Air Fried Taco Rice Balls

The foundation of any good taco rice ball is, of course, rice. However, the type and preparation of rice you choose can significantly affect the texture and flavor of the final product. For the best results, using chilled, day-old rice is highly recommended. This is because freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky, making it challenging to form into balls. Chilling the rice allows it to firm up, making it easier to handle and reducing the likelihood of the rice balls falling apart during cooking.

Crunchy taco rice balls are the ultimate comfort food, perfectly blending the flavors of classic tacos with the heartiness of rice. These delicious bites are filled with ground meat, black beans, corn, and cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or snacks, this recipe guides you through the process of making them from scratch, including ingredient choices, cooking tips, and serving suggestions that will impress any crowd. You can easily customize these bites to suit your dietary preferences and enjoy a crunchy, flavorful experience!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled day-old rice for optimal texture)

1 cup ground beef or turkey

1 tablespoon taco seasoning blend

1 cup black beans (canned, thoroughly drained, and rinsed)

1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed if frozen)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)

2 large eggs, beaten

Olive oil spray for frying

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Season the meat with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then set aside to cool slightly.

Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, seasoned meat, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Form the Balls: With clean hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and roll it into a ball. Transfer each formed ball to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed into balls.

Prepare for Coating: Set up a coating station with two shallow dishes—one containing the beaten eggs and the other filled with breadcrumbs. Begin by dipping each rice ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until covered evenly. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to heat for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Rice Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the rice balls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook: Air fry the rice balls for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning.

Serve and Enjoy: When the rice balls are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few moments. Serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Presentation Tips: Arrange the rice balls on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with small bowls of dipping sauces for a delightful presentation.