Simple Air Fryer Meatball Sub

Figuring out a satisfying dinner that doesn’t require a ton of cleanup can feel impossible on busy weeknights. After all, comfort food classics like meatball subs usually mean multiple pots and pans, plus dealing with oil splatter from stovetop cooking, and things get even more complicated when you’re trying to feed hungry kids who want their food fast.

Luckily, this air fryer meatball sub checks all the boxes: it’s hearty and delicious, uses just one appliance for easy cleanup, and comes together quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You have plenty of options when it comes to meatballs for this sub recipe. Homemade meatballs will give you the most control over flavor and texture, but store-bought frozen meatballs are a real time-saver and work just as well. If you’re going the frozen route, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking – this helps them heat through evenly in the air fryer. Whether you choose beef, turkey, chicken, or even a blend, the key is making sure they’re fully cooked before assembling your subs. Italian-seasoned meatballs pair especially well with the marinara and cheese, but plain meatballs work great too since the sauce and cheese will add plenty of flavor.

Options for Substitutions

This meatball sub is super forgiving when it comes to swaps – here’s what you can change up:

• Hoagie rolls: Any sturdy bread works here! Try Italian rolls, French bread, or even thick slices of sourdough. Just make sure your bread can hold up to the sauce without getting too soggy.
• Meatballs: You can use any type of meatballs – beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based versions. If using raw meatballs, cook them first in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F before assembling your subs.
• Marinara sauce: Feel free to use whatever pasta sauce you have on hand – arrabbiata for some heat, or even a simple tomato sauce works great. You could also try pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese mix: Don’t have the exact cheese blend? Use whatever melting cheese you have – straight mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar. You can also use pre-shredded Italian cheese blend from the store.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making air fryer meatball subs is overcrowding the basket, which prevents proper air circulation and leaves you with unevenly heated meatballs – cook them in batches if needed to ensure they get crispy on all sides.

Another common error is adding too much marinara sauce, which can make your rolls soggy and create a mess in your air fryer, so stick to just enough sauce to coat the meatballs lightly.

Don’t forget to slice your hoagie rolls open but leave them connected at the back, and lightly toast them for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings to prevent them from getting mushy.

Finally, keep an eye on the cheese during the last minute of cooking since it can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly in the air fryer – if it’s browning too fast, cover with foil for the remaining time.

What to Serve With Meatball Subs?

A crispy side of fries or onion rings is my go-to when serving meatball subs – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce that drips out. I also love pairing these hearty subs with a simple Caesar salad or coleslaw to balance out all that cheesy, saucy goodness. For something lighter, try some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even a handful of pickles and chips for that classic deli experience. If you want to keep it really simple, just serve them with some garlic knots or breadsticks on the side.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: These meatball subs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store assembled subs wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. The bread might get a bit softer, but they’ll still taste great. I like to keep the components separate if I’m planning to eat them later – store the meatballs in sauce in one container and keep the rolls separate.

Freeze: You can freeze the cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. This makes it super easy to whip up fresh subs whenever you’re craving them. Just thaw the meatballs overnight in the fridge before using.

Warm Up: To enjoy leftover subs, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also pop individual portions in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. If the meatballs seem dry, add a splash more marinara sauce before warming.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	3-5 minutes
Total Time	13-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 100-120 g
• Fat: 80-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 180-200 g

Ingredients

• 4 sub or hoagie buns
• 16 pre-cooked meatballs (thawed if frozen, homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup tomato marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella-parmesan cheese blend

Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Meatball Subs

• 4 sub or hoagie buns
• 16 pre-cooked meatballs (thawed if frozen, homemade or store-bought)

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for five minutes.

While it heats up, lay out the sub or hoagie buns on a clean work surface.

Place 4 pre-cooked meatballs on each roll, arranging them evenly to cover the length of the bun.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese

• 1 cup tomato marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella-Parmesan cheese blend

Spoon 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs on each bun, making sure to cover them evenly.

Then sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella-Parmesan cheese blend over the sauced meatballs on each sub.

I like to gently press the cheese into the sauce so it doesn’t fall off during air frying.

Step 3: Air Fry the Subs

• assembled meatball subs from Step 2

Depending on the size of your air fryer, place one or two assembled sandwiches in the air fryer basket at a time.

Air fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just beginning to crisp.

If cooking in batches, repeat until all the subs are finished.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Carefully remove the hot meatball subs from the air fryer and serve right away while the cheese is gooey and the buns are warm.

For a touch of freshness, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.