Crispy Spicy Tuna Bites

These Crispy Spicy Tuna Bites are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer—crunchy on the outside, tender and spicy on top. Fresh sushi rice is pressure-cooked to perfection, chilled into bite-sized pieces, air-fried until golden, and topped with creamy, spicy ahi tuna, jalapeños, and a dusting of togarashi for extra flavor. Every bite is crispy, creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying!

Instructions:

1.    Add the rinsed sushi rice and 2¼ cups water to the Instant Pot. Pressure Cook on High / More for 3 minutes. Perform a quick release once cooking is complete.

2.    In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour the mixture over the warm rice and gently fold to combine.

3.    Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly pack the seasoned rice into an even layer in the dish. Refrigerate uncovered for about 2 hours, or until the rice is fully cooled and firm.

4.    Remove the rice slab from the dish and parchment paper. Cut into 25 even bite-sized squares. Lightly spray both sides of each square with cooking spray.

5.    Arrange the rice squares in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air Fry at 400°F / 200°C for 15–17 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy at the edges. Flip halfway through if needed for even crisping.

6.    In a medium bowl, toss the diced ahi tuna with Kewpie mayonnaise and sriracha until evenly coated. Adjust with additional mayonnaise for a creamier texture or extra sriracha for more heat, if desired.

7.    Spoon a generous amount of spicy tuna onto each crispy rice bite. Top with a thin slice of jalapeño and a light dusting of togarashi. Serve immediately while the rice is still crispy.