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Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs

Quick and delicious Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs utilizing frozen meatballs, mozzarella, and garlic butter for a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Subs
  • 16 pieces frozen Italian meatballs No thawing required; cook directly from frozen.
  • 4 pieces hot dog buns Standard white hot dog buns work best.
  • 8-12 slices pepperoni About 2–3 slices per bun plus extra for topping.
  • 1 cup jarred pizza sauce Divided between assembly and final topping.
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided between assembly and topping layers.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For brushing on the buns.
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder To mix with the melted butter.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried chopped parsley Optional for visual appeal.

Method
 

Cooking the Meatballs
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Add the frozen meatballs to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry the meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Remove meatballs once browned and firm. Keep air fryer on.
Assembling the Subs
  1. Combine melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley.
  2. Open each hot dog bun and lay pepperoni slices on the bottom.
  3. Spoon pizza sauce over the pepperoni, then add shredded mozzarella.
  4. Nestle 4 meatballs into each bun.
  5. Brush garlic butter over the outer parts of each bun.
  6. Top with more pizza sauce and remaining mozzarella.
  7. Add extra pepperoni slices if desired.
Cooking the Subs
  1. Place assembled subs in the air fryer basket.
  2. Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  3. Serve immediately for best quality.

Notes

Store uncooked assembled subs in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook directly from fridge for 6-7 minutes. Fully cooked subs can be reheated in the air fryer for 3 minutes.