This Air Fryer Risotto recipe delivers rich, creamy texture with minimal effort—no constant stirring required. It’s a hands-off, foolproof way to enjoy classic risotto using your air fryer.

Creamy risotto served in a bowl, cooked perfectly in the air fryer.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Craving creamy, comforting risotto without all the stirring? This easy Air Fryer Risotto recipe delivers rich flavor and perfectly tender rice with minimal effort—no constant stirring required! Ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, it’s a game-changer for risotto lovers.

If you love easy rice recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Stick of Butter Rice, Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole, or Copycat Popeyes Cajun Rice Recipe.

Bowl of creamy air fryer risotto topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan.

Why You Will Love Making Risotto In The Air Fryer!

  • No Constant Stirring Needed – Enjoy creamy risotto without standing over the stove.
  • Hands-Off Cooking – Let the air fryer do the work while you prep other dishes.
  • Perfect Texture Every Time – The air fryer creates tender rice with a rich, velvety finish.
  • Easy Weeknight Dinner – Quick prep and minimal cleanup make it ideal for busy nights.
  • Customizable Flavors – Easily mix in your favorite veggies, proteins, or cheeses for endless variations.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Risotto on kitchen table.
  • Risotto – Arborio rice for creamy, classic risotto texture
  • Broth – Warm chicken or vegetable broth adds deep flavor
  • Mushrooms, quartered – Earthy mushrooms add savory richness and bite
  • Onion, finely chopped – Sweet, aromatic base for enhanced flavor
  • Garlic, minced – Bold, savory depth in every bite
  • Butter – Adds creaminess and rich, smooth texture
  • Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes
  • Olive oil – Helps sauté vegetables and enhances overall flavor

How To Make Air Fryer Risotto

Chopped onions and minced garlic on a cutting board.

Step One: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: Add olive oil to the baking pan, then add the diced onion and garlic. Stir to coat, then close the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes.

Quartered mushrooms being added to the onion-garlic mixture in the baking pan.

Step Three: Open the basket, stir the mixture, then add the butter. Close the air fryer again to let the butter melt. Quarter the mushrooms, then add them to the barrel. Stir to coat with the onion, garlic, and butter mixture. Cook for 5 minutes.

Step Four: Stir in the risotto rice and mix for about 1 minute until well coated. Pour in 1/3 of the warm broth, close the basket, and cook for 5 minutes.

Risotto rice stirred into the buttery mushroom mixture in the air fryer.

Step Five: Add the remaining broth, reduce the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Creamy homemade risotto served in a bowl, cooked in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Risotto Recipe Tips

  • Use Arborio Rice: This starchy rice is essential for that creamy, traditional risotto texture.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer helps evenly sauté the aromatics.
  • Warm the Broth First: Adding warm broth helps the rice absorb liquid more efficiently.
  • Stir Halfway Through Cooking: A quick stir ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
  • Customize the Add-Ins: Stir in cooked chicken, peas, or Parmesan cheese after cooking for extra flavor and texture.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

  • Storing: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing: Freeze risotto in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again.
Creamy air fryer risotto topped with herbs in a white bowl.

What To Serve With The Best Air Fryer Risotto Recipe

Air Fryer Risotto pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and sides, making it a versatile addition to any meal. For a protein boost, serve it alongside grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or air-fried salmon. It also complements roasted vegetables, sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.

Easy Air Fryer Risotto Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of rice? Arborio rice is best for creamy risotto, but you can try other short-grain varieties—just note the texture may differ.

Do I have to stir the risotto while it cooks? Only once halfway through the final cook time. The air fryer does most of the work for you!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and skip cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the risotto is done? The rice should be tender with a creamy consistency. If it’s still firm, cook for a few extra minutes with a splash of broth.

Can I add vegetables or proteins? Absolutely! Stir in cooked veggies, chicken, shrimp, or cheese after the risotto finishes cooking for extra flavor and texture.

Bowl of creamy risotto garnished with parsley, made in the air fryer.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!

Creamy risotto served in a bowl, cooked perfectly in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Risotto

No ratings yet
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

This easy Air Fryer Risotto is creamy, flavorful, and made with minimal effort—no stirring required! A perfect side or main dish.

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups risotto
  • 6 cups broth
  • 20 mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 small onions
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes with a baking pan placed inside.
  • Carefully add olive oil to the preheated baking pan, then add the diced onion and garlic.
  • Stir with a wooden spoon to coat the onion and garlic, then close the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Open the basket, stir the mixture, and add the butter. Close again to let the butter melt fully.
  • Quarter the mushrooms and add them to the baking pan. Stir to coat them in the butter and onion-garlic mixture.
  • Close the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the risotto rice to the baking pan and stir to coat with the mixture. Cook for about 1 minute.
  • Pour in 1/3 of the warm chicken or vegetable broth. Close the basket and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining broth, lower the air fryer temperature to 350°F, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • After cooking, leave the basket closed for 5 minutes. Then fluff the risotto, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 7gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 755mgPotassium: 255mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 635IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 4mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!