**How to Create Meatball Subs with an Air Fryer**
Meatball subs represent a timeless comfort dish that merges flavorful meatballs with robust marinara sauce and gooey cheese, all contained within a tender sub roll. Utilizing an air fryer to craft this savory meal can save you time and minimize the use of excess oil, resulting in a healthier yet just as gratifying dinner. Here’s a detailed guide to creating meatball subs with an air fryer.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 4 sub rolls
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the Meatballs:**
– In a large mixing bowl, blend the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all components are thoroughly combined.
– Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring uniformity in size for proper cooking.
2. **Preheat the Air Fryer:**
– Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the meatballs to begin cooking right away once placed in the basket.
3. **Cook the Meatballs:**
– Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
– Arrange the meatballs in a single layer within the basket, keeping them separate. You may have to cook them in batches based on your air fryer capacity.
– Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. They should be browned and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. **Heat the Marinara Sauce:**
– While the meatballs are cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Alternatively, it can be heated in the microwave.
5. **Build the Subs:**
– Cut the sub rolls lengthwise, making sure not to slice all the way through.
– Insert 3-4 meatballs into each roll, adjusting based on their size.
– Ladle warm marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are generously coated.
6. **Melt the Cheese:**
– Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced meatballs.
– Place the assembled subs back into the air fryer basket. Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. **Serve:**
– Gently take the subs out of the air fryer and arrange them on a serving platter.
– Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
– Serve immediately while hot.
**Success Tips:**
– For enhanced flavor, think about mixing in chopped onions or bell peppers with the meatball mixture.
– If you like a spicier sub, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce.
– To make the subs even more indulgent, brush the insides of the rolls with garlic butter prior to assembling.
Using an air fryer for preparing meatball subs is a practical and effective technique that yields delightful results. Enjoy this satisfying meal alongside a side salad or some crispy fries for a complete and fulfilling dinner.