diff --git a/homeassistant/components/homekit_controller/connection.py b/homeassistant/components/homekit_controller/connection.py
index 66552978e8d..b91203004ad 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/homekit_controller/connection.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/homekit_controller/connection.py
@@ -197,13 +197,19 @@ class HKDevice:
             self._subscribe_timer()
             self._subscribe_timer = None
 
-    async def _async_subscribe(self, _now: datetime) -> None:
+    @callback
+    def _async_subscribe(self, _now: datetime) -> None:
         """Subscribe to characteristics."""
         self._subscribe_timer = None
         if self._pending_subscribes:
             subscribes = self._pending_subscribes.copy()
             self._pending_subscribes.clear()
-            await self.pairing.subscribe(subscribes)
+            self.config_entry.async_create_task(
+                self.hass,
+                self.pairing.subscribe(subscribes),
+                name=f"hkc subscriptions {self.unique_id}",
+                eager_start=True,
+            )
 
     def remove_watchable_characteristics(
         self, characteristics: list[tuple[int, int]]