Reheating A Reuben Sandwich: Air Fryer Method

The air fryer is a great appliance for reheating sandwiches. It can bring a Reuben sandwich back to life by melting the cheese and crisping up the bread. To reheat a Reuben sandwich in an air fryer, set the temperature to between 320°F and 350°F. Wrap the sandwich in aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 3-8 minutes, depending on the size of the sandwich. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so only cook one sandwich at a time if necessary.

How to assemble a Reuben sandwich

To assemble a classic Reuben sandwich, you'll need a few key ingredients:

• Jewish rye bread (or dark rye bread, marble rye, or pumpernickel)
• Sliced Swiss cheese
• Sliced corned beef
• Sauerkraut
• Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)
• Butter (optional)

Start by draining as much liquid as possible from your sauerkraut—this will help keep your sandwich from getting soggy. You can do this by squeezing the sauerkraut, pressing it between paper towels, or placing it in a colander or fine-mesh strainer.

Next, lightly toast your bread. If using butter, spread it on one side of each slice of bread. Then, spread Thousand Island or Russian dressing on the other side of each slice.

Now it's time to layer on the ingredients! Start by placing a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the dressing on each slice of bread. Then, add a layer of corned beef to one slice of bread, followed by the drained sauerkraut. Finally, place the other slice of bread on top, with the dressing and cheese facing downwards.

At this point, you can cook your sandwich in an air fryer, skillet, or on a stovetop. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 390F and cook the sandwich for about 8 minutes, flipping it once midway through. For a skillet or stovetop, cook the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat for about 6 minutes, again flipping it once.

Your Reuben sandwich is now ready to be devoured! Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and melty flavours and textures.

How to reheat a Reuben sandwich in an air fryer

Prep Your Sandwich

If your Reuben sandwich has fresh ingredients like lettuce, remove them before reheating. You can add them back after reheating to avoid soggy lettuce.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 320°F. Preheating ensures an even and efficient cook.

Wrap in Foil

Wrapping your sandwich in foil prevents it from drying out, keeps the ingredients intact, and ensures the cheese melts perfectly.

Air Fry with Care

Place your wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-8 minutes. The timing can vary based on the sandwich's size and thickness, so keep an eye on it. For a 6-inch sub, heat for approximately 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway. For a 12-inch sandwich, heat for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

The Final Touch

If you've removed any fresh toppings, now's the time to add them back. Enjoy the crispiness of the reheated sandwich with the freshness of the cold ingredients.

Tips for the Perfect Reheat

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Reheat sandwiches in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate freely.
• Adjust the time for size. A larger sandwich might need more time, while a smaller sandwich could do with less.
• Check midway through cooking. Give the sandwich a quick check to ensure it's reheating evenly and not burning.
• For extra crispy bread, turn the broiler on high during the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
• Allow the sandwich to cool slightly before removing from the air fryer, as the fillings get very hot.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or butter to the bread before reheating for extra moisture and flavour.

How to store leftover sandwiches

Sandwiches are a quick, convenient, and versatile meal option. However, it is important to store them properly to prevent sogginess and maintain freshness. Here are some tips to ensure your leftover sandwiches stay fresh and tasty:

• Use crusty bread or rolls: Breads like baguettes are drier due to the baking process, making them ideal for preventing sogginess. If using sliced sandwich bread, consider toasting it first to keep the sandwich fresh.
• Choose dry fillings: Wet fillings can make your sandwich soggy. Lightly butter the inside of the bread to create a moisture barrier. Wash and thoroughly dry lettuce, and place tomatoes in the centre of the sandwich between other ingredients.
• Condiment placement: Put condiments in the centre of the sandwich, separating them from the bread. You can also spread condiments on individual slices of meat or cheese before assembling the sandwich.
• Wrap and pack: Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper to avoid sogginess. For hot sandwiches, use tin foil to keep them warm. Then, place the wrapped sandwich in an airtight container or bag to protect it from being crushed.
• Refrigerate: Perishable ingredients require refrigeration. Keep the sandwich at 40°F or cooler during travel, and refrigerate as soon as possible upon arrival. Use gel packs to keep it cold in a lunch bag, and an insulated cooler if transporting for over half an hour.
• Make in advance: It is best to make sandwiches as close to consumption as possible. However, if made in advance, store them in the refrigerator overnight, wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container.
• Label and consume: Label sandwiches with the date if making them in advance. Generally, sandwiches with fresh ingredients last 3-5 days in the fridge. Consume within this period, and always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

What to serve with a Reuben sandwich

A Reuben sandwich is a hearty, grilled sandwich that can be served hot or cold. It is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled slices of rye bread. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Salads: A leafy green salad or a fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury sandwich. You could also try a Greek salad, a carrot salad, or a quinoa salad.
• Pickles: A crunchy dill pickle is a classic side to serve with a Reuben sandwich.
• Chips: Potato chips, especially homemade kettle chips, are a great choice.
• Fries: French fries, sweet potato fries, or garlic fries are all delicious options.
• Potato dishes: Potato soup, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad can all make tasty sides.
• Other vegetable dishes: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower, or vegetable rice salad.
• Soups: Creamy mushroom soup or tomato basil soup are good options.

Why use an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat a Reuben sandwich and keep its ingredients intact. The air fryer will help you achieve a crispy exterior without compromising the soft and warm interior.

Melty Goodness

The air fryer will bring the melted cheese inside your hot sandwich back to life. The hot air circulating in the air fryer will ensure that the cheese melts perfectly without making a mess.

Toasty Exterior

The air fryer will give the outside of your bread that crispiness you love when it's fresh out of the oven. You'll get to enjoy a toasted exterior with a melty interior.

Taste

Air fryers allow you to enjoy the fresh taste of a sandwich on day two (or three) as if it were still the first day. No more eating the whole sandwich because there was no good option for reheating!

Even Heating

The air fryer reheats leftover sandwiches evenly. The hot air circulates around the food, ensuring everything cooks evenly. No more worrying about rubbery bread or cold spots in the middle.

Easy and Simple

Reheating sandwiches in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to bring the flavor back to life. It's a healthier alternative to deep frying and eliminates the need for stovetop cooking, which can be tricky if you're an impatient cook.

Frequently asked questions