Low Carb Air Fryer Arancini Balls

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.

this recipe

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.

Recipe tips and serving suggestions

What are arancini?

Arancini are typically a Sicilian staple cuisine, made with leftover risotto and often filled with ground meat, peas and cheese.

Can I use other filling in the balls?

Yes, you can fill the balls with all sorts of ingredients. I have had them with mushrooms, beet root, corn, sun dried tomatoes, olives and other meats such as ground chicken. I have also seen them filled with chocolate and made into a dessert.

What do you serve arancini with?

I enjoy them with a nice salad or a side to a big bowl of low carb pasta. Some roasted veggies and a minestrone soup would also go well with arancini.

How do you make the balls stick together?

The key is the sticky risotto, my risotto recipe includes cream cheese which makes it stick together and hold it's shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Air Fryer Recipes

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  Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Low Carb Air Fryer Arancini Balls

Oscar

Perfect appetizer made with a creamy cauliflower risotto recipe and made in the air fryer or oven.

5 from 26 votes

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Prep Time : 15 mins

Cook Time : 10 mins

Total Time : 25 mins

Course : Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine : Italian

Diet : Diabetic, Gluten Free

Servings : 6 people

Calories : 201

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups cauliflower risotto See recipe (omit the lemon)
• 1 cup pork rind crumbs
• 1 large egg
• ⅔ cup grated parmesan
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 oz mozzarella
• 2 leaves basil
• Cooking Spray
• Use my Breadcrumb recipe instead of pork rinds

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Instructions

 

• 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.
• Preheat air fryer at 400 °F
• In a medium size bowl combine the pork rind crumbs with the garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper and parmesan.
• In another medium sized bowl beat 1 large egg
• Cut 2 oz of mozzarella into 1 inch cubes and slice 2 basil leaves into thin strips.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 note if making in baking in the oven method.
• Spray the 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.

Notes

2g Net Carbs per Arancini ball

** Oven Method - Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

 

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

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Nutritional Information

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

Serving: 1arancini ball | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

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