Make this traditional meatball recipe in an untraditional way! The Italian meatballs are made from scratch and cooked in the air fryer. They come out extra crispy on the outside while staying perfectly juicy on the inside. Adding the meatballs to a hot, filling sub makes them even better. Eat these subs right away for the best taste and texture!
Hands-On Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
PER SERVING
CALORIES: 620 | FAT: 21g | SODIUM: 2,147mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 75g | FIBER: 7g | SUGAR: 22g | PROTEIN: 39g
Serves 6
- 1 pound (93% lean) ground beef
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 (6") hoagie rolls
- 6 (1-ounce) slices provolone cheese
1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, parsley, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well and form into 1" balls.
3. Spray inside of air fryer with olive oil spray and arrange meatballs in a single layer. Air fry 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Meatballs will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. In a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, crushed red pepper, oregano, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.
5. Remove meatballs from air fryer and arrange inside hoagie rolls, approximately six meatballs per roll. Top each sub with prepared marinara sauce and 1 slice provolone cheese.
6. Raise temperature of air fryer to 400°F. Carefully place meatball subs inside air fryer and air fry 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.
7. Remove from air fryer and serve immediately.
