Meatball Subs Prepared in an Air Fryer

### Meatball Subs Prepared in an Air Fryer

#### Introduction
Meatball subs are a timeless comfort dish, featuring delectable meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese stuffed in a soft sub roll. Thanks to air fryers, crafting this flavorful sandwich has become faster and healthier. The air fryer provides a crispy outer layer on the meatballs while keeping them moist inside, making it a perfect cooking technique for this recipe.

#### Ingredients
To prepare meatball subs in an air fryer, you will require the following ingredients:

**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

**For the Subs:**
– 4 sub rolls
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Optional: extra toppings such as sliced jalapeños, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes

#### Instructions

**1. Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
– Mix until just blended; avoid overmixing to ensure the meatballs remain tender.
– Shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches across.

**2. Preheat the Air Fryer:**
– Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes.

**3. Cook the Meatballs:**
– Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
– Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are browned and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

**4. Assemble the Subs:**
– While the meatballs cook, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan on low heat.
– Once the meatballs are finished, place them inside the sub rolls.
– Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

**5. Air Fry the Assembled Subs:**
– Return the assembled subs to the air fryer basket.
– Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and bubbling.

**6. Serve:**
– Carefully take the subs out of the air fryer.
– Add any desired extra toppings and serve hot.

#### Tips for Success
– **Meat Options:** Ground turkey or chicken can be utilized for a leaner choice.
– **Bread Choices:** Try various types of bread, such as hoagie rolls or garlic bread.
– **Sauce Variations:** Experiment with alternative sauces like pesto or Alfredo for a unique flavor.
– **Batch Cooking:** Prepare a larger quantity of meatballs and freeze them for quick meals later.

#### Conclusion
Air fryer meatball subs provide a swift and simple method to relish a cherished sandwich with less cleanup and healthier preparation. With just a handful of basic ingredients and steps, you can whip up a fulfilling meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or game day. Savor the crunchy, cheesy delight of meatball subs made in an air fryer!