If you’re craving a hearty sandwich that’s cheesy, saucy, and downright comforting, these Air Fryer Meatball Subs are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Tender chicken meatballs are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, then tucked into warm toasted rolls, smothered in marinara, and topped with gooey melted cheese. The best part? They come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families who still want a meal that feels special.
Why You’ll Love These Meatball Subs
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down the cooking time while still giving you that golden crust on the meatballs.
- Lighter but Still Hearty: Made with lean ground chicken, these subs are satisfying without being overly heavy.
- Family Favorite: Warm rolls, marinara sauce, and melted cheese… who could resist?
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite bread, cheese, or sauce to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 ¼ pounds 93% lean ground chicken
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned, or gluten-free)
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (for extra moisture)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan cheese)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Subs
- 4 small Portuguese rolls (about 2 oz each) or gluten-free buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred sauce)
- 4 slices part-skim mozzarella, provolone, or muenster cheese (or about 4 oz shredded)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chicken broth, parsley, cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; don’t overmix or the meatballs can get tough. Roll the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs.
2Cook in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray (or line with air fryer parchment to prevent sticking). Place the meatballs in a single layer — you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
3Warm the Marinara: While the meatballs cook, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until hot. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce to coat.
4Toast the Rolls: Split the Portuguese rolls in half and pop them into the air fryer for about 1 minute to get lightly toasted.
5Assemble the Subs: Place 4 saucy meatballs into each toasted roll. Top with a slice of cheese (or shredded if you prefer) and return the subs to the air fryer. Cook for 1 more minute, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
These subs are a full meal on their own, but you can make them even more fun by serving with:
- A simple green salad
- Sweet potato fries or regular fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickles or coleslaw on the side
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.
- Gluten Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make Ahead: Cook the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate; when ready to serve, just reheat in the air fryer and assemble.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze cooked meatballs and reheat straight from frozen at 375°F until warmed through.
Air Fryer Meatball Subs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1¼ lb 93% lean ground chicken
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs plain, seasoned, or gluten-free
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For Assembly
- 4 small Portuguese rolls about 2 oz each or gluten-free buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 slices part-skim mozzarella provolone, or muenster cheese (or 4 oz shredded)
Instructions
- Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, broth, parsley, cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until combined. Shape into 16 meatballs.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil or use parchment. Place meatballs in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal).
- Heat marinara sauce and toss meatballs in sauce.
- Toast the rolls in the air fryer for 1 minute.
- Assemble subs with 4 meatballs, sauce, and 1 slice cheese per roll. Air fry another 1 minute until cheese melts.
