Air Fryer "Thanksgiving-ified" Arancini
Tired of leftover turkey sandwiches? Let's take those Thanksgiving leftovers to the next level with this easy and fun recipe for 'Thanksgiving-ified' Arancini! Made with your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, these crispy, cheesy, and kid-friendly rice balls are a fantastic way to reinvent your holiday meal. Get ready to wow your family and have your little ones begging for more! Let's roll... (get it?)
Equipment
- Mini Ice Cream or Cookie Scooper
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3/4 - 1 cup all-purpose flour depending on the consistency of your mashed potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 panko bread crumbs
- 2 oz. leftover turkey diced (see notes below for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup cubed cheese of choice I used medium cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, flour, salt, parsley and egg.
- Wet your hands with water or spray before rolling each Arancini. Using a mini scooper, scoop out balls, flatten them in your palm.
- Place a teaspoon of turkey and a cube of cheese in the middle and seal the potato mixture around the filling, creating a ball.
- Roll the ball in the panko bread crumbs and place in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for approximately 5-7 minutes or until browned and crispy.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Notes
Notes & Tips:
- If you don't have leftover mashed potatoes, you can make your own. Simply boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt and pepper.
- Vegetarian Option: Leave out the turkey and add more cheese or mix and match different types of cheese. Additionally, you could substitute with your favorite vegetarian protein.
- Storage and reheating instructions: These arancini are best eaten fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheated in the air fryer on reheat at 350F for 3-5 minutes.
- Make ahead or meal prep: You can create the arancini balls and freeze prior to air frying or air fry for half the time and then freeze for up to a month. Once ready to heat, place in the air fryer at the indicated temperature for 3-5 minutes and serve!