A week ago my kids asked me to make them something different for dinner, and that’s when I came up with the idea of making air fryer meatball subs. They were an instant hit!
The air fryer makes this recipe super easy to make and gives the subs a delicious, crispy crust. The combination of meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese all come together in a perfect harmony of flavors.
But what I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can use different types of meatballs, cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your own unique version of this classic sub.
And with a few simple tips and tricks, you can take your subs to the next level and impress your family and friends!
So if you’re looking for a fun, easy, and delicious meal to make for dinner tonight, give this air fryer meatball sub recipe a try.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
It’s Quick and Easy: Who doesn’t love a quick and easy meal? This air fryer meatball sub recipe can be whipped up in no time and with minimal effort.
All you need is a few ingredients, a little bit of prep work, and the air fryer does the rest of the job for you.
So, if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe is perfect for you.
It’s Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a fun and interactive meal for the whole family, or a delicious party appetizer, air fryer meatball subs are perfect for any occasion.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Meatball Sub Ingredients
For this air fryer meatball subs recipe you will need:
- 4 Hoagie Rolls
- 18-20 Meatballs
- 6-8 Slices Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
- Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
✨ Making Subs In Air Fryer
Follow this recipe and make the best air fryer meatball sub:
Step 1
Slice the hoagies rolls and add butter to each side. Then, add a bit of garlic salt.
Step 2
Add the meatballs (I recommend warming them in the microwave for 30 seconds first) to each sub.
Step 3
Add the marinara sauce on top of the meatballs. Then, add slices of mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4
Place the subs in the air fryer basket and cook at 370F (190C) for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 5
Remove from the air fryer and serve.
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked this meatball sub air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these easy recipes too:
💡 Tips
Here are my top tips for making air fryer meatball subs:
1. Use Different Meatballs
You can use traditional beef or pork meatballs, or you can mix things up with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs.
You can also experiment with different flavors by adding spices or herbs to the meatball mixture.
2. Try Different Types Of Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a great choice for this air fryer meatball sub recipe because it melts nicely and has a mild, creamy flavor.
But, you can also try using other types of cheese to add some extra flavor and texture. Some good options include provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses.
Keep in mind that some cheeses may not melt as well in the air fryer, while others may become too gooey or oily.
3. Add Some Extra Toppings
While the meatballs, sauce, and cheese are the stars of this recipe, you can also add some extra toppings to take your subs to the next level.
Some good options include sliced onions, peppers, mushrooms, or even some fresh basil or parsley.
4. Try Different Different Sauces
While marinara sauce is a classic choice for meatball subs, you can also experiment with different types of sauces to add some extra flavor and variety.
Some good options include pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce.
5. Serve Your Meatball Subs Immediately
I recommend you to serve them immediately after cooking. This is because the heat and moisture from the meatballs, sauce, and cheese can cause the rolls to become soggy and lose their texture if they sit too long.
If you need to prepare the subs in advance, you can try assembling them without the sauce and cheese and then adding them just before cooking.
This can definitely help to preserve the texture of the rolls and ensure that the subs are fresh and delicious when you serve them.
✔️ Variations
I compiled a list of delicious and easy variations to the classic air fryer meatball sub recipe that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. Enjoy!
1. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatball Subs: Instead of beef or pork meatballs, use ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs and spices.
Add marinara sauce and a slice of Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs before adding the mozzarella cheese.
2. Air Fryer Veggie Meatball Subs: Use vegetarian meatballs made from plant-based ingredients such as beans, lentils, or soy.
Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, and add some roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
3. Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steak Meatball Subs: Use thinly sliced sirloin steak instead of meatballs, and saute it with onions and peppers.
Top with a slice of provolone cheese and some marinara sauce, and then add it to the hoagie roll.
4. Air Fryer BBQ Meatball Subs: Add a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce to the meatballs before adding the mozzarella cheese. Top with some crispy onion rings and serve on a toasted hoagie roll.
5. Air Fryer Meatball Sub Sliders: Use smaller rolls or buns, and make mini meatball subs. You can add a variety of toppings such as sliced olives, jalapeños, and pickles to make each slider unique.
6. Air Fryer Meatball Sub Pizza: Use pizza dough instead of hoagie rolls, and add marinara sauce, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the air fryer or in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
From crispy potato wedges to healthy asparagus fries, these side dishes will elevate your meal and leave you feeling satisfied:
Air Fryer Greek Potatoes: These crispy and flavorful Greek potatoes are the perfect side dish for your air fryer meatball sub.
The savory and salty flavors of the potatoes complement the meatballs and marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Asparagus Fries: Asparagus fries are a healthy and delicious side dish that pair well with the meatball sub.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Chips: These crispy pumpkin chips are a unique and tasty side dish that goes well with the meatball sub.
The sweet and slightly nutty flavor of the pumpkin chips adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the sub.
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries: Eggplant fries are another healthy and tasty side dish option that pairs well with the meatball sub.
Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad is a classic side dish that goes well with many Italian dishes, including the meatball sub.
👪 FAQ
What temperature should I cook the meatballs at?
I recommend cooking the meatballs at 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many meatballs should I use per sub?
I recommend using 4-6 meatballs per sub.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like in this recipe. I recommend using a cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them according to the package directions before adding them to the air fryer.
I hope you liked my air fryer meatball subs recipe. They are so easy to make, and the air fryer gives them a delicious, crispy crust. The meatballs, cheese, and sauce all come together in a perfect combination.
If you have any questions about this meatball sub air fryer recipe- don’t hesitate to ask! Also, make sure to check out other easy and fun air fryer recipes on my blog.
Air Fryer Meatball Sub
- 4 Hoagie Rolls
- 18-20 Meatballs
- 6-8 Slices Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
- Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- Slice the hoagies rolls and add butter to each side. Then, add a bit of garlic salt.
- Add the meatballs (I recommend warming them in the microwave for 30 seconds first) to each sub.
- Add the marinara sauce on top of the meatballs. Then, add slices of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Place the subs in the air fryer basket and cook at 370F (190C) for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve.
