Air Fried Taco Rice Balls

Air frying has surged in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. This innovative cooking technique allows you to enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly less oil, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. With an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispiness while keeping your meals lighter and more nutritious. One delightful dish that perfectly embodies this trend is the crispy air fried taco rice balls.

Looking for a delicious twist on your favorite taco flavors? Try these crispy air-fried taco rice balls that pack a punch with every bite! This easy recipe combines cooked rice, seasoned ground meat, black beans, corn, and cheese, all coated for that irresistible crunch. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping, these customizable bites can be tailored to suit any taste. Discover how to make these fun, healthy snacks that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey (seasoned generously with taco seasoning)

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained if using canned)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is recommended for an extra crunch)

Olive oil spray

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, the seasoned ground meat, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix well until every ingredient is evenly incorporated, and the mixture is homogenous.

Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop a generous handful of the filling mixture and shape it into a ball roughly the size of a golf ball, or a bit larger if desired. Arrange the formed rice balls on a platter or plate. Continue this process until you’ve shaped all the mixture into balls.

Coat the Rice Balls: In a shallow dish, pour the beaten egg. In another separate dish, add the breadcrumbs. One by one, dip each rice ball into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring each ball is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy texture!

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a duration of about 5 minutes. This ensures a hot cooking environment for a perfect finish.

Air Fry the Rice Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the rice balls in a single layer, leaving enough space between each for optimal air circulation. Lightly spray the tops of the rice balls with more olive oil.

Cook: Air fry the rice balls for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you might need to work in batches.

Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the rice balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm alongside salsa and sour cream for a delightful dipping experience.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy rice balls on a large serving platter and add small bowls of salsa and sour cream for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch!