Air Fryer Meatball Subs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Beef (80/20 lean): 1 pound (provides the ideal fat content for juicy meatballs)
• Italian Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup
• Large Egg: 1 whole (acts as a binder)
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 3/4 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (optional, for freshness)

For Assembly & Sauce:

• Marinara Sauce: 1.5 cups (your favorite store-bought brand or homemade)
• Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls: 4 sturdy rolls (sturdy enough to hold heavy fillings)
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1.5 cups (freshly shredded melts best)
• Provolone Cheese: 4 slices (optional, for an extra layer of cheese pull)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (for brushing the rolls)
• Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (for brushing on the bread)
• Fresh Basil: For garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried Oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix the ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs will become dense.
2. Scoop out portions of the mixture—about 1.5 tablespoons per meatball—and roll them between your palms to form uniform spheres. You should end up with approximately 16 to 18 bite-sized meatballs.

Step 2: Pre-Cook the Meatballs in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 385°F (195°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol cooking oil spray.
2. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each one to allow the hot air to circulate properly (cook in two batches if your air fryer basket is smaller). Cook at 385°F (195°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

1. While the meatballs are cooking, pour the marinara sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat and let it warm up gently. Once the meatballs are finished in the air fryer, transfer them directly into the warm marinara sauce. Toss them gently to coat every meatball completely, and let them simmer together on low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Prepare the Sub Rolls

1. Slice your hoagie rolls down the center lengthwise, taking care not to cut all the way through to the bottom (you want to create a hinge so the fillings stay secure). Open the rolls up like a book.
2. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder or garlic salt. Lightly brush the inside of each roll with the garlic butter. This adds fantastic flavor and creates a protective barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy from the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

1. Spoon 4 to 5 warm, sauce-coated meatballs into each prepared hoagie roll. Spoon an extra tablespoon or two of marinara sauce right over the top of the meatballs.
2. Generously pack the shredded mozzarella cheese and lay a slice of provolone cheese over each sub. Ensure the cheese blankets both the meatballs and the exposed edges of the bread to lock everything in.

Step 6: Air Fry to Melt and Toast

1. Carefully place the assembled subs into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to toast them one or two at a time.
2. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the last minute to ensure the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden-brown blanket and the edges of the bread turn perfectly crisp and crunchy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the hot subs carefully using tongs. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or a dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and stretchy.

Nutrition

Calories: 640 kcal · Protein: 36g · Fat: 29g Saturated Fat: 12g · Carbohydrates: 58g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 12g Cholesterol: 115mg · Fiber: 4g · Sugar: 7g · Sodium: 1,120mg