Imagine biting into a crispy, golden egg roll, the savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich exploding in your mouth. These Reuben Egg Rolls are the perfect appetizer, combining the comforting taste of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in a fun, hand-held package. It’s the perfect twist on a classic!

Inspired by the iconic deli sandwich, this recipe transforms familiar ingredients into an irresistible snack. We promise foolproof instructions and expert tips, so you can confidently create these crowd-pleasing delights at home. Pair it with Air frying is a great alternative to deep frying for these Reuben Egg Rolls.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious appetizer. Let’s dive into the details and make some Reuben magic!
Quick Overview: Your Speedy Reuben Egg Roll Recipe
Craving a taste of a Reuben without the bread? These speedy Reuben egg rolls are your answer! Here’s a quick rundown to get you started.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 egg rolls
The Super-Simple Steps
- Fill egg roll wrappers with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss.
- Roll and seal the egg rolls tightly.
- Air fry at 375°F, flipping halfway, until golden.
Ready to dive into the details? Keep reading for expert tips on achieving crispy, golden perfection!
Mastering the Perfect Reuben Egg Roll: Crispy, Golden Perfection
Ready to elevate your Reuben egg roll game? Mastering the technique is all about achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. We’ll explore the best practices for rolling, frying, and air frying to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown result every time.
The Art of the Roll: Shaping Your Egg Rolls
The key to a great egg roll is a tight, secure roll. This prevents filling from leaking out and ensures even cooking. Let’s walk through the process, step by step:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface.
- Place 8 oz corned beef in the center of the wrapper.
- Top with 1 cup sauerkraut and 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in snugly.
- Fold in both sides towards the center, creating a neat package.
- Roll the egg roll tightly away from you until you reach the opposite point.
- Seal the edge with a touch of cold water, ensuring a secure closure.
Take your time with each roll. A little extra care during this stage will pay off in the final product.
Achieving Ultimate Crispiness: Frying vs. Air Frying
There are two primary methods for achieving that coveted crispy exterior: frying and air frying. While deep frying can certainly deliver a satisfying crunch, we recommend air frying is a great alternative to deep frying for these Reuben Egg Rolls. It offers a healthier option with equally delicious results.
To air fry, start by lightly spraying your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the egg rolls in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them; work in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with more cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Pro-Tip: Fry in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.
Pro-Tips for Crispiness
Want to take your Reuben egg rolls to the next level? Here are a few extra tips to ensure maximum crispiness:
Tip: Be sure to squeeze excess moisture from the 1 cup sauerkraut so the egg rolls stay crispy.
Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Squeezing the sauerkraut removes excess liquid, preventing soggy wrappers.
Tip: Dice the 8 oz corned beef small so the filling rolls evenly.
Smaller pieces of corned beef distribute more evenly within the wrapper, making rolling easier and preventing bulging.
With these tips and techniques, you’re well on your way to creating Reuben egg rolls that are crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Next, let’s explore some creative variations and dipping delights to take your appetizer to the next level!
Beyond the Classic: Cheese, Corned Beef, and Dipping Delights
Ready to take your Reuben Egg Rolls to the next level? While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, there’s plenty of room for customization and creativity. Let’s explore some exciting variations to make these appetizers truly your own.
The Corned Beef Lowdown
While the recipe calls for sliced corned beef, don’t hesitate to explore your options. Deli-sliced corned beef works wonders, especially when diced into small, even pieces.
Dicing the corned beef small ensures a more uniform filling and easier rolling. For a slight twist, consider using pastrami instead of corned beef, adding a smoky depth to your egg rolls.
Cheese Choices and Flavor Boosters
Swiss cheese complements the corned beef and sauerkraut beautifully, but feel free to experiment. Gruyère offers a nutty and slightly more intense flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
For a unique twist, consider adding a pinch of caraway seeds to the filling. The caraway will mimic the flavor of rye bread, enhancing the Reuben experience.
Dipping Sauces: The Perfect Companion
The right dipping sauce elevates these Reuben Egg Rolls from a tasty appetizer to an unforgettable experience. While Thousand Island dressing is a classic choice, Russian dressing offers a similar, slightly tangier alternative. We recommend serving with Thousand Island, but Russian dressing is great too.
For a truly homemade touch, whip up a quick Thousand Island dressing. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Serve your egg rolls with our creamy homemade Thousand Island dressing!
Gluten-Free and Other Swaps
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Another creative swap is to use drained coleslaw mix sautéed with a touch of vinegar in place of the sauerkraut. This offers a slightly sweeter and tangier twist on the classic Reuben filling.
With these variations and customizations, your Reuben Egg Rolls are sure to be a hit. Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure your success.
What is in a Reuben eggroll?
A Reuben egg roll typically contains corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all wrapped in an egg roll wrapper and fried or air-fried until crispy.
What is the secret to a crispy egg roll?
The secret to a crispy egg roll involves ensuring the filling is not too wet (squeeze excess moisture from sauerkraut) and frying at the correct temperature, or air frying with a light spray of oil until golden brown.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
Yes, while frying or air frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake them. Spray them lightly with oil and bake at around 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, flipping halfway.
Can I air fry Reuben Egg Rolls?
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic method for achieving a crispy exterior. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Did You Make These Irresistible Reuben Egg Rolls?
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! We’re confident you’ll love the crispy, savory combination.
If you gave our Reuben Egg Rolls a try, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and comment below to share your experience. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks!
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Reuben Egg Rolls
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz corned beef diced small
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Assembly
- 8-10 egg roll wrappers
- cold water for sealing
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
Rolling the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface.
- Place 8 oz corned beef in the center of the wrapper.
- Top with 1 cup sauerkraut and 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in snugly.
- Fold in both sides towards the center, creating a neat package.
- Roll the egg roll tightly away from you until you reach the opposite point.
- Seal the edge with a touch of cold water, ensuring a secure closure.
Air Frying
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the egg rolls in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them; work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with more cooking spray.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy.