Italian Arancini Recipe

Nonna’s Secret Arancini Recipe: The Best Italian Rice Balls You’ll Ever Taste

There’s something magical about the way food can transport us. One bite of a well-made arancino, and I’m instantly back in my Nonna’s sun-drenched Sicilian kitchen—the smell of simmering marinara sauce in the air, the sound of crackling oil, and her gentle voice telling me not to rush the rice. Writing this post brought all of that back for me, and I hope it brings a little Italian magic into your kitchen too.

Today, I’m sharing her secret—the most authentic arancini recipe Italian grandmas would nod in approval at. Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning a romantic dinner, or just craving something crispy, cheesy, and comforting, these golden risotto balls are about to become a regular part of your meal rotation.

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What Are Arancini?

If you’re new to arancini, let’s get acquainted. Arancini are golden, deep-fried risotto balls traditionally filled with gooey cheese, rich ragu, and tender peas. Originating in Sicily, these beauties get their name from their resemblance to little oranges—“arancia” means orange in Italian.

While arancini are often considered street food in Italy, they also shine at the dinner table. In my family, they were always served during the holidays or made from leftover rice the next day—a brilliant and delicious way to avoid food waste. Over time, we even started making baked and air fryer versions for a lighter spin.

Why This is the Best Arancini Recipe Italian Grandmas Swear By

My Nonna didn’t measure anything—but after years of cooking alongside her (and lots of trial and error), I’ve recreated her arancini recipe with exact ingredient measurements so you can enjoy her Sicilian magic right at home.

This version is:

Authentic and inspired by traditional Sicilian food

Perfect for using leftover risotto

Easy enough for weeknight dinners

Adaptable: try the air fryer or baked options for a lighter twist

Most importantly, it’s packed with flavor and love. Let’s get into it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you need to make 12–14 arancini (serves 4–6 as a main dish or 6–8 as an appetizer):

For the Rice Base:

1 ½ cups Arborio rice (uncooked)

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

For the Filling:

1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)

¾ cup shredded mozzarella or cubed Fontina

½ cup cooked peas (optional)

½ cup cooked ground beef or sausage (optional for ragu version)

For Breading:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

For Frying (or Alternatives):

Vegetable oil for deep frying

OR

Olive oil spray (for baking or air fryer)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Nonna’s Arancini

1. Cook the Rice

Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. In a separate pot, heat olive oil and toast the Arborio rice for 2 minutes. Slowly add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. This will take about 20–25 minutes. The rice should be soft but not mushy.

Once cooked, stir in salt, Parmesan, and spread the rice on a baking sheet to cool. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour (or overnight).

2. Prepare the Filling

While rice chills, warm the marinara sauce, cube the cheese, and prepare any meat or veggie fillings. I love mozzarella and peas, but feel free to get creative!

3. Shape the Arancini

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of chilled rice into your hand. Flatten it into a disc, place a teaspoon of filling and a cube of cheese in the center, then gently form a ball, sealing the filling inside.

4. Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each ball in flour, dip in egg, and roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

5. Fry, Bake, or Air Fry

To Fry:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry arancini in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

To Bake:

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.

To Air Fry:

Spray balls with olive oil and air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.

My Favorite Kitchen Essentials (Amazon Picks)

To help make your arancini-making smooth and satisfying, here are 3 tried-and-tested Amazon finds I personally recommend:

1. Lundberg Family Farms Arborio Rice

Why I love it: This rice cooks beautifully and creates that perfect creamy texture. It’s also organic and sustainably grown—bonus!

Buy it here on Amazon

Grab a bag of high-quality Arborio rice—you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

2. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt

Why I love it: For crispy arancini without the deep-fry mess. This compact air fryer is sleek, powerful, and easy to clean. Perfect for small kitchens and weeknight meals.

Check it out on Amazon

Want crispy arancini with less oil? Treat yourself to an air fryer that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

3. Progresso Italian-Style Bread Crumbs (15 oz)

Why I love it: These breadcrumbs are perfectly seasoned, giving your arancini that irresistible crunch with a hint of Italian herbs.

Buy it here on Amazon

Stock your pantry with these flavorful crumbs—they’ll elevate everything from meatballs to mozzarella sticks.

How to Serve Arancini Like an Italian

Serve these golden beauties hot, paired with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Here are a few serving ideas:

As a main dinner dish with a leafy green salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio

As a party appetizer or family-style finger food

With a side of sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal

They’re also perfect for packing into lunchboxes—hot or cold!

Storing, Reheating, and Using Leftovers

Refrigerator:

Store cooled arancini in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze uncooked breaded balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes.

To Reheat:

Reheat in the air fryer (5–7 minutes at 375°F) or oven (10–15 minutes at 375°F) to regain that crisp exterior.

Leftover rice tip: If you’ve got plain rice from last night’s takeout, just mix in an egg and some grated Parmesan. It may not be as creamy as risotto, but it works beautifully!

Easy Variations to Try

Here’s where you can have fun and get creative!

Spinach & Ricotta Arancini: A vegetarian fave packed with creamy cheese and greens.

Spicy Sausage & Provolone: A fiery twist for bold flavor lovers.

Nutella Arancini: Yes, dessert arancini are real—and dangerously delicious.

These variations are also great ways to use up fridge ingredients. Got sun-dried tomatoes? Toss them in. A little leftover roast chicken? Perfect.

Final Thoughts

Food has always been my love language—and arancini hold a special place in my heart. Writing this blog post took me right back to my Nonna’s kitchen, and it reminded me how much joy there is in passing these recipes on.

Whether you’re a busy mom trying to plan creative meal ideas, a 30-something looking to impress on a date night, or simply someone who loves exploring the world through food—I promise this authentic Sicilian arancini recipe will become one of your go-tos.

Try it, tweak it, make it your own. And when you do? Share it with someone you love. Because the best meals are made with memories.