Air Fryer Meatball Subs
Air Fryer Meatball Subs are a quick, easy, cheesy, and tasty 15-minute meal. Packed with hearty meatballs, plenty of marinara sauce, and freshly grated Italian cheeses, these subs are sure to become a weeknight favorite in no time!
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Looking for an easy way to use up leftover or frozen meatballs? Try making these rich, toasty, and cheesy Air Fryer Meatball Subs! Assembled and baked in just 15 minutes, these ridiculously easy sandwiches are delicious and filling. All you need to get started are a few pantry and fridge staples and your trusty air fryer.
One of the best things about these sandwiches is how easily they can be customized. Make them gluten-free by swapping out the hoagie rolls for your favorite gluten free bread or make them a bit leaner by using turkey meatballs instead of beef or pork. However you decide to make these subs, they’re sure to be a big hit!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy – 15 minutes from start to finish!
- It’s versatile – Lots of ways to vary the recipe – see ideas near the end of the post
- Very kid-friendly – Who doesn’t love a cheesy, ooey-gooey sandwich!?
🛒 Ingredient Notes
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- Precooked meatballs – You can purchase frozen meatballs or use your favorite homemade meatball recipe for this. Either will work well. Just be sure to warm them slightly before adding them to the subs.
- Hoagie Rolls – Fresh baked rolls are always my favorite! Gluten-free or whole wheat rolls are both good “healthier” options.
- Marinara Sauce – Jarred sauce is easiest, but homemade sauce is always better.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts to add the perfect amount of gooey cheesiness.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds just a hint of saltiness and a nutty flavor.
You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.
🔪 How to Make the Best Meatball Subs
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees for 5 minutes. While it preheats, assemble the sandwiches.
Assemble the Subs
- If needed, slice open each roll. Place 4 warmed, precooked meatballs inside each.
👉 PRO TIP: If you’re using frozen meatballs, cook them in the air fryer first for 9-11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. If using leftover meatballs, warm them for 2-3 minutes.
- Top the meatballs with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella and parmesan mix.
- Place the assembled subs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the bread begins to toast. Depending on the size of your fryer, you may be able to cook two subs at the same time. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook them in batches.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
❗ Recipe Tips
- You can use pre-shredded cheese, or grate fresh cheese from a block.
- Want to make a slightly healthier sub? Try using turkey meatballs, whole wheat bread, and no sugar added marinara sauce!
- Love a good toasty sandwich? Try brushing a bit of olive oil or melted butter onto the outside of the rolls before cooking. This should allow them to crisp up nicely.
- Include a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color (remember, we eat with our eyes first!)
- Serve a small bowl of extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
🔀 Recipe Variations
Put your own touch on this recipe by swapping out a few of the key ingredients for some fun substitutions. Below are a few of my favorite variations.
- Loaded Veggie Variation – Pack the sandwiches full of sliced bell peppers, spinach, onion, olives, or mushrooms before air frying. If you want less of a raw veggie crunch, lightly sauté the veggies first in a little olive oil with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Pesto Tomato Variation – Swap out the marinara sauce for pesto and add slices of fresh tomato for a salty, herby, and earthy sub.
- Garlic and Herb Variation – Brush the inside and outside of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and dried basil before adding the other ingredients.
- Quadruple Cheese Variation – In addition to the mozzarella and Parmesan, try adding provolone and gorgonzola to create a super cheesy sandwich!
🍚 Storage
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend wrapping each leftover sandwich in aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too soggy.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes or until warmed through and once again crispy.
Freezer storage is not recommended.
❓ Questions About Air Fryer Meatball Subs
It just depends on your personal preference and what you have on hand. When I’m in a pinch, I use frozen meatballs. However, I do find homemade meatballs to be a bit tastier.
I love serving these subs with crispy french fries and extra marinara dipping sauce. For a lighter, healthier option, try a fresh garden salad, some roasted veggies, or a fresh fruit smoothie.
Any kind of long, skinny roll will work well. Hoagies, French or Italian bread, or even hot dog buns will work in a pinch!
If you find that your sandwiches come out a bit soggy, you can try pre-toasting the bread and using less marinara sauce. Or omit the sauce and serve it on the side for dipping when serving.
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More Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 16 cooked meatballs homemade or frozen
- 1 cup marinara sauce homemade or purchased
- 1 cup Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese mix
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 for five minutes while you assemble the subs.
- Place 4 meatballs on each roll.
- Cover with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, place one or two sandwiches in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese begins to crisp.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you’re using frozen meatballs, cook them in the air fryer first for 9-11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. If using leftover meatballs, warm them for 2-3 minutes.
- For a nicely toasted sandwich, brush a bit of olive oil or melted butter onto the outside of the rolls before cooking.
- If you find that your sandwiches come out a bit soggy, you can try pre-toasting the bread and using less marinara sauce. Or omit the sauce and serve it on the side for dipping when serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
