Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs and Meatball Sub

two hands holding on chicken meatball sub.

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs and Meatball Sub

These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are irresistibly moist and juicy with a secret ingredient. Perfectly seasoned and ready in about 15 minutes! Ideal for serving with spaghetti or made into a delicious air fryer chicken meatball sub!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer chicken meatballs

Prep Time 6

Cook Time 8

Total Time 14

Servings Servings

Calories 224kcal

Author Maria Doss

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

For the meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
1 large egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella or other melting cheese
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ to ¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For the meatball subs

4 Portugese rolls or Hoagie Rolls
1 cup marianara sauce (use more if needed)
4 to 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook meatballs

Mix all ingredients. Add all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well until thoroughly combined.
Shape into balls. Scoop about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it into smooth balls. If the mixture starts sticking to your hands, lightly oil or dampen your hands with water to make rolling easier.
Air fry. Preheat air fryer to 375°F. When hot, place the shaped meatballs in the basket, spacing evenly and cook for 7 to 9 minutes or until cooked through.
👉 The cooking time will depend on the size of the meatballs.
Serving. The meatballs are ready to serve! Enjoy them with your favorite pasta, toss them in your preferred sauce, add them to salads, or serve them as an appetizer with marinara for dipping. You can also turn them into a delicious chicken meatball sub.

Assemble subs

Sauce. While the meatballs are cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
Toast the rolls: Meanwhile, split the Portuguese rolls and spread with garlic butter (see recipe in notes). Toast in the air fryer at 375°F for 1–2 minutes, until lightly golden. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Assemble the subs: Add 3–4 sauced meatballs to each sub, spoon more sauce over it and then top with cheese. Place the subs back into the air fryer (using crumpled foil in the basket can help keep them steady and prevent tipping). Air fry for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. Cook in batches if needed.
Serve immediately with more sauce for dipping!
👉 Given calories are only for the meatballs and do not include the sandwiches.

Video

Notes

Garlic Butter - Mix 3 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 finely minced or grated garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried parsley and salt to taste.

Make sure to include the olive oil—it adds essential moisture that keeps them juicy and tender, especially when using leaner meats.

Air Fryer - I used Instant Vortex 6 quart and was able to cook one pound ground chicken in one batch.

Nutrition