Name: Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 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; Store-bought or homemade pesto sauce

If you love crispy, cheesy bites that deliver big flavor, you’re going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe. These golden brown Italian rice balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and peppery on the inside, and make the perfect appetizer or snack any day of the week.

A black plate holds many small golden brown fried balls sprinkled with white shredded cheese and some black pepper on top. Two of the balls are broken open to show a creamy white inside. A small white bowl near the top center of the plate is filled with chunky red tomato sauce, with a few pieces of shredded cheese on its surface. The plate sits 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

I’m obsessed with turning leftover risotto into something truly special, and this recipe is the perfect way to do just that. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with that classic cacio e pepe peppery punch, these arancini are always a crowd-pleaser at my gatherings.

Leftover Magic: You can transform leftover risotto into irresistible bite-sized treats — zero food waste and all the yum.
Air Fryer Convenience: Get that perfect golden crunch without deep frying, saving time and mess in your kitchen.
Peppery Perfection: The black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese bring that iconic cacio e pepe flavor that’s both simple and indulgent.
Versatile Dipping: Served alongside marinara and pesto, these arancini offer a medley of flavors with every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines with a few simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your kitchen. Using leftover risotto is key—not only does it hold its shape after chilling, but it delivers creamy, cheesy flavor right in the heart of each arancini ball.

Flat lay of leftover cooked risotto scooped into balls, several pieces of mozzarella string cheese sticks cut crosswise, a small bowl of all-purpose flour, a small bowl of garlic powder, a small mound of kosher salt, a small pile of freshly ground black pepper, two large whole uncracked eggs, a small bowl of panko bread crumbs, a small bowl of shredded Pecorino Romano, a small white ceramic bowl with olive oil cooking spray mist, a small white ceramic bowl of homemade marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh green pesto sauce, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Chilling leftover risotto helps it bind better when forming the balls, ensuring they hold together during cooking.
Mozzarella string cheese sticks: Perfect for melting inside, creating that gooey, cheesy center we all crave.
All-purpose flour: Used to season and start the breading process, adding structure before dipping in egg and crumbs.
Garlic powder: Optional, but I love the subtle savory hint it brings to the coating.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors — don’t skip it!
Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for that cacio e pepe peppery kick.
Large eggs: Help the breading stick to the risotto balls for an even, crispy crust.
Panko bread crumbs: For that signature crispy texture on the outside.
Shredded Pecorino Romano cheese: Mixed into the panko for sharp, salty flavor in every crunch.
Olive oil cooking spray: To get that gorgeous golden finish without deep-frying.
Marinara and pesto sauces: Classic dipping options that add fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich arancini.

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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! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, or dipping sauces to truly make it your own.

Cheese Swap: I love using mozzarella string cheese for that gooey center, but you could also try fontina or provolone for a slightly different flavor and melt.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko mixture gives these arancini a lovely subtle heat that balances the creamy interior perfectly.
Herb Infusion: Fresh chopped basil or parsley mixed into the risotto before shaping adds a bright freshness that's delightful.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative to keep these crispy treats friendly for those avoiding gluten.
Sauce Pairings: While marinara and pesto are classic, I’ve also enjoyed these with a tangy roasted red pepper sauce or a garlicky aioli for dipping.

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

Two round golden brown fried balls are placed on a white plate with a vintage gold pattern along the edge. One ball is whole, showing a crispy, rough texture on the outside. The other ball is broken open, revealing a soft, creamy white rice and cheese filling inside. Both balls are sprinkled with fine white grated cheese, and some black pepper is scattered on the plate. A silver fork rests on the plate, positioned near the balls. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape the Risotto into Perfectly Packed Balls

Start by using a 2-Tbsp cookie scoop to divide your well-chilled leftover risotto into 24 equal portions, placing them on a parchment-lined sheet. Then, press your finger gently into the center of each to create a little pocket. Nestle a piece of mozzarella string cheese inside, and carefully wrap the risotto around it, packing tightly so the cheese is completely sealed inside. This helps prevent any cheesy leaks during cooking and guarantees a creamy surprise in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Stations Like a Pro

Set up three shallow dishes: one with a mix of flour, optional garlic powder, kosher salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one combining panko breadcrumbs with shredded Pecorino Romano and a touch more black pepper. This classic breading trio creates the perfect exterior — crunchy, flavorful, and golden.

Step 3: Coat Each Arancini Thoroughly for Maximum Crispiness

Take each risotto ball and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring every nook is covered, then roll it fully in the panko and Pecorino mixture. Make sure they’re evenly coated — this is what gives your arancini that irresistible crispy crust when air fried.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden-Brown Perfection

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange half of your breaded arancini in a single layer without crowding, then give the tops a light spray as well — this helps them brown beautifully. Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so each side gets golden and crisp. Repeat the process with the remaining balls. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a gorgeous golden brown and crispy on the outside with gooey cheese inside.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Sauces

Transfer your perfectly cooked arancini to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with extra Pecorino Romano and a fresh crack of black pepper. Serve them warm alongside your marinara and pesto sauces for dipping — the combo of creamy, crispy rice balls with vibrant sauce is truly unbeatable.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe is all about attention to detail. These tips come from hands-on experience and can make the difference between good and absolutely irresistible arancini.

Use Well-Chilled Risotto: Chilling your leftover risotto overnight helps firm it up, making it much easier to shape tightly around the mozzarella without falling apart during cooking.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Spray: >Lightly coating the arancini and the air fryer basket with olive oil spray is key to achieving that perfect golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside creamy.
Season Your Breading: Incorporating freshly ground black pepper and Pecorino Romano right into the panko mix amps up the signature cacio e pepe flavor with every crunchy bite.
Turn Midway in Air Fryer: Flipping the arancini halfway through the 15-minute air frying ensures even browning and crispy texture all around—don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini Recipe

The image shows a black baking tray lined with white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. On the parchment paper, there are 24 evenly spaced round balls arranged in four rows of six. Each ball is covered in a light beige crumb coating, giving them a rough texture. The balls are uniform in size and shape, with the crumb layer looking dry and slightly coarse. The scene is lit clearly, showing all details of the crumb texture and the neat grid-like arrangement on the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving presentation, sprinkle extra shredded Pecorino Romano cheese and a fresh crack of black pepper right on top. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of vibrant basil pesto adds a lovely pop of color and herbal brightness. You might also consider a light dusting of finely chopped parsley for a fresh, green touch.

Side Dishes

These crispy arancini pair beautifully with a light, crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini are a fantastic match too. And of course, serving them with both marinara and pesto sauces offers versatile dipping options that complement the cheesy, peppery flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They keep best when refrigerated promptly and reheated carefully to retain their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, breaded arancini for up to 30 minutes or longer to firm them up before cooking, but for longer storage, place frozen arancini in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftover arancini back into the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their golden, crispy exterior while warming the cheesy center to silky perfection—way better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?

Absolutely! If you can't find mozzarella string cheese, small cubes of fresh mozzarella work perfectly just the same to give that gooey, melty center.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries. You can bake the arancini in a conventional oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even browning.

How do I prevent the arancini from falling apart while air frying?

Using well-chilled risotto helps them hold their shape, and tightly packing the risotto around the mozzarella is crucial. Also, making sure you properly bread them and not overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to perfectly intact and crispy arancini.

Can I add spice to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko and Pecorino mixture will add a subtle and delicious heat that pairs nicely with the cacio e pepe flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini are a wonderful way to reinvent your leftover risotto into something truly special. Their golden, crunchy exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy center bursting with comforting Italian flavors—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether served as an appetizer or snack. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find they quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation. So go ahead, give them a whirl and enjoy every crispy, peppery bite!