Air Fryer Sub Sandwiches

If you love the art of a good sandwich but don't like spending money at sandwich shops, then maybe it's time you try your hand at creating your own work of art with these delicious air fryer sub sandwiches.

These delightful creations take the beloved submarine sandwich to new heights by harnessing the power of the air fryer.

With its ability to achieve that perfect golden crispness on the outside while locking in juicy flavors within, the air fryer elevates this already satisfying meal to an entirely new level. Get ready to embark on an irresistible journey of taste and texture with this easy-to-follow recipe for air fryer sub sandwich!

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

Say goodbye to cold, soggy sandwiches and hello to crispy, flavorful ones with this air fryer sub sandwich recipe. You will love how easy it is to upgrade your sub using your air fryer and how much fun you can have customizing and creating your very own sandwich recipe.

The air fryer will have you stepping up your sandwich game in no time once you try these subs. By finishing the sandwich off in the air fryer, you get a crispy warm bun and tender, melty toppings to compliment the fresh, crisp vegetables. Just 5 minutes in the air fryer is all it takes to make your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Additionally, this recipe is so easy to customize that you can use whatever you have on hand, or you can use it as an excuse to shop for some of your favorite sandwich ingredients, indulge, and get creative! Try different combinations of your favorite bread, meats, cheeses, toppings, and condiments, and have fun with it.

Ingredients

Bread:

Ensure you use fresh, good-quality bread that can hold up well in the air fryer without getting too soggy. Ciabatta, baguettes, or rolls work great for this air fryer sub sandwich recipe.

Meat:

While this recipe calls for bacon and ham, you can choose any meat or meatless combination you like. Choose from a variety of deli meats like roast turkey breast, smoked chicken, salami, corned beef, or any other favorites. You can also opt for meat-free alternatives like black beans, tofu, sweet potato, or tempeh.

Condiments:

Dijon mustard and mayo are used to add some flavor and moisture to these air fryer sub sandwiches. You can feel free to experiment with any and all of your favorite condiments. Keep in mind the other flavors that will be in your sub, and pair condiments that complement your toppings. Some great sandwich condiments to keep in mind are ranch dressing, hummus, guacamole, and even barbecue sauce.

Toppings:

Yet another opportunity for you to get creative with your sandwich construction is in the toppings you choose to put on your air fryer sub sandwich. Sauteed peppers, mushrooms, and onion can elevate a hot sandwich to the next level, while some chips can add a crunchy texture to your sandwich. Think outside the box and have fun. However, while it may be tempting to pack your sub with as many ingredients as possible, overstuffing can lead to an unevenly cooked sandwich. It's better to have a well-balanced, properly assembled sub.

How to Make Air Fryer Sub Sandwiches

Step One:

Start by cooking your bacon in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 250F. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the air fryer basket and set aside.

Step Two: 

Cut your baguette lengthwise, and place each piece, face-side up, on top of a length of aluminum foil. Spread the Dijon mustard on half the baguette and mayo on the other.

Step Three: 

Layer the ham, bacon, and gouda on the bottom half of the bun. Place the other half of the bun on top and loosely wrap the whole sandwich in aluminum foil.

Step Four:

Preheat your air fryer to 350F for 5 minutes, then place your sandwich in the basket for a few minutes to melt the cheese and toast the bread.

Step Five:

Once heated, remove your sandwich from the air fryer basket, open it back up, and top it with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. 

Step Six:

Serve with an olive garnish, and enjoy!

Tips

• Always add fresh ingredients after cooking. Including toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion with high moisture content can lead to a soggy sandwich. Putting them on after the cooking process will keep everything tasting crisp and fresh.
• Remember, the fun of making sandwiches is the opportunity for creativity. Feel free to experiment with various combinations of meats, cheeses, veggies, and sauces to create your perfect air fryer sub sandwich!

What to Serve With Sub Sandwiches

If you're looking for a versatile meal that you can make for lunch or dinner, then these air fryer sub sandwiches hit the mark. And because they are so easy to customize, you can create a vast amount of unique flavor profiles using a variety of different side dishes.

Pair your air fryer sub sandwich with a fresh garden salad, a warm bowl of dill soup, or a side of crispy french fries for a satisfying and delicious lunchtime meal.

For dinner, these hearty air fryer sub sandwiches can also be served alongside a bowl of hearty turkey chili or beef stew for a more fulfilling dinner-time meal that is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of diners.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ingredients in my air fryer sub sandwich?

Yes, you can. However, while using frozen ingredients in your air fryer sub sandwich is possible, it's essential to be mindful of cooking times and moisture levels to achieve the best results. Any frozen ingredients should be completely thawed and pat dry of any excess moisture before you begin to build your sandwich. Any raw ingredients that require cooking, like some meats, will also need to be pre-cooked before sandwich assembly.

Can I cook multiple sub sandwiches at once in the air fryer?

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the buns you choose, you may be able to add an additional sandwich or two, but it's important to avoid overcrowding so you can ensure an even cook. If you are able to cook multiple sandwiches at once, consider flipping and rotating them halfway through.

How long can leftover air fryer sub sandwiches be stored?

Leftover air fryer sub sandwich can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but their quality may start to deteriorate over time. Ensure you store them without any fresh ingredients on them, as this usually leads to soggy wet sandwiches.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover air fryer sub sandwich, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a short time to crisp up the bread and warm the fillings. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven or toaster oven. Add any fresh ingredients after heating.

More Sandwich Recipes

If you are an appreciator of fine sandwich artistry, skip the sub shops and create some masterpieces that the Earl of Sandwich himself would be proud of with these delicious sandwich recipes.

Cuban Sandwiches

Grinder Sandwich

Pastrami Sandwiches

Tuna Melt Sandwich

BLT Sandwiches