Quick Answer
Yes, you can safely reheat a meatball sub in an air fryer. The air fryer’s fast, high-heat circulation allows the bread, cheese, and meatballs to heat through quickly without overcooking. Use a lower temperature around 300°F and reheat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Instructions for Reheating a Meatball Sub in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for the best results when reheating a meatball sub in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F.
- Place the meatball sub in the air fryer basket. Make sure the top is facing up.
- Reheat for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is warmed through.
- Check frequently and remove when desired temperature is reached.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes before eating to allow the heat to evenly distribute.
The lower 300°F temperature helps the interior of the meatballs heat through without overcooking the outside or drying out the bread. Checking it frequently prevents burning. Letting it rest before eating allows the steam to redistribute through the layers for even warming.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for the highest quality reheated meatball sub using an air fryer:
- Use day-old subs. Fresher subs with moister bread may over-crisp in the air fryer.
- Add a little water. Mist the sub lightly with water before reheating to prevent the bread from drying out.
- Wrap in foil. For more even heating, loosely wrap the sub in foil, but open one end.
- Slice in half. Cut the sub in half lengthwise so it heats faster.
- Elevate on a rack. Placing the sub on a rack allows air flow all around.
Keep the air fryer basket lightly greased or lined to prevent sticking. Flip the sub over about halfway through for even browning.
Why an Air Fryer Works Well
An air fryer is an excellent way to reheat a meatball sub for a few key reasons:
- Fast heating. The rapid air circulation quickly reheats the interior.
- Crisp exterior. The high heat crisps up the bread nicely.
- Moist interior. Lower temps prevent meats and cheese from drying out.
- No flipping. Food heats evenly without having to flip halfway.
- Compact size. Air fryers take up minimal counter space.
The adjustable temperature and timer allow you to customize the results. Air fryers produce similar results as a traditional oven in a faster time frame.
Other Ways to Reheat a Meatball Sub
While an air fryer is ideal, you can also reheat a meatball sub using these other common appliances:
Oven
Place sub on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. Prevent drying with foil.
Toaster Oven
Use a 325°F toaster oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp the bread and melt the cheese.
Microwave
Microwave for 60-90 seconds to quickly heat through. Wrap in paper towel to prevent sogginess.
Grill
Preheat a grill to medium and place the sub cut-side down for 2-3 minutes to char the bread.
Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium. Place the sub top-down for 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the bread.
Storing Leftover Meatball Subs
For best results when reheating later, properly store leftover meatball subs:
- Let the sub cool completely before refrigerating.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Avoid letting the sub sit out for over 2 hours before storing. Properly stored, the hearty Italian meats and cheese will retain their flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Reheated meatball subs taste great as is, or you can enhance them by:
- Serving with hot marinara sauce for dipping.
- Adding fresh baby spinach leaves or pepperoncinis.
- Sprinkling with grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzling the top with Italian dressing or balsamic glaze.
- Pairing with a side salad or pasta salad.
Let your heated meatball sub cool slightly before topping or sauce will make the bread soggy.
Make-Ahead Meatball Sub Casserole
For an easy meal, make a meatball sub casserole ahead of time:
- Slice sub rolls in half lengthwise and line a baking dish.
- Layer meatballs and desired toppings on roll halves.
- Mix marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
- Pour sauce over top and cover tightly.
- Refrigerate 8-24 hours.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot.
Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Kids and adults alike will love this baked meatball sub casserole.
Typical Nutrition Information
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical meatball sub, based on a 6-inch sub roll with 4 ounces of meatballs and 2 slices of provolone cheese:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 1380mg |
Nutrition totals can vary based on specific ingredients, but a meatball sub is typically high in protein, fat, carbs, and sodium. Enjoy reheated meatball subs in moderation as the occasional treat.
Cost Effectiveness of Reheating Meatball Subs
Reheating leftover meatball subs is a very cost-effective option compared to getting takeout. Here is a comparison:
| Meatball Sub Source | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Restaurant takeout | $8-12 each |
| Grocery deli counter | $6-10 each |
| Home pre-made, reheated | $3-5 each |
As you can see, reheating a meatball sub at home costs significantly less than buying one freshly made. Plus you get the convenience of not having to go out to a restaurant or deli.
Conclusion
Reheating meatball subs in an air fryer is quick, easy, and effective. The circulating high heat crisps up the bread nicely without drying out the interior. Follow the suggested guidelines for timing and temperature. Store subs properly ahead of time. And feel free to get creative with different topping options. Enjoy convenient and budget-friendly reheated meatball subs any night of the week.