How to make a Reuben Sandwich in the Air Fryer

The Reuben sandwich is a quintessential comfort food with a bit of mystery surrounding its origin. While its roots are debated—some say it was created in a New York deli, others claim it started in Omaha—what’s undeniable is its place as a beloved classic.

Introduction to the Reuben Sandwich

Recipe by Cinnamon Gray

This is a popular canadian sandwhich

Ingredients

• 2 x slices farmhouse or Rye bread

• Butter

• corned beef

• Swiss cheese

• sauerkraut

Directions

• butter your bread and put the butter on the outside of the sandwich
• add your corned beef, cheese, and Sauerkraut
• place on cooking paper in the air fryer, with the buuter on the outside
• cook for approximately 6 minutes flipping half way through
• slice and serve and enjoy your delicious easy sandwich

Recipe Video

Notes

• Dont be afraid to experiment!

Traditionally made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between slices of rye bread, it’s a savory masterpiece. But why should the stovetop or grill have all the fun? Enter the air fryer, the modern marvel that gives the Reuben a delightful crispness without overloading it with grease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of a great Reuben are a few simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. You’ll need:

• Farmhouse or Rye bread (preferably marbled for a visual appeal)
• Thinly sliced corned beef
• Sauerkraut (drained and squeezed to remove excess moisture)
• Swiss cheese (mild or sharp based on preference)
• Butter or olive oil spray for toasting
• OPTIONAL
• Thousand Island dressing (either store-bought or homemade)

Each of these components plays a key role in the sandwich’s balance of flavors. When possible, opt for high-quality, deli-fresh ingredients—they make all the difference when you’re working with something as simple yet flavorful as a Reuben.

Prepping the Perfect Rye Bread

Rye bread is non-negotiable for an authentic Reuben. Its earthy flavor and slightly dense texture complement the boldness of the corned beef and the tang of the sauerkraut. When prepping your bread for the air fryer, a light coating of butter or olive oil spray on the outside will ensure a golden, crispy finish. But don’t overdo it—too much grease could lead to a soggy mess, especially in an air fryer where moisture can build up.

Selecting the Ideal Corned Beef

Corned beef is the star of the show. You want slices that are tender but still hold their structure when heated. When shopping, look for a balance of marbled fat—it ensures the meat remains juicy without becoming greasy. Before assembling your sandwich, thinly slice the corned beef. If it’s too thick, it won’t heat evenly in the air fryer, and you risk overcooking some layers while leaving others cold.

Sauerkraut: Adding the Right Tang

Sauerkraut provides the much-needed acidic bite to cut through the richness of the other ingredients. However, it’s important to drain it well before adding it to the sandwich. Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can lead to a soggy sandwich, particularly when using an air fryer. For an extra flavor boost, lightly sauté the kraut beforehand to evaporate more moisture and enhance its tangy profile.

The Art of Swiss Cheese Selection

Swiss cheese brings a creamy, nutty counterpoint to the Reuben’s sharper ingredients. While many opt for mild Swiss, a more robust, aged version can take your sandwich to the next level. In the air fryer, the cheese should melt just enough to bond the layers but not run out entirely. A helpful tip is to place the cheese directly on top of the corned beef, rather than the bread, for more controlled melting.

Creating the Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy, slightly sweet finish to the Reuben. While store-bought is convenient, a homemade version can elevate the sandwich tenfold. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a splash of vinegar for a quick and easy DIY sauce. The key is balance—you want it tangy but not overwhelming, creamy but not cloying.

Assembling the Sandwich

When assembling your Reuben for the air fryer, order matters. Start with a slice of rye bread, then layer on the corned beef, followed by the Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a generous dollop of Thousand Island dressing. Top it with another slice of rye. To ensure even cooking, make sure the layers are evenly distributed. You can use toothpicks to keep the sandwich intact, especially if it’s generously stuffed.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Tips

The air fryer is perfect for making Reubens because it crisps the bread while warming the fillings evenly. Set your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) and cook the sandwich for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The key is achieving a balance where the bread gets a satisfying crunch without drying out, while the cheese melts just enough to ooze but not run. If your air fryer tends to dry out food, consider brushing a tiny bit of butter on the outside of the bread or giving it a light spritz of olive oil.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once your sandwich is golden and melty, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute before slicing in half. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, ensuring a clean cut. For an extra flourish, serve your Reuben with a side of crispy dill pickles and maybe some kettle-cooked chips. A cold, fizzy drink—like a root beer or ginger ale—completes the meal.