Air fryer puffed mochi bites: kirimochi in 10 minutes

Instructions

• 1.Use kirimochi

  Use plain kirimochi intended for cooking, not filled daifuku or ice-cream mochi.
  Follow the packaging instructions to divide them into 2 cm pieces; pre-scored blocks or mini rice cakes are easier to portion.
  

• 2.Arrange

  Lightly oil a small non-stick tray suitable for the air fryer.
  Space the pieces 3 cm apart as they will puff up.
  The tray must fit in the basket with room for air to circulate around it.
  

• 3.Puff them up

  Air fry at 180°C for about 10 minutes.
  Check from 8 minutes and extend to 12 minutes if needed: the pieces should puff and crack slightly.
  Results vary with brand and thickness; do not aim for a brown colour.
  

• 4.Season

  Lift the bites out with tongs, brush very lightly with soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame.
  Let them cool slightly before eating; the inside is hot and sticky.