to lightly coat, set aside until all 6 balls are completed. I found it easier to form the 6 balls first and then dip into egg and breadcrumbs.

STEP 8: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and gently place the 6 arancini balls into the air fryer. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. See oven method note if you don't have an air fryer.

STEP 9: Spray the low carb air fryer arancini balls with cooking spray and air fry for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from basket to allow them to set. They will fall apart if removed while they are still hot. Top with parmesan and additional basil strip, dip into your favourite low carb sauce.