This Extra Crispy Air Fryer Reuben uses a strategic cheese-layering technique to create a moisture barrier that prevents the rye bread from ever getting soggy. In just 8 minutes, you’ll have a deli-quality sandwich with perfectly melted Swiss, tender corned beef, and a tangy sauce.
Forget the messy stovetop pans and butter-soaked bread; the Air Fryer Reuben is the ultimate hack for achieving a deli-quality melt in a fraction of the time.
By using high-velocity convection heat, the air fryer perfectly caramelizes the rye bread while melting the Swiss cheese into every crevice of the savory corned beef.
The air fryer method makes sure that your sandwich is evenly toasted on all sides with a signature crunch that perfectly complements the tangy sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing, delivering a gourmet experience right from your kitchen counter.
More Easy Air Fryer Sandwich Recipes
Air Fryer Blackberry & Goat Cheese Sandwiches
Air Fryer Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Air Fryer Peanut Butter And Banana Sandwich
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Better-than-deli crunch thanks to high-heat air circulation.
- Ready in under ten minutes for busy schedules.
- The internal cheese shield prevents soggy rye bread.
- Minimal cleanup compared to messy stovetop frying pans.
- Perfectly melted Swiss cheese in every single bite.
For more air fryer sandwich recipes, try my Air Fryer Turkey Club Sandwich, Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Pizza Sandwiches, or Air Fryer Patty Melt.
Ingredients Needed
- Rye bread – Classic hearty bread that crisps perfectly in air fryer
- Corned beef – Tender, savory beef packed with rich flavor and juices
- Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully, adding creamy texture and mild taste
- Sauerkraut – Tangy, slightly sour cabbage to balance savory flavors
- Russian dressing – Creamy, tangy sauce that ties sandwich flavors together
- Butter – Creates golden, crispy edges and enhances overall richness
Recipe Variations
- The Rachel: Swap corned beef for turkey and sauerkraut for coleslaw.
- The Vegetarian “Beet” Reuben: Use roasted, sliced beets or marinated tempeh.
- Open-Faced Reuben Melts: Perfect for those looking for a lower-carb option or a “knife-and-fork” meal.
How to Make an Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich
Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
Step Two: Generously spread the Russian dressing onto all pieces of bread.
Step Three: 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.
Step Four: 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.
Step Five: 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.
Step Six: Plate and serve hot!
Easy Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook sandwiches in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
- Flip halfway: Flip your sandwiches halfway through cooking for golden, evenly toasted bread and perfectly melted cheese.
- Use thinly sliced corned beef: This ensures it heats quickly and melds nicely with the other ingredients.
- Drain the sauerkraut: Excess liquid can make your sandwich soggy; pat it dry before layering.
- Customize your cheese: Swiss is classic, but Gruyère or provolone work well for a unique twist.
- Warm the dressing slightly: Russian or Thousand Island spreads better when slightly warmed.
- Serve immediately: These sandwiches are at their crispiest right out of the air fryer.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerating: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, keep the bread separate from the filling if possible.
- Freezing: Fully assembled Reuben sandwiches don’t freeze well due to sauerkraut moisture. If freezing, store ingredients separately and assemble before air frying.
How To Reheat A Reuben Sandwich In The Air Fryer
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you have a great sandwich, with a side of pickles, here are some of my favorite side dishes for a classic air-fried reuben sandwich.
Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich Recipe Faqs
Can I make this Reuben sandwich with frozen bread? Yes! Just thaw the bread slightly before assembling so it cooks evenly in the air fryer.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Swiss is traditional, but provolone or Gruyère also melt beautifully.
Do I have to use Russian dressing? No, Thousand Island or a homemade dressing works perfectly as a substitute.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Replace corned beef with plant-based deli slices or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version.
Can I cook more than one sandwich at a time? Yes, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for even crispiness.
More Easy 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!
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Extra Crispy Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich (Better Than a Deli!)
Description
Make the ultimate Extra Crispy Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich at home! Perfectly toasted bread, melty Swiss cheese, tangy Russian dressing, and savory corned beef for a better-than-deli experience.
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.