Welcome to a recipe for Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni, a delightful and savory treat that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. These crispy rice balls are filled with gooey cheese and pepperoni, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Follow this detailed guide to create mouthwatering rice balls in your air fryer or oven.
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for the rice balls.
For the Rice Balls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (cooled)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Rice Mixture
- Mix the Rice and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni into the rice mixture.