Air-Fryer Reuben: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making a Reuben sandwich in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic deli sandwich with a crispy exterior and soft, warm interior. The air fryer cuts down on the amount of oil or butter needed and helps to achieve a perfectly toasted sandwich.

Choosing the right bread

Traditionalists will opt for rye bread, which adds a slightly earthy flavour to the sandwich, thanks to the caraway seeds. You can use either seeded or unseeded rye bread, depending on your preference. Marbled rye bread is also a popular choice for Reubens, adding a little extra crunch.

If you don't have rye bread to hand, or simply want to mix things up, there are several alternatives that work well. Sourdough, pumpernickel, and whole wheat bread all make great substitutes, providing a more subtle flavour than rye. For gluten-free diners, gluten-free bread can be used without sacrificing taste or texture.

To achieve the perfect level of crispiness, brush the outside of the bread with butter or oil before placing the sandwich in the air fryer. This will give your Reuben a delightful golden-brown crust. If you're making your sandwich in a skillet, you can also toast the bread before assembling the sandwich to ensure an extra crispy texture.

Russian vs Thousand Island dressing

Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing are both creamy, pink sauces with a similar base of mayonnaise and ketchup. However, there are some key differences between the two dressings.

Russian dressing is often spicier and less sweet than Thousand Island dressing. It gets its signature kick from the addition of horseradish, which is mellowed by the fat content and sweetness of the other ingredients. It may also include other ingredients such as pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, onion powder, and mustard powder.

On the other hand, Thousand Island dressing tends to be on the sweeter side, with the addition of sweet pickle relish and a hard-boiled egg, which acts as a thickener. It may also include other ingredients such as chopped vegetables like pimientos, olives, and onions, as well as parsley, chives, or hot sauce.

When it comes to their use, Russian dressing is typically used on a Reuben sandwich, adding a creamy texture and a hint of spiciness. Thousand Island dressing, on the other hand, is often used as a secret sauce on burgers or as a spread for other sandwiches.

While the two dressings have distinct differences, there is some overlap in their ingredients, and they can sometimes be used interchangeably. For example, if you don't have the ingredients for Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing can be a suitable substitute in a Reuben sandwich.

Preparing the meat

Choosing the Meat:

Start by selecting high-quality corned beef, which is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich. Look for thinly sliced corned beef from your local deli, or you can roast your own at home. If you prefer, you can also use pastrami, which adds a peppery edge to your sandwich.

Assembling the Sandwich:

Once you have your meat, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread a layer of Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing on a slice of rye bread. You can use seeded or unseeded rye bread, depending on your preference. Then, generously layer your corned beef on top of the dressing. If you want a heartier sandwich, don't skimp on the meat!

Adding the Toppings:

Now, it's time to add some tangy toppings. Drain your sauerkraut well to remove any excess moisture, as this will help prevent your sandwich from becoming soggy. Layer the sauerkraut on top of the corned beef. If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, you can substitute it with coleslaw or quick-pickled red cabbage.

Melting the Cheese:

To balance out the tanginess of the sauerkraut, add a slice of Swiss cheese on top. Swiss cheese has a mild flavour and melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to your sandwich. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can use mozzarella cheese instead.

Securing the Sandwich:

Before placing your sandwich in the air fryer, you might want to secure it with toothpicks to prevent the ingredients from shifting or falling out during cooking. This step is especially important if you've piled your sandwich high with meat and toppings!

Cheese options

A classic Reuben sandwich is made with Swiss cheese, a mild-flavoured variety that melts beautifully to envelop the inside of the sandwich with gooey goodness. However, if you don't have Swiss cheese on hand, you can use other types of cheese that melt easily, such as mozzarella, provolone, Havarti, Monterrey Jack, or cheddar.

If you're using mozzarella, you can opt for a deli-style variety for convenience. Mozzarella, provolone, and Havarti will give you a milder flavour, while Monterrey Jack and cheddar will add a sharper taste to your sandwich.

No matter which cheese you choose, the air fryer will melt it to perfection, creating a warm and gooey sandwich that's hard to resist.

Avoiding a soggy sandwich

When making a Reuben sandwich in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid sogginess.

Firstly, the choice of bread is crucial. Opt for a sturdy, thick-sliced bread such as rye, sourdough, or ciabatta. These types of bread can better withstand the heat of the air fryer and are less likely to become soggy. Avoid soft and delicate breads like white sandwich bread, as they tend to get too soft or mushy when reheated.

Secondly, the order in which you layer the ingredients matters. Start with the buttered side of the bread facing down, followed by the Russian or Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. This order ensures the cheese melts properly and the ingredients are well-insulated, reducing the chances of sogginess.

Additionally, keep an eye on the sandwich while it's cooking. Air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to flip the sandwich halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

Lastly, if you're reheating a Reuben sandwich, wrap it loosely in aluminum foil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps retain moisture and prevents the bread from drying out or burning.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy Reuben sandwich without the sogginess!

Frequently asked questions