Air Fryer Copycat Subway Meatball Sub — Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub? It’s a classic comfort food perfect for any occasion, whether for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
The thought of biting into juicy meatballs smothered in tangy marinara sauce, all nestled in a warm, toasty sub roll, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Subway meatball subs. are my favorite, and if you love a great sub, you will love this copycat recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe!
- Perfectly Seasoned Meatballs: The blend of Italian herbs and spices ensures each meatball is bursting with flavor, giving the classic sub an irresistible taste.
- Toasty, Crunchy Roll: Baking the sub in the oven or air fryer creates a delightfully crispy crust on the roll, enhancing the overall texture of the sandwich.
- Melty, Gooey Cheese: The generous layer of melted mozzarella adds a creamy, gooey texture that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.
- Customizable Ingredients: Whether you prefer extra marinara, sautéed onions, or additional cheese, this recipe allows you to personalize your sub to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for a speedy yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients Needed For Subway Meatball Sub
Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable full recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Ground Beef – The main protein component, adding richness and flavor. You can also use a mix of lean ground beef and ground pork for added juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs– Provides structure and helps bind the meatballs.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, umami flavor to the meatballs.
- Large Eggs – Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture.
- Seasonings: Garlic, Onion, Parsley, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes.
- Milk – Moistens the breadcrumb mixture for tender meatballs.
- Homemade Marinara Sauce:
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes – The base of the sauce provides acidity and depth.
- Tomato Paste – Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Black Pepper, and Sugar.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the garlic and melding flavors.
- To Assemble: Sub Rolls, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil or Parsley.
How To Make Subway Meatball Sub
Below, you’ll find step-by-step photos to guide you through the recipe effortlessly at home. For detailed, printable instructions and ingredient quantities, simply scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
Prepare The Meatballs: Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Grease the basket with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get around 12-16 meatballs. Air Fry: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Set cooking time at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble the Sandwich: Cut and Toast the Roll: Cut the roll lengthwise but not all the way through. Optionally, brush the inside with melted butter or olive oil and toast in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Place Meatballs and Sauce: Open the toasted roll and place the cooked meatballs inside—spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the meatballs. Final Toast: Place the assembled sandwich back into the air fryer at 350°F for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve: Your Subway copycat meatball sandwich is ready! Carefully remove it from the air fryer, slice it into portions, and enjoy.
Subway Meatball Sub Recipe Tips
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the seasonings. Fresh herbs like basil, Italian seasoning, or parsley can add flavor to your meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop to ensure that all meatballs are of uniform size.
- Test Meatball: Before cooking all the meatballs, you might want to cook one first to check for seasoning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the meatballs are not touching when placed in the air fryer; arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cheese Layer: Consider adding a layer of cheese below and above the meatballs to ensure a gooey, cheesy bite every time.
- Bread Choice: Choose a quality sub roll with a nice crust and soft interior. A poor-quality roll can detract from the overall experience.
- Toasting: A slight brush of garlic-infused olive oil before toasting can give you that extra flavor and crunch.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers can cook differently, so keep an eye on your sandwich, especially during the final toasting phase, to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Final Garnish: A fresh basil or parsley sprinkle and a final drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving can add fresh flavor and presentation points.
- Pre-warm the Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer for best results. Cold air fryers can cause food to stick and not cook evenly.
Subway Meatball Sub Recipe Variations
- Keto/Low-Carb: Swap traditional sub rolls for lettuce wraps or low-carb bread to keep it keto-friendly while still enjoying the classic meatball sub flavors.
- Protein: For a protein boost, try using extra lean ground beef or chicken meatballs, or even add a layer of grilled chicken for a heartier sandwich.
- Seasonings: Enhance the flavor with additional seasonings like crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to give your meatballs a zesty kick that complements the classic taste.
Subway Meatball Sub Recipe Faqs
Can I use store-bought meatballs and marinara sauce? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought meatballs and marinara sauce can be a quick alternative. Just make sure to check the cooking time and temperatures for pre-made meatballs. You can also make this recipe with frozen meatballs– it is a great way to have a good meatball sandwich in minutes!
Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. Remember that poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Storage Instructions: Store any leftover meatballs and marinara sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Subway Sandwiches In Air Fryer: Reheat the meatball sub in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the meatballs are heated.
My air fryer is small; can I still make this recipe? Absolutely! You may have to cook the meatballs in batches, and the sandwich might need to be cut into smaller portions to fit, but the recipe will still work.
Can I add other veggies or toppings to the sub? Of course! Customize your sub with additional toppings like olives, pickles, or banana peppers for extra flavor.
Do I have to use a footlong roll? No, you can use two 6-inch rolls or even smaller buns. Just adjust the quantity of meatballs, sauce, and cheese accordingly.
Can I make the meatballs or sauce ahead of time? Yes, the meatballs and sauce can be made beforehand. Store them in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container, or freeze them for longer storage.
The bottom of my sub got soggy; what can I do to prevent this? To prevent a soggy bottom, toast the roll first. You can also place a layer of cheese below the meatballs to act as a barrier against the sauce.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? The meatballs are done when the internal temperature of the meatballs is 165°F (74°C). Investing in a meat thermometer for precise cooking is a good idea.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- Easy Air Fryer Homemade Meatballs
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Caesar Salad
Air Fryer Copycat Subway Meatball Sub
Description
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 beaten egg
- 2 cloves garlic, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes,
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Assembly:
- 1 footlong sub roll or 2 six-inch sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil, optional, for toasting
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Grease the basket with olive oil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get around 12-16 meatballs.
- Air Fry: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat Oil: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Cut and Toast the Roll: Cut the sub roll lengthwise but not all the way through. Optionally, brush the inside with melted butter or olive oil and toast in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
- Place Meatballs and Sauce: Open the toasted roll and place the cooked meatballs inside. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the meatballs.
- Final Toast: Place the assembled sandwich back into the air fryer at 350°F for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Your Subway copycat meatball sandwich is ready! Carefully remove it from the air fryer, slice into portions, and enjoy.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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