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This meatball sub recipe is made quick and easy with the air fryer! You can have meatball sandwiches for a kid-friendly weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
When I was testing how long to cook frozen meatballs in air fryer, I figured I might as well make some delicious meatball sub sandwiches! While everyone has their own preference for sauce-to-meat ratio, I have a secret step that helps make sure your meatball sub never comes out soggy or falls apart on you. You’ll love this easy option for simple weeknight dinners with Air Fryer Frozen Fries.
Why you will love these meatball sandwiches:
- Kid Friendly – this flavor combo is a classic for kids & picky eaters!
- Easy to Make – beginner cooks and even older kids can whip this up in 20 minutes.
- Short, Versatile Ingredient List – You only need 6 ingredients, and many of those can be swapped out for your favorite brands and flavors!
Air Fryer Meatball Sub Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to have for this recipe. For exact measurements, keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card below.
- Frozen Meatballs – We prefer the larger 1-ounce size for sandwiches, but you can use the smaller 1/2-ounce size if you like.
- Hoagie Sub Buns – Pick a sub that will stay together and will fit the size of meatballs you chose. Hot dog buns, brioche rolls, butter buns, gluten-free or low-carb hoagies… Whatever you like that is sturdy.
- Mozzarella Cheese & Parmesan Cheese – You can use shredded or grated parmesan for the buns and either shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese for the sandwich.
- Fresh Basil and Marinara Sauce – Homemade or store-bought are fine.
You’ll need an air fryer for this recipe. You might find these trays help reduce mess in the final step (when we’re melting the cheese), but make sure to leave it out when cooking the meatballs… They need the air circulation.
How to Make Meatball Subs in the Air Fryer
This easy recipe comes together in no time! Here’s a step-by-step guide for these delicious sub sandwiches.
- Cook meatballs. Once the air fryer has preheated for 3 minutes, spray the basket with oil and place meatballs inside. Cook in a single layer, allowing room for air flow. Cook 10-12 minutes for small meatballs or 12-15 minutes for larger meatballs, shaking every 3-5 minutes.
- Toast buns. Open your buns and sprinkle parmesan on the inside. When meatballs are finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer and place the parmesan-topped buns in the air fryer. Cook for 1-3 minutes at 375 degrees F. Once golden brown, remove.
- Assemble sandwiches. Place toasted buns on a plate, then brush with marinara sauce. Cover with basil leaves, top with meatballs, and then add more marinara on top. Top with cheese, then return to the air fryer to toast for 1-3 minutes at 375 degrees F.
What to serve with meatball sub sandwiches
We love adding a little garnish of chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, etc.) and additional parmesan.
Sides that go with meatball subs:
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: store meatballs (separately or with sauce) in airtight container in fridge up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: cooked meatballs can be frozen up to 2-3 months, but I do not recommend freezing the sandwich as the bun gets soggy & cheese changes texture.
- Reheating: microwave (30-60 seconds) or air fry meatballs (3-4 minutes, 350 degrees) to reheat, then assemble sandwiches and toast for 2 minutes to melt cheese.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Frozen Hash Browns
- Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
- Fish and Chips Air Fryer
- Frozen Fish Sticks in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Taquitos in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Meatball Subs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen meatballs, 1-ounce meatball size, 26 ounce bag
- 6 hoagie subs, gluten-free or low-carb bread works fine
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, + more for dipping or if you like it extra saucy
- 1-2 handfuls basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees for 3 minutes.
- Pour in the meatballs, keeping them in a single layer and allowing as much room as possible for air to circulate (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-5 minutes for even cooking.
- Open up hoagie buns. Sprinkle parmesan on the inside of the top and bottom.
- Once meatballs are finished cooking, remove and set aside on a plate. Carefully place the parmesan-covered buns into the air fryer and allow it to cook at 375 degrees F for 1-3 minutes or until golden brown. This creates a nice barrier, preventing the sauce from making the buns soggy later.
- Place toasted buns on a plate, brushing the bottom pieces with marinara sauce. Cover with basil leaves, then top with meatballs. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the meatballs, top with cheese.
- Return assembled sandwiches to the air fryer, toasting on 375 degrees for another 1-3 minutes or until cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi, I’m Maggie! After obtaining a Master of Education degree in 2020, I decided to combine my love of teaching with my passion for food. Cooking good food feeds our bodies and souls, but it also helps give us a confidence that empowers us far beyond the kitchen. I hope to share my knowledge and experience to help cooks of all levels create delicious meals, snacks, and desserts for everyone they love!
