Air-Fried Meatball Subs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air Fryer Meatball Subs are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in minutes. They are perfect for a busy weeknight when you need to get dinner on the table fast. The best part? They are delicious and can be easily customised to your liking. You can use leftover meatballs or air fryer frozen meatballs, and simply build your sandwich with your favourite ingredients. The key to a great meatball sub is in the cheese – fresh mozzarella or parmesan are popular choices – and the sauce, with many opting for a marinara sauce. You can also add in your favourite veggies, like spinach, onion, or peppers, to pack in some extra flavour and texture. So, if you're looking for a simple, satisfying meal that will impress, Air Fryer Meatball Subs are a great choice!

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your meatball sub can make or break the entire sandwich. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect bread for your air-fried meatball sub:

Type of Bread

For meatball subs, you'll want to use a long, skinny roll that can accommodate the meatballs and toppings. Hoagie rolls, French or Italian bread, or even hot dog buns can work well. These types of bread provide a good balance of crust and softness, making them ideal for toasting and holding all the delicious ingredients.

Freshness

Whenever possible, opt for fresh-baked rolls from a local bakery. The freshness of the bread will enhance the overall taste and texture of your sub. If you can't get freshly baked rolls, look for packaged bread that feels soft and has a pleasant aroma. Avoid bread that feels hard or stale.

Gluten-Free and Healthier Options

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want a healthier option, there are alternatives to traditional hoagie rolls. Gluten-free bread or whole wheat rolls are excellent choices. They provide the same structural integrity as regular hoagie rolls while accommodating specific dietary needs or preferences.

Toasting the Bread

Toasting the bread is an essential step in making your meatball sub. It adds a delightful crunch and helps the bread hold up to the weight of the meatballs and toppings. You can toast the bread in your air fryer by placing the rolls inside, buttered side up, and air-frying for 1-2 minutes at 400°F. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven by placing the rolls on a baking sheet and toasting them under the broiler for about a minute.

Customization

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread to find your perfect match. If you're serving a crowd, offer a variety of bread options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. You can even provide toppings and sauces on the side, allowing your guests to customize their meatball subs to their liking.

Preparing the meatballs

The first step in preparing your meatballs is to decide whether you want to make them from scratch or use frozen ones. If you're short on time, frozen meatballs from the store can be a great option and will work just fine. However, if you want to elevate your meatball subs, making your own meatballs using a combination of ground beef and ground pork will add a rich and savory flavour to your sandwich.

If you decide to make your own meatballs, start by mixing the ground meats with breadcrumbs, an egg, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients, but be careful not to overwork the mixture. The key is to gently fold everything together until it is well combined.

Next, it's time to roll the meat mixture into individual meatballs. Aim for a consistent size, slightly smaller than a golf ball, to ensure even cooking. A handy tip to prevent the meat from sticking to your hands while rolling is to wet your hands with cold water.

Once you have perfectly rolled meatballs, drizzle them with olive oil and place them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes, and then cook the meatballs for 12-14 minutes, occasionally flipping them to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

If you're using frozen meatballs, simply place them in the air fryer and cook for 9-11 minutes at 350°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Whether you're using fresh or frozen meatballs, the goal is to achieve a delicious, juicy meatball with a slightly crispy exterior.

Sauce and seasoning

The sauce and seasoning are key components of a meatball sub, adding flavour and moisture to the dish. Here is a detailed guide to achieving the perfect combination:

Sauce

The most commonly used sauce for meatball subs is marinara sauce, a tomato-based sauce that complements the meatballs and cheese perfectly. You can use store-bought jarred marinara sauce or make your own from scratch for a more authentic flavour. If you're short on time, heating up the sauce in the microwave is a quick option. Alternatively, you can heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop or in a skillet, creating a warm and cosy dish.

Seasoning

To elevate the flavour of your meatball subs, experiment with different seasonings. A simple yet effective option is to use Italian blend seasoning, which typically includes a mix of herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley, along with garlic and other spices. This seasoning pairs well with the marinara sauce and meatballs.

Additionally, you can try seasoning the hoagie rolls. Spread softened butter on the inside of the rolls and sprinkle with garlic powder and garlic salt to taste. This combination will add a savoury kick to your sub. If you want to take it up a notch, brush the inside and outside of the rolls with melted butter and add seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, and dried basil.

For those who love cheese, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs before adding the marinara sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a hint of saltiness and a nutty flavour to the sub. You can also use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy treat.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a Loaded Veggie variation by adding sliced bell peppers, spinach, onions, olives, or mushrooms to your sub. You can either add these vegetables raw or lightly sauté them in olive oil with Italian seasoning for a more subtle crunch.

Lastly, don't forget to serve your meatball subs with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping!

Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls

Slice open the hoagie rolls and spread the inside with butter. You can also add a dash of garlic salt or garlic powder to the buttered side of the roll.

Step 2: Layer the Meatballs

Place 4 warmed, precooked meatballs inside each roll. If you're using frozen meatballs, cook them in the air fryer first for 9-11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For leftover meatballs, warm them for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Top the meatballs with your favourite marinara sauce. You can also add some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese, or a mix of both.

Step 4: Air Fry the Subs

Place the assembled subs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your fryer, you may be able to cook one or two subs at the same time. Air fry at 350-360°F for 3-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the subs from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious, cheesy, and saucy meatball subs!

Cooking

The cooking process for meatball subs in an air fryer is relatively simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to make delicious meatball subs using your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

You can choose to use frozen meatballs, leftover meatballs, or make your own homemade meatballs from scratch. If you're using frozen or leftover meatballs, make sure to warm them up slightly before adding them to your subs. To cook frozen meatballs, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the desired number of meatballs in the basket. Cook for about 9-11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. For leftover meatballs, warm them up for around 2-3 minutes.

If you're making your own meatballs, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, an egg, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients well by hand without overworking the mixture. Shape the meat into meatballs that are slightly smaller than a golf ball, wetting your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 2: Assemble the Subs

Slice open your hoagie rolls or sub rolls and spread softened butter on the inside of each roll. You can also sprinkle garlic powder and garlic salt over the butter for added flavour. Place 4 warmed meatballs inside each roll. Top the meatballs with your favourite marinara sauce, and then add cheese. Freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese are great options, but you can also use provolone or shredded mozzarella.

Step 3: Air Fry the Subs

Place the assembled subs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking. Keep an eye on the subs to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, carefully remove the subs from the air fryer and serve them immediately. You can also top with additional parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavour. Meatball subs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tips and Variations

• To make your subs even more delicious, brush the outside of the rolls with olive oil or melted butter before cooking to get a nice crispy texture.
• If you prefer your subs with toasted bread, you can pre-toast the rolls in the air fryer before assembling the sandwiches.
• To prevent your subs from getting soggy, use less marinara sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
• For a healthier option, use turkey meatballs, whole wheat bread, and sugar-free marinara sauce.
• You can also add various toppings and ingredients to your subs, such as sliced bell peppers, spinach, onions, olives, mushrooms, or fresh tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions