Air Fryer Cheesy Leftover Rice Balls (Quick Snack)
Air fryer cheesy leftover rice balls are a genius 15-minute snack for turning extra cooked rice into irresistible golden nuggets. Cold cooked jasmine, basmati, or white rice is combined with sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and herbs, then stuffed with a pocket of gooey mozzarella. Cooked in the air fryer until crisp on the outside with a molten cheesy center, they are popular with kids and adults alike.
Why this is a Great Meal
Why You'll Love This Recipe: Ready in 15 minutes, 4 simple pantry ingredients, crispy air-fried exterior without deep frying, great kid-friendly lunchbox snack.
Instructions
- 01
Mix Rice & Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine cold cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mash lightly with your fingers until sticky.
- 02
Stuff with Mozzarella: Portion rice mixture into 10 equal balls. Flatten each in your palm, place 1 cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap rice around it to seal completely.
- 03
Arrange in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Place rice balls in a single layer.
- 04
Air Fry for 7 Minutes: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until outer shell is golden brown and crispy.
- 05
Serve Warm: Serve immediately with marinara sauce or warm garlic butter.
- ✦Moisten your hands with cold water when shaping rice balls to prevent sticky rice from clinging to your fingers.
- ✦Make sure mozzarella cubes are completely enclosed inside the rice shell so cheese doesn't leak out during air frying.
- ✦Use medium or short-grain white rice for extra naturally sticky results.
Converting from a Standard Oven?
Adapting this dish from a conventional oven recipe? Calculate temperature reductions and convection cook times.
Baking or Measuring by Weight?
Convert volume cups to precision grams with ingredient-specific densities.
Easy Variations
Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Rice Balls
Add finely diced fresh jalapeños into the cheddar rice mixture.
Italian Arancini Style
Roll stuffed rice balls in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do my rice balls fall apart in the air fryer?
A: Rice balls fall apart if rice is too dry or not pressed tightly enough. Use cold sticky rice and press firmly around the cheese center.
Q: Can you make cheesy rice balls without eggs?
A: Yes! Naturally sticky cold white rice combined with melted shredded cheddar holds together perfectly without needing egg.
Nutrition
Approximate values — meant as a guide, not a verdict.
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