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Crab arancini on a plate with red sauce.

Crab Arancini Recipe (Fried Rice Balls with Crab)

Allie Hagerty
Try this creamy and flavorful crab arancini recipe. These hot and tender rice balls are filled with fresh lump crab and are the perfect appetizer for seafood lovers.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer
Servings 20 arancini

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • Three shallow bowls for breading station
  • Deep skillet or pot for frying
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Paper towels for draining

Ingredients
  

  • 4.5 cups leftover crab risotto
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Take the hot leftover crab risotto and spread it out onto a rimmed baking sheet. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it's firm and set.
  • Once the risotto has cooled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Take a small handful of the chilled risotto and shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining risotto.
  • Season the beaten eggs with salt and pepper. Also, season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
  • Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with seasoned beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Roll each risotto ball first in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the seasoned beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with seasoned breadcrumbs. Place the coated arancini on a plate or tray.
  • Heat Oil for Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Carefully lower the arancini into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  • Serve the crab arancini hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as lemon aioli or spicy marinara.

Notes

  • Check Oil Temperature - Test the oil with a wooden spoon—bubbles should form around the handle immediately when it's hot enough. You can also use a deep-fry thermometer. Make sure you have enough oil, too! I suggest using 3-4 inches of oil. 
  • Thoroughly Chill Risotto - After shaping, chill the risotto balls in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm them up for frying.
  • Use Gentle Pressure - When shaping the balls, apply gentle but firm pressure to maintain the creamy texture of the risotto.
  • Fry in Batches -  Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the arancini in batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1aranciniCalories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 48mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 36IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg
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