You’ll Need
500g beef mince
50g breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 soft sub rolls
100g mozzarella, grated
75g mature cheddar, grated
For The BBQ Sauce
5 tbsp smoky BBQ sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Optional But Dangerous
Crispy fried onions
Sliced jalapeños
Pickles
Garlic mayo
Method
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.
In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder,
salt, and black pepper.
Mix until just combined, then roll into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking gently halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
Meanwhile, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Transfer the cooked meatballs into a bowl and toss thoroughly in the BBQ glaze.
Slice the sub rolls open and warm them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes.
Fill each roll with three BBQ meatballs.
Top generously with the mozzarella and mature cheddar.
Return the loaded subs to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully melted.
Finish with crispy fried onions, jalapeños, pickles, or a drizzle of garlic mayo if using.
Serve immediately while everything is hot, sticky, and gloriously cheesy.