Name: Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups leftover cooked risotto; 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks, each cut into 6 pieces crosswise; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 g); 1 tsp garlic powder (optional); Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup shredded Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving; Olive oil cooking spray; Store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, for serving; Store-bought or homemade pesto sauce, for serving

If you love snacks that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, you’re going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe. Trust me, these golden risotto balls are a total game-changer when it comes to turning leftover risotto into a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

A round black plate filled with about twenty golden brown fried balls covered with white grated cheese scattered on top, two of the balls are open to show creamy white centers with soft texture inside, and a small white bowl filled with thick bright red sauce is placed near the top right edge of the plate with a bit of grated cheese on the sauce surface, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these air fryer arancini, they instantly become the star of the party. What’s not to love? Crispy edges with a cheesy center, plus the bright kick of black pepper—the combination is just amazing.

Waste Not, Want Not: Uses leftover risotto so you’re minimizing food waste deliciously.
Easy & Fast: Prep takes just 10 minutes, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting for a golden finish.
Cheese Pull Magic: Each ball hides stretchy mozzarella that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Versatile Serving: Perfect paired with marinara or pesto for an extra flavor punch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients — they’re mostly straightforward pantry and fridge staples. The key here is good-quality leftover risotto and freshly grated Pecorino Romano for that signature salty tang. Oh, and don’t skip the black pepper; it’s the soul of cacio e pepe!

Flat lay of cooked risotto in a simple white ceramic bowl, several mozzarella string cheese sticks cut into pieces arranged neatly on a white plate, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with panko bread crumbs mixed with shredded Pecorino Romano, a small white bowl of finely grated Pecorino Romano, a small white bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a few sprigs of fresh basil leaves for pesto garnish, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Leftover cooked risotto: Cold risotto is easier to shape and gives the crispiest texture when air fried.
Mozzarella string cheese sticks: These melt beautifully inside, giving you that dreamy cheesy center.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a dry base for the coating to stick and balance moisture.
Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory depth if you want to boost the flavor just a bit.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the risotto balls and the flour mix.
Freshly ground black pepper: The star seasoning, providing the peppery kick characteristic of cacio e pepe.
Large eggs: They act as the glue for the breading layers, ensuring an even crisp crust.
Panko bread crumbs: For that irresistible crunch and golden color.
Shredded Pecorino Romano: Mixed in with the breadcrumbs for sharp cheesiness inside the crust and sprinkled on top.
Olive oil cooking spray: Keeps the arancini crisp without excess oil — perfect for the air fryer.
Marinara and pesto sauces: Classic dips that complement the rich arancini with freshness and acidity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to swap out cheeses, go vegetarian-friendly, or add a seasonal flair, these risotto balls welcome your creative touch!

Cheese Swap: I’ve tried using fresh mozzarella pearls instead of string cheese, and the melted pockets inside were just as dreamy and gooey—totally worth it for a richer texture.
Herb Boost: Tossing some finely chopped fresh basil or parsley into the risotto mixture before shaping the balls gives a fresh, vibrant hint that pairs beautifully with the classic cacio e pepe flavors.
Gluten-Free Version: Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko crumbs for a crunchy coating that’s safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Spicy Kick: For a playful twist, add a tiny pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the panko and Pecorino mix—it adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the delicate cheese flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe

Two round golden brown fried balls with a crispy texture are placed on a white plate with delicate gold designs along the edges. One ball is whole, and the other is open, showing a soft, creamy light yellow interior with small rice pieces. There is white grated cheese sprinkled on top of both balls and scattered around on the plate, along with some black pepper flakes. A silver fork lies beside the balls on the plate, which is set on a white marbled surface. The light is soft and natural, highlighting the crunchy texture and creamy filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape Your Risotto Balls with Love

Grab a 2-Tbsp cookie scoop to portion your cold leftover risotto into 24 equal parts—this makes the shaping consistent and mess-free. Place each portion on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now for the fun part: create a small well in the center of each risotto mound and tuck a piece of mozzarella inside. Gently mold the risotto around the cheese, packing it in tightly so the mozzarella is completely encased. This ensures that ooey-gooey surprise in every bite without leaks while air frying.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations for Easy Coating

In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour and optional garlic powder—season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for that perfect seasoning base. In a second dish, beat two large eggs until smooth and blended. In a third dish, combine panko bread crumbs with shredded Pecorino Romano, adding freshly ground black pepper to taste. These three stations make the breading process a breeze and help each arancini develop its signature crispy crust.

Step 3: Coat Each Risotto Ball Carefully

Work with one risotto ball at a time. Start by rolling it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off to avoid sogginess. Finally, roll the ball in the panko-Pecorino mixture until it’s completely coated in a beautiful cheesy crust. Taking your time here ensures every bite is perfectly crispy and delicious.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with crisping. Place half of the breaded arancini inside, making sure not to overcrowd the basket so the heat circulates evenly. Give the tops a quick spray of olive oil cooking spray too. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, flipping the arancini halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden-brown crust. Repeat with the remaining risotto balls.

Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Sauces and Extra Cheese

Transfer the crispy, golden arancini to a serving platter. Don’t be shy—sprinkle additional shredded Pecorino Romano cheese over the top and grind some fresh black pepper for one last flavor boost. Serve these delightful bites warm alongside your favorite marinara and pesto sauces for dipping. Trust me, the combination is irresistible and perfect for parties or cozy nights in!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delicious, crispy, and gooey results from your Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe every time you make them.

Use Cold Leftover Risotto: Chilling the risotto before shaping makes it much easier to handle and helps the arancini hold their shape during cooking.
Seal That Cheese Well: Make sure the mozzarella is fully encased in risotto to avoid any melting cheese leaks while air frying.
Spray Generously with Olive Oil: Lightly spraying both the air fryer basket and the tops of the arancini ensures a beautiful golden crust without needing deep frying.
Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches gives you evenly cooked, crispy arancini without steaming or sogginess.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe

A dark green baking tray filled with 25 small round balls arranged in a 5x5 grid, each ball covered with a light beige crumb coating, placed on white parchment paper with faint grid lines. The balls have a rough texture from the crumbs and look ready to be baked. The tray is on a white marbled surface, and the light is even, showing off the shape and texture clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly shredded Pecorino Romano over the hot arancini right after air frying to add a salty, savory touch. A dusting of cracked black pepper or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil also brightens the dish beautifully. For an extra pop of color and flavor, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes is fantastic.

Side Dishes

These arancini shine as a flavorful appetizer or snack alongside tangy marinara sauce and fresh pesto dips. Pair them with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light balance, or serve with roasted vegetables to make a satisfying vegetarian meal. Crusty Italian bread on the side never hurts either!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that crispiness, avoid storing them when still hot—allow them to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded arancini before air frying. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray without touching and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. Cook straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the air frying time.

Reheating

To reheat and regain crispiness, air fry leftover arancini at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and golden. Alternatively, heat in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh risotto, or does it have to be leftover?

Leftover risotto works best because it's firmer and easier to shape into balls. Freshly made risotto is usually too soft and can fall apart, but you can chill freshly cooked risotto thoroughly to stiffen it before using.

What if I don’t have mozzarella string cheese sticks?

No problem! You can substitute with regular mozzarella cut into small cubes or fresh mozzarella pearls. Just ensure the pieces are small enough to be enclosed neatly in the risotto balls.

Can I bake these arancini instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the breaded arancini on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I prevent the arancini from falling apart?

Make sure to pack the risotto tightly around the cheese and use chilled risotto for shaping. Proper breading and careful handling will also help maintain their shape during cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so rewarding about sinking your teeth into these Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini — that perfect contrast of crunchy golden exterior with a melty, cheesy center. They’re a delicious way to breathe new life into leftover risotto, making weeknight meals feel a little more special. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy appetizer or an indulgent snack, these arancini are sure to become a favorite go-to in your kitchen. So next time you’ve got risotto on hand, you know exactly what to do!