This easy Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich Recipe will rival the signature sandwich at your local deli. Made with six simple ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, it is a great option for a quick lunch or dinner that delivers gourmet texture and flavor.
This innovative take on the beloved deli classic combines layers of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing, all nestled between slices of rye bread and brushed with melted butter. Cooking the sandwich in the air fryer crisps the outside to the perfect golden-brown crunch and creates an irresistible melty inside.
Preparing a Reuben sandwich in the air fryer takes less than 20 minutes so you can easily enjoy a satisfying meal any time! Whip up a batch of sandwiches for a light yet tasty family lunch or serve with sides for a heartier dinner. The nearly effortless cooking method also makes this a great main dish when hosting game days or other group gatherings.
For more air fryer sandwich recipes, try my Air Fryer Turkey Club Sandwich, Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Pizza Sandwiches, or Air Fryer Patty Melt.
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
A traditional Reuben sandwich recipe is a hot grilled sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing between rye bread. It is cooked on a griddle or in a skillet and is a staple sandwich in many delis.
This Reuben sandwich air fryer version has the same classic ingredients but is cooked in the air fryer. The hot air gives the outer crusts a delightful golden crunch while melting the fillings for the perfect gooey texture–no skillet or griddle needed!
Why You’ll Love this recipe
- Quick-Fix Meal: This air fryer Reuben recipe requires less than 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, then the air fryer takes care of the rest! You’ll have a ready-to-eat meal in less than 20 minutes.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of crispy, melty, and creamy textures and sweet, savory, tangy flavors make this sandwich the perfect comfort meal.
- Simple Ingredients. All you need is six easy-to-find ingredients to prepare the perfect Reuben sandwich air fryer recipe.
Ingredients
Below are classic Reuben sandwich main ingredients to prepare this recipe:
The detailed ingredient list and printable recipe card are at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Corned Beef: The star of the show is thinly sliced corned beef, providing a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
- Russian Dressing: The classic creamy, tangy, spicy flavors of this dressing make the Reuben sandwich complete, made with a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and spices.
- Swiss Cheese: This creamy, nutty cheese melts beautifully to envelop the inside of the sandwich with gooey goodness.
- Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage adds a delightful sour crunch and brings out the flavors of the meat with its zesty notes.
- Rye Bread: Hearty rye bread is the classic foundation for this sandwich, adding a slightly sour taste that complements the other flavors.
- Butter: A light coating of butter on the outsides of the sandwich helps the bread achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
Substitutions
Need ingredient alternatives? Here are a few substitutions to suit your taste and dietary preferences:
- Fat: Cooking spray also works well to help form a crispy outer sandwich crust.
- Meats: Use pastrami to add a smoky element or thinly sliced roast beef for a milder taste and leaner option.
- Dressing: Swap with Thousand Island dressing for a sweeter flavor with a more moderate spicy kick, or use mustard for a tangier taste.
- Cheese: Try other mildly flavored meltable cheese like provolone or mozzarella. Or try cheddar or Gouda cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Vegetable: Kimchi is a good alternative for a more complex flavor or swap with pickles for a salty twist with a similar crunch.
- Bread: If you prefer not to use rye bread, use sourdough, pumpernickel, or whole wheat bread for a more subtle taste. Or use gluten-free bread to suit dietary needs.
How to Make an Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich
Prepare air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390º F for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare bread. Generously spread the Russian dressing onto all pieces of bread.
Assemble sandwiches. Dressing side up, layer the corned beef, drained sauerkraut, then a piece of Swiss cheese onto half of the prepared bread slices. Add the remaining slices of bread on top, dressing side down.
Butter the sandwiches. Lightly spread butter or apply a thin layer of cooking spray to the outsides of each sandwich. This will help achieve a crispy crust when air frying.
Air fry. Place the assembled sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in multiple batches as necessary). Cook for 4 minutes. Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve. Plate and serve hot!
Pro-Tips For Making This Recipe
- Preheat the air fryer. Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures the cooking temperature is consistent, resulting in even browning and crispiness.
- Choose quality meat. The key to the best-tasting Reuben is to use a high-quality corned beef. Flat-cut or whole brisket corned beef prepared from the deli has the best flavor.
- Cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook 2-4 sandwiches at a time depending on the size of your air fryer to ensure proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Flip sandwiches halfway through. To ensure both sides of the sandwich are evenly browned and the cheese is melted, clip the sandwiches halfway through the cooking time.
- Toast the bread. For an extra crispy sandwich, toast the bread before assembling and cooking each Reuben in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Reuben sandwiches for light lunch or dinner with tangy, crunchy dill pickles or pickled cucumbers to complement the rich flavors. Or pair with some of our favorite side dishes below for a heartier full-spread meal:
Storage Directions
Allow leftover sandwiches to cool completely to room temperature, then wrap each in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
How to Reheat Reuben in the Air Fryer
Loosely wrap leftover sandwiches in aluminum foil then warm in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3-5 minutes, or until the outer crusts are res-crisped and the cheese is melted.
More Air Fryer Sandwich Recipes
- Air Fryer Cheesy BBQ Pork Sliders
- Air Fryer Muffaletta Sandwich
- Air Fryer Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich
- Air Fryer Cuban Sandwich
- Air Fryer Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Russian Dressing, or Thousand Island Dressing
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1 poun corned beef, sliced
- 12 ounces sauerkraut, drained
- 4 slices Swiss Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, unsalted
Instructions
- Start by spreading the Russian dressing on 1 piece of bread (or do all 4 at once).
- Then place the corned beef on top, place the drained sauerkraut on top, then top it off with a piece of Swiss cheese. Then add the top piece.
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer and spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
- Air fryer your sandwich for 4 minutes at 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, and then when it's up, flip it, spray it with cooking spray or brush with melted butter, and air fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, optional
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Nutrition
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Jean Barley
Not everybody knows this but instead of corned beef, you can used pastrami instead. It’s corned beef but with a pepper edge. As a single widow who lives alone, this is a more convenient way for me.