Overhead image of a platter of Air Fried-Mozzarella and Rice Balls

Air-fried Mozzarella Rice Balls

These crispy, cheesy rice balls with marinara sauce to dip are a delicious and festive appetizer! They're the perfect cross between a fried mozzarella stick and an arancini. Topped with parsley for color and jalapeños for a kick, these are a crowd pleaser!

These recipe stars U.S.-grown long grain rice and comes to us from our pal Meagan of Nutrition by Meagan in partnership with USA Rice.

  • Servings
    7
  • Serving Size
    5 rice balls
  • Total Time
    45 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked long grain white rice 
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ cup italian breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt 
  • ½ teaspoon oregano 
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder 
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls 
  • ½ jalapeño, thinly sliced 
  • avocado oil spray 
  • 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese 
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 
  • 1 cup marinara sauce 

Directions

  • Cook rice according to package instructions. 
  • Add rice to a medium mixing bowl and loosely mash with a fork (this makes it easier to form into balls later).
  • Add 1 egg to rice along with ¼ cup breadcrumbs and sea salt, and mix to together. 
  • Form rice mixture into flat circles about 1.5" thick, place a mozzarella pearl in the center of each, and fold the rice around the cheese to form a ball. 
  • Place remaining 2 eggs into a small mixing bowl and whisk, then set aside.
  • Add remaining ½ cup breadcrumbs to another small mixing bowl along with oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. 
  • Dip each rice ball into egg wash and then into breadcrumbs (roll balls in breadcrumbs to coat evenly). 
  • Place rice balls into air fryer basket, heat air fryer to 375F, and bake for 12 mins until crispy and golden brown on the outside. 
  • Plate mozzarella rice balls with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and jalapeños.
  • Serve with marinara sauce to dip and enjoy! 

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving 5 rice balls
  • Calories 201kcal
  • Total Fat 6g
  • Sodium 566mg
  • Carbohydrates 24g
  • Dietary Fiber 2g
  • Protein 9g