Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, these Air Fryer Red Bean Mochi Balls are a delightful treat you can whip up with minimal effort. The sweet red bean paste filling pairs perfectly with the nutty sesame coating, making these little mochi balls a delicious snack or dessert that’s unique and incredibly satisfying!
What is Mochi?
Mochi is a traditional Japanese treat made from glutinous rice flour, known for its signature chewy and slightly stretchy texture. It’s often stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, like the red bean paste used here. These mochi balls are a fusion twist, using an air fryer for a crispy exterior while keeping the signature soft, chewy bite on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No special equipment is needed other than an air fryer, and the steps are super straightforward!
- Incredible Texture: These mochi balls are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with a smooth red bean filling that melts in your mouth.
- Unique Flavor: The nutty sesame seeds complement the subtly sweet red bean paste, making it a flavor combo that’s both exciting and comforting.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even to share at gatherings. They’re handheld and great on the go!
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying gives you that perfect golden exterior with far less oil than deep frying.
Ingredients
- Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and hydrate the glutinous rice flour for the dough, keeping it soft and pliable.
- Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough and helps with structure.
- Glutinous Rice Flour: The star ingredient! Glutinous rice flour creates the chewy, stretchy texture mochi is famous for.
- Red Bean Paste: A sweet and smooth paste made from adzuki beans. It’s the perfect filling to balance the nutty sesame coating.
- Sesame Seeds: These add a wonderful nutty crunch and golden exterior when air-fried.
- Vegetable Oil: Used to brush the mochi balls before air frying, ensuring they turn golden and crispy.
How to Make Air Fryer Red Bean Mochi Balls
Make the Dough:
In a pan over medium heat, add the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup glutinous rice flour with the sugar water and mix until a dough forms. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and knead the dough until smooth and pliable.
Shape and Fill the Mochi Balls:
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a sphere.
Flatten one piece of dough in your palm, place about 1/2 to 1 ounce of red bean paste in the center, and carefully pinch the edges together to seal. Roll into a smooth ball, ensuring no filling is visible.
Coat in Sesame Seeds:
Rinse sesame seeds using a fine mesh strainer to make them slightly damp (not wet). Pat with a paper towel to remove excess water.
Roll each mochi ball in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to coat evenly.
Air Fry the Mochi Balls:
Place the sesame-coated mochi balls in the air fryer, ensuring at least 1 inch of space between them.
Brush each ball lightly with vegetable oil.
Air fry at 200°F for 12-14 minutes, then increase the temperature to 350°F and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the balls are golden and crispy.
Serve:
Enjoy these mochi balls immediately while they’re warm and crispy on the outside!
Storage
These mochi balls are best eaten fresh, as the texture will change over time. If you must store them, place in an airtight container for up to one day and reheat in the air fryer briefly.
Tips
- Avoid Overfilling the Mochi: Too much red bean paste can make it difficult to seal the dough and cause it to break during cooking.
- Keep Sesame Seeds Damp: Lightly wet sesame seeds help them stick to the mochi dough evenly without falling off.
- Work Quickly with the Dough: Glutinous rice dough can dry out fast, so keep unused portions covered with a damp cloth as you work.
