Air Fryer Meatball Subs are the best meal to serve any day of the year. Not only are they delicious, but they are easily cooked in the air fryer in minutes.
Can You Cook Meatball Subs In Air Fryer?
Yes! Cooking meatball subs in an air fryer can yield delicious results, with the meatballs being cooked evenly and the bread turning out perfectly toasted. The air fryer is excellent for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the insides juicy and tender.
This recipe is perfect for game day, and with a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a quick dinner that the entire family will love! This is one of the best recipes for busy weeknights, and who doesn’t love juicy air fryer meatball subs?
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Meatball Subs
Reimagine the classic meatball sub with the magic of the air fryer! This method ensures crispy bread, juicy meatballs, and perfectly melted cheese in every bite. Below, we’ll break down the essential ingredients for crafting this iconic sandwich.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Meatballs: Crucial to our sub, these bite-sized meat delights can be homemade or store-bought. If crafting from scratch, consider a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a tender and flavorful outcome. Use lean ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey for a lean meatball.
- Breadcrumbs: Use Italian breadcrumbs for the best flavor. You can use panko bread crumbs.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
- Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls: A good sub roll is the foundation of any meatball sandwich. Choose a soft yet sturdy roll that can hold up to the sauce and fillings without becoming soggy.
- Marinara Sauce: This rich, tomato-based sauce provides the necessary moisture and tang to the sandwich. Opt for a seasoned variety for added depth, or make fresh tomato or spaghetti sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A gooey layer of mozzarella binds the meatballs in place, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the robust marinara.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of this aged cheese can provide a sharp, nutty contrast, enhancing the overall taste profile of the sub.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): These herbs can offer a fresh and aromatic touch. While not traditional for every meatball sub, they elevate the sandwich with color and flavor.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: A light spritz ensures the bread turns golden and crispy in the air fryer without burning or sticking to the basket.
Crafting a meatball sub in the air fryer is convenient and introduces a delightful texture contrast, making each bite truly unforgettable.
How To Cook Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs Sub
Experience the fusion of traditional comfort food with modern cooking methods as we make the classic meatball subs using an air fryer. Below are the step-by-step instructions for easy air fryer meatball subs.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare The Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using milk, add it now. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough. Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
If using raw meatballs, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
Set cooking time for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through until they’re browned and cooked. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Use tongs to flip them halfway during the cooking process.
If using pre-cooked meatballs, warm them in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Subs:
Split your sub rolls without cutting them all the way through. Fill each roll with an appropriate number of meatballs (usually 3-4, depending on size).
Spoon marinara sauce on top of the meatballs. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and, if desired, Parmesan cheese.
Toast the Subs:
Lightly spray the outside of the sub rolls with olive oil or cooking spray for a crispy finish. Carefully place the assembled subs into the air fryer basket.
Lower the temperature to 360°F (182°C). Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bread is toasted to your liking and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving:
For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, grated parmesan cheese, grated mozzarella, or parsley. Serve your meatball subs hot with a side of marinara for dipping, a crisp Caesar salad, or your favorite chips.
Pro Tips
- Choosing the Right Meatballs: If making homemade meatballs, consider a blend of ground beef and pork for added flavor and juiciness. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter option.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overload your air fryer basket. Cook meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.
- Consistent Size: Ensure your meatballs are uniformly sized. This guarantees even cooking and a consistent bite in every sub.
- Toasting Perfection: Lightly brushing or spraying the sub rolls with olive oil or butter before air frying can produce a crispier, golden-brown finish.
- Variety of Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Sauce Considerations: If you like your subs saucy, add extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. To avoid soggy bread, avoid overloading the sub with sauce before air frying.
- Fresh Herbs: Add freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or even oregano after air frying for an added flavor.
- Customize Your Toppings: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, peppers, or even mushrooms to your sub before air frying.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your meatball sub with a fresh salad, air-fried french fries, or a simple coleslaw to make it a complete meal.
- Safety First: Always ensure the internal temperature of meatballs, especially if made from scratch, reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen meatballs, increase the cooking time. It’s best to refer to the package instructions for specific timing, with a cook time of 15-20 minutes at 380°F. Ensure they are heated through before assembling your subs.
Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-cook the meatballs and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to eat, warm the meatballs in the air fryer, assemble your subs, and follow the toasting steps.
Can I use other types of bread or rolls?
Definitely, French baguettes, ciabatta rolls, or any crusty hoagie rolls or bread would work. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and size of your chosen bread.
How do I store leftover meatball subs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the air fryer for a few minutes to revive the crispy texture.
Can I customize the toppings for my sub?
Of course! Additions like sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives can elevate your sub—sub-experiment and help you find your favorite combination.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
While some models don’t require preheating, it’s generally a good practice. Preheating ensures even cooking right from the start.
My bread gets too toasted before the cheese melts. What can I do?
If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature by 20°F and increase the cooking time slightly. This allows the cheese to melt without overly browning the bread.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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- AIR FRYER CHICKEN QUESADILLA
- HOW TO AIR FRY NUTELLA SANDWICH
- AIR FRYER PIZZA LUNCHABLES
Air Fryer Meatball Subs
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup milk, for added moisture
- 2 cups marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce
- 6 rolls Sub rolls , or baguettes
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
Toppings (optional): Fresh basil leaves, Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheeseSautéed onions or bell pepper, Red pepper flakes, for added heat
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using milk, add it now. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape Meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, form mixture into meatballs, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook: Air fry the meatballs for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Ensure they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Split your sub rolls without cutting them all the way through.
- Fill each roll with an appropriate number of meatballs (usually 3-4 depending on size).
- Spoon marinara sauce over each meatball.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and, if desired, Parmesan cheese.
- Lightly spray the outside of the sub rolls with olive oil or cooking spray for a crispy finish.
- Carefully place the assembled subs into the air fryer basket.
- Lower the temperature to 360°F (182°C).
- Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bread is toasted to your liking and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.
- Serve your meatball subs hot with a side of marinara for dipping, a crisp salad, or your favorite chips.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Air Fryer Meatball Subs Recipe Card
Storing:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow any leftover meatball subs to cool to room temperature.
- Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Meatballs Alone:
- If you’ve made extra meatballs or wish to prepare them in advance, let them cool completely after air frying.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze individually.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out the excess air, and seal.
- Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
-
Assembled Sub:
- While it’s best to freeze only the meatballs, you can also freeze an assembled but not toasted sub. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then place inside a freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 1 month. Remember, the bread may become a bit soggy upon thawing.
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From the Refrigerator:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the sub inside and heat for about 3-5 minutes until the sub is hot and the cheese is melted.
-
From the Freezer (Meatballs Only):
- If the meatballs are frozen, you can reheat them directly in the air fryer from frozen. Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and heat for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
-
From the Freezer (Assembled Sub):
- For a previously assembled and frozen sub, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes or until hot.
Note: When reheating, always ensure the food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Adjust reheating times based on the capabilities and size of your specific air fryer model.
Nutrition
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Julie
What do you suggest for a really good sauce?