If your family loves pizza night but you need something even easier and more fun, these Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs are about to become a new weeknight favourite.
Loaded with frozen meatballs, pizza sauce, pepperoni and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, these toasted subs are packed with all the flavours of a classic pepperoni pizza in handheld form.
Why This Recipe is a Winner!
- Uses frozen meatballs for a super easy shortcut dinner
- Made in the air fryer for quick cook time and easy cleanup
- Family friendly and perfect for picky eaters
- Easy to customize with your favourite pizza toppings
- Budget friendly ingredients you can keep on hand
- Ready in under 30 minutes
This quick and easy dinner recipe comes together with minimal prep and delivers big cheesy comfort food vibes perfect for busy nights, game day snacks or picky eaters.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
14 minutes
Yield:
4 subs
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 frozen Italian meatballs
- 4 hot dog buns
- 3 oz pepperoni slices
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chopped parsley
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1:
To make these meatball subs I started by pouring some frozen storebought meatballs into my preheated air fryer basket.
I air fried the meatballs until they were nicely browned.
STEP 2:
I placed some pepperoni slices along the bottoms of 4 hot dog buns.
I spooned pizza sauce over the pepperoni.
STEP 3:
I sprinkled shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and then placed the cooked meatballs on top of the cheese.
STEP 4:
I melted some butter in a small glass bowl.
I added some garlic powder and parsley flakes to the bowl with the butter and stirred well.
STEP 5:
I placed all of the meatball subs in the air fryer basket.
I brushed the buns with the melted garlic butter.
STEP 6:
I spooned pizza sauce over the meatballs and then sprinkled more shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
I placed pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
STEP 7:
I placed the basket in the air fryer and cooked the subs until the cheese was fully melted and the buns were nicely toasted.
These Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs are proof that easy dinners do not have to be boring. With crispy garlic butter toasted buns, gooey melted mozzarella cheese, saucy meatballs and pepperoni packed into every bite, this quick air fryer recipe delivers all the flavours of pizza night in a fun handheld meal
Whether you are feeding hungry kids, looking for an easy weeknight dinner or planning game day food everyone will devour, these cheesy meatball subs are always a crowd pleaser.
Once you try this simple comfort food recipe, it is guaranteed to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.
If you are looking for a fun and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love, then you need to try these Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen meatballs?
- Yes! Homemade meatballs work great in this recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the subs.
How do I store leftover meatball subs?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
- Yes. Bake the assembled subs in the oven at 400°F until the buns are toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs
These Air Fryer Pizza Meatball Subs are the ultimate easy comfort food dinner for busy weeknights, game day snacks and picky eaters.
Made with frozen meatballs, pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and buttery toasted hot dog buns, this easy air fryer recipe tastes just like a cheesy pepperoni pizza sub from your favourite restaurant
Ingredients
- 16 frozen Italian meatballs
- 4 hot dog buns
- 3 oz pepperoni slices
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400F.
- Drop the frozen meatballs into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the meatballs at 400F for 10 minutes.
- Line the hot dog buns with pepperoni slices.
- Spoon about half of the pizza sauce over the pepperoni and then top with about half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Place 4 cooked meatballs in each hot dog bun and then place the subs in the air fryer basket.
- Combine the melted butter, garlic powder and parlsey in a small bowl and mix well.
- Brush the garlic butter over the buns in the air fryer basket.
- Spoon the remaining pizza sauce over the meatballs.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese and some pepperoni slices.
- Air fry at 400F for 4 minutes to melt the cheese and toast the buns.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Hi! My name is Erin and I have been here since 2016 sharing simple family friendly recipes that can be prepared by any home cook. Get ready to whip up delicious meals in no time!