Heating up a meatball sub in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a hot, crispy sandwich in just minutes. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to heat and crisp food using little to no oil. This makes them an ideal appliance for reheating a meatball sub without making it soggy or dried out.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Meatball Sub Cook Times
There are a few key factors that will affect how long it takes to heat up a meatball sub in an air fryer:
- Air fryer wattage – More powerful air fryers with higher wattage will heat up faster than less powerful models.
- Amount of food – More subs or larger subs will take longer to heat than a single sub.
- Temperature setting – Higher temps will cook faster but may dry out the bread.
- Sub ingredients – Veggie subs may take less time than subs with extra meat and cheese.
- Starting temperature – Pre-cooked cold subs take longer than subs at room temp.
Taking these factors into account will help you determine the best air fryer cook time for your meatball sub.
Air Fryer vs. Microwave for Reheating Meatball Subs
An air fryer can produce better results than a microwave when reheating a meatball sub for a few reasons:
- Microwaves often make bread soggy but air fryers reheat the sub gently to crisp up the bread.
- Air fryers use circulating hot air rather than radiant heat, heating the sub more evenly throughout.
- The exterior of the sub gets crispy and browned in an air fryer unlike a microwave.
- You can’t overcook or dry out the sub as easily in an air fryer with the right cook time.
For best results, an air fryer is the optimal choice but a microwave can work in a pinch if you adjust the power level and cook time accordingly.
How to Reheat a Meatball Sub in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for reheating a meatball sub to crispy, hot perfection in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the meatball sub in the air fryer basket – you can wrap it in foil if desired.
- Air fry for 3-5 minutes until the bread is crispy and fillings are heated through.
- Check and flip the sub halfway through for even heating if needed.
- Let the sub sit 1-2 minutes before digging in to allow fillings to rest.
Adjust air fryer temp and cook times as needed based on factors mentioned earlier. Smaller air fryers may take longer to preheat and reheat than larger, more powerful models. But following basic guidelines will prevent over or undercooking.
Recommended Air Fryer Cook Times for Meatball Subs
Here are some general recommendations for air fryer cook times when reheating a meatball sub:
| Air Fryer Size | Cook Time Range |
|---|---|
| 2 quart | 7-9 minutes |
| 3 quart | 5-7 minutes |
| 5 quart | 4-6 minutes |
| 6+ quart | 3-5 minutes |
For a more exact cook time, always refer to your air fryer appliance manual. Oven wattages and configurations can impact required times. Start with the minimum cook time and check frequently to avoid overcooking.
If reheating multiple subs, flip and rearrange them in the basket midway for even crispness. Adding a couple extra minutes is usually needed when air frying more than one sub.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for getting the best results when using an air fryer to reheat a meatball sub:
- Allow the sub to come to room temp before air frying for fastest heating.
- Use foil to prevent mess and help reflect heat for crisping.
- Don’t overfill the air fryer basket – leave space for air circulation.
- Brush the sub bun with butter or oil before cooking for extra crispness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check filling temp – 165°F minimum.
- Let the sub rest 1-2 minutes before serving so fillings can set.
Common Air Fryer Meatball Sub Mistakes
It’s easy to ruin your meatball sub’s second debut by making some of these common air fryer mistakes:
- Not preheating properly – always preheat at least 3 minutes for best results.
- Overcrowding – too many subs block air circulation needed to crisp and heat.
- Too much time – air fryers cook very quickly, so check often to avoid drying out.
- Flipping too late – flip halfway through for even browning and thorough heating.
- Incorrect temperature – lower temps take longer but prevent burning.
- Forgetting to rest – filling temps will drop quickly if not rested 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wrap the meatball sub in foil or not?
Wrapping the sub in foil can help minimize mess and prevent the bread getting too dried out in the air fryer. However, results may be more crisp without foil. You can try it both ways and see what you prefer.
Can I reheat a frozen meatball sub in an air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat a frozen meatball sub in an air fryer! Make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cook time. And check that the center has thawed and is heated through before serving.
What temperature should I use to reheat a meatball sub in an air fryer?
350°F is ideal for reheating meatball subs. Higher temps risk burning the bread while lower temps will take much longer to heat the sub thoroughly and crisp the bun.
Should I brush oil, butter, or anything on the sub before air frying?
Brushing a small amount of olive oil, butter, or cooking spray onto the sub bun before air frying can help it get extra crispy on the outside. But this step is optional.
How do I prevent a messy air fryer when reheating saucy meatball subs?
Using foil to wrap saucy subs can help minimize mess in the air fryer. You can also place a small oven-safe dish underneath to catch any drips during cooking.
Get the Perfect Reheated Meatball Sub Every Time
Reheating a meatball sub in an air fryer takes just a few minutes for hot, crispy results. With the right cook times and a little trial and error, you can easily achieve sandwich perfection. Adjust times based on your specific air fryer model and the size of the subs you are cooking. Follow these tips and guidelines to get ideal reheating results and avoid common mistakes. In no time, you’ll be serving up tasty meatball subs straight from your air fryer that taste like they just came from the deli!