Description
2 cups cooked short-grain rice (sushi rice or jasmine)
1 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp soy sauce
½ tsp sesame oil
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Cooking spray or additional melted butter (for air frying)
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder until smooth.
In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked rice with the miso butter mixture until evenly coated.
Using damp hands, form the rice into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the rice balls with cooking spray or additional melted butter.
Place the rice balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 22 minutes Kcal: 180 per serving Servings: 6 rice balls
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Miso Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the melted unsalted butter, white miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder until a smooth, homogenous paste forms. This ensures every grain of rice gets coated.
2. Combine with Rice: Place your cooked and cooled short-grain rice in a large mixing bowl. Pour the miso butter mixture over the rice. Using a cutting and folding motion with a spatula or rice paddle, gently mix until the rice is evenly coated. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
3. Form the Balls: Dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and firmly press it into a compact ball, roughly the size of a golf ball. Ensure each ball is tightly packed so it holds together during cooking. Repeat until all mixture is used.
4. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. While it heats, lightly brush or spray the formed rice balls with a neutral oil or melted butter. This promotes even browning and crispiness.
5. Air Fry: Place the rice balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch for proper air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes, pausing at the halfway mark (5-6 minutes) to carefully flip each ball for uniform crispness.
6. Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the rice balls. Immediately garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile miso butter rice balls are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer with a side of spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh cucumber salad, miso soup, or as a unique side to grilled proteins like salmon or chicken. They also make a delicious addition to a bento box.
How-to Summary
Mix miso, butter, and seasonings into a paste. Gently fold the paste into cooked, cooled short-grain rice. With damp hands, form tight, golf ball-sized spheres. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use long-grain rice instead? For best results, use short-grain rice (sushi or jasmine) as it is starchier and sticks together better. Long-grain rice may result in crumbly balls.
My rice balls are falling apart. What did I do wrong? This is often due to rice that is too dry or not packed firmly enough. Ensure your cooked rice is still slightly moist and use damp hands to apply firm pressure when forming the balls.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can form the rice balls and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. The microwave will make them soft.
Can I bake these instead? Absolutely. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, though the crust will be less crispy than the air fryer version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot, freshly cooked rice, which makes the mixture too sticky and difficult to handle. Always let the rice cool first.
- Over-mixing the rice and sauce, which can break down the grains and create a gummy texture.
- Not preheating the air fryer, leading to uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.
- Crowding the air fryer basket, which steams the rice balls instead of crisping them.
- Skipping the step of dampening your hands, causing the rice to stick to your fingers.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Miso Butter Rice balls are a simple yet impressive dish that transforms basic ingredients into a crispy, savory treat. Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or side, they deliver a fantastic umami punch with minimal effort. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly golden, flavorful rice balls every time. Experiment with different garnishes and dipping sauces to make them your own.
