Air Fried Taco Rice Balls

In today’s health-conscious world, air frying has emerged as a revolutionary cooking method that allows us to enjoy our favorite fried dishes with significantly less oil and fewer calories. When you think of traditional frying, images of greasy, heavy foods often come to mind, but air frying flips that notion on its head. By circulating hot air around food, air fryers produce crispy, golden results without the need for excessive amounts of oil. This method not only retains the flavors we love but also makes our culinary experiences healthier.

Discover the delicious world of Air Fried Taco Rice Balls, a fun and healthy twist on traditional tacos! These crispy bites combine savory ground beef or turkey, melty cheddar, black beans, and vibrant spices for an explosion of flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they're great for any occasion. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for even more flavor. Elevate your snack game with this delightful fusion treat that's sure to please everyone!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

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

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup corn (canned, frozen, or cooked)

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for air frying

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Season the Mixture: Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and holds together when formed into a ball.

Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and roll them into tight balls. You should have around 12-15 rice balls.

Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat this step by dipping the balls in the beaten egg again and rolling them in breadcrumbs once more.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the rice balls in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the rice balls lightly with olive oil.

Cook: Air fry the taco rice balls for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the rice balls from the air fryer, let them cool for a couple of minutes, then serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4-6 servings