Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls

If you love a good Reuben sandwich, you’re going to fall in love with these Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls! They take all the classic flavors—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and a hint of mustard—then wrap them in a crispy egg roll shell. Best of all, they’re air-fried to perfection, making them a lighter alternative to deep-fried versions while keeping that satisfying crunch. These egg rolls are a fun and unique way to enjoy the beloved Reuben flavors, perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a creative meal idea. Paired with a creamy Thousand Island dressing for dipping, they’re bursting with deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something comforting, these crispy Reuben Egg Rolls are sure to be a hit!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

8 egg roll wrappers
1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for extra rye flavor)
1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
Cooking spray or oil mist
½ cup Thousand Island dressing (for dipping)

Directions:

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds. Mix well.
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Brush the top corner with beaten egg and seal.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with cooking oil.
Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 8 egg rolls

Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want to try them in a new, exciting way, these Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls are just what you need! This recipe takes everything you love about a traditional Reuben—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a touch of mustard—and wraps it all up in a crispy, golden-brown egg roll shell.

These egg rolls are air-fried to perfection, meaning they deliver a satisfyingly crunchy texture without the excess oil of deep-frying. They’re the ultimate appetizer, game-day snack, or fun dinner idea that combines the best of two beloved dishes: the Reuben sandwich and classic egg rolls.

The History Behind the Reuben

The Reuben sandwich is a staple in American delis, and its origins are often debated. Some believe it was created in Omaha, Nebraska, by a grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky in the 1920s, while others credit the sandwich to Arnold Reuben, a New York deli owner. No matter its true origins, the sandwich became widely popular for its bold combination of flavors and textures.

Traditionally, a Reuben consists of rye bread layered with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, then grilled to perfection. By turning this classic sandwich into an egg roll, you get all the rich flavors in a crisp, portable bite—perfect for parties, snacking, or even a unique dinner.

Why This Recipe is the Best

Crunchy, Not Greasy – Air frying gives you all the crispiness you crave without the excess oil from deep frying, making these egg rolls lighter and healthier.
Perfect Flavor Balance – The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty mustard creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Fun and Unique – While Reuben sandwiches are delicious, turning them into egg rolls adds a creative twist that makes them perfect for entertaining.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and an easy air-frying method, these egg rolls are beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
Great for Leftovers – If you have leftover corned beef (especially after St. Patrick’s Day), this is a fantastic way to repurpose it into something new and delicious.
Dippable Goodness – Pairing these crispy egg rolls with Thousand Island dressing elevates the flavor and adds a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to the tangy filling.

The Benefits of Air Frying

Cooking with an air fryer has become incredibly popular for good reason. Here’s why using an air fryer for this recipe is a game-changer:

Less Oil, Same Crispiness – Air fryers use rapid air circulation to create a crunchy exterior with just a light coating of oil, making these egg rolls lower in fat than deep-fried versions.
Faster Cooking Time – Compared to baking or deep-frying, air frying cuts down on cooking time, letting you enjoy your food sooner.
Easy Cleanup – No messy oil splatters or deep-fryer maintenance—just a quick rinse of the air fryer basket and you’re done!
Consistent Results – Air fryers cook food evenly, ensuring that every egg roll turns out golden-brown and crispy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls

These egg rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:

As an Appetizer – Serve these as a fun and unexpected starter for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
Game Day Snack – Crispy and dippable, these egg rolls are an excellent addition to any game-day spread.
St. Patrick’s Day Treat – Since the Reuben is closely associated with Irish-American cuisine, these egg rolls make a festive and delicious addition to a St. Patrick’s Day menu.
Casual Dinner – Pair them with a fresh side salad or a bowl of soup for a simple, satisfying meal.
Party Finger Food – These hand-held treats are great for potlucks, buffets, or any gathering where people can grab and munch as they socialize.

How to Customize Your Reuben Egg Rolls

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy modifications and ingredient swaps:

Use Pastrami Instead of Corned Beef – If you prefer a peppery, smoky flavor, pastrami is a great alternative.
Try a Different Cheese – While Swiss is traditional, provolone or mozzarella can add a different cheesy twist.
Make it Spicy – Add a little horseradish or spicy mustard for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Baked Version – If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Dipping Sauce Variations – While Thousand Island dressing is classic, you can also try Russian dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though they might disappear quickly!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing: Keep leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Pairing Suggestions

These crispy egg rolls pair well with a variety of sides and drinks:

Coleslaw – The freshness and crunch of coleslaw complement the richness of the egg rolls.
Pickles – Dill pickles or pickled red onions add a nice acidity that balances the flavors.
Soup – A bowl of creamy tomato soup or potato soup makes for a comforting meal.
Beer – A crisp lager, amber ale, or even a Guinness pairs perfectly with these savory treats.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and tangy flavors that make them an absolute must-try. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun twist on a classic dish, or just craving something deliciously different, these egg rolls will not disappoint. Easy to make, fun to eat, and incredibly flavorful, they’re a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat! So, grab your air fryer and get rolling—this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.