Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls for St. Patrick's Day

Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls: A St. Patrick's Day Delight

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and while corned beef and cabbage are traditional favorites, I'm always looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate. This year, I decided to put a delicious spin on a classic Reuben sandwich by transforming it into crispy, flavorful egg rolls! And the best part? They're incredibly easy to make using an air fryer, which saves time and keeps cleanup to a minimum.

The idea came to me during a recent trip to the grocery store. I was standing in the international aisle, admiring the variety of egg roll wrappers, when it struck me: What if I could combine the savory goodness of a Reuben with the crispy texture of an egg roll? The possibilities seemed endless. I envisioned the salty, tangy corned beef, the creamy Swiss cheese, and the slightly sour sauerkraut all encased in a perfectly golden-brown wrapper. The thought of dipping them in a creamy 1000 Island dressing nearly made me drool. So, I bought the ingredients, went home, and let the culinary adventure begin!

The process was surprisingly simple. I started by thinly slicing the corned beef and Swiss cheese. Next, I drained the sauerkraut thoroughly using a paper towel, which helped prevent soggy egg rolls. The assembly is straightforward: alternate layers of corned beef and Swiss cheese on the egg roll wrapper, top with some sauerkraut, and carefully roll it up. A little water on the edges ensures a nice, tight seal. After spraying with a light coating of vegetable oil, the egg rolls go into the air fryer. About 14 minutes later, you have perfectly cooked, crispy, golden-brown Reuben egg rolls.

The taste? Oh my goodness, it's an explosion of flavors! The crispy egg roll wrapper provides a delightful contrast to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef and Swiss cheese. The tangy sauerkraut adds a nice zing, while the 1000 Island dressing brings it all together. It's a perfect balance of salty, savory, and tangy, making it a fantastic appetizer or light meal for St. Patrick's Day – or any day, really! My family loved them.

Tips and Variations:

For the perfect egg roll: Don't overfill the wrappers; this helps ensure they cook evenly and don't burst. Experiment with different ratios of corned beef and sauerkraut to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.

Making it your own: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You could use different types of cheese, such as provolone or even pepper jack, for a unique twist. You could also experiment with adding other ingredients to the filling, such as caramelized onions or chopped pickles.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these Reuben egg rolls as an appetizer at your St. Patrick's Day party, or enjoy them as a delicious and satisfying lunch or light dinner. They are perfect alongside a side salad or some hearty soup.

Beyond St. Patrick's Day:

While these egg rolls are a festive treat for St. Patrick's Day, they're a versatile dish you can enjoy year-round. Think about offering them as a game-day snack or even as part of a themed dinner party. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a testament to the fact that even simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly extraordinary with a little creativity.

So, this St. Patrick's Day, ditch the ordinary and try something new. These Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to how much fun you can have in the kitchen!

Step-by-step

• Slice Corned Beef into narrow slices.
• Slice Swiss Cheese into narrow slices.
• Drain Sauerkraut and dry off. (I used a paper towel to absorb the juice!)
• Take 1 egg roll wrapper and moisten edges with water so it will seal together when you fold it over. Point the corner towards you.
• Stack the Corned Beef and Swiss Cheese in alternate layers. I started with the Swiss Cheese because who doesn't love cheese, and layered it cheese, corned beef, cheese, corned beef, and finished with the cheese. I had my Corned Beef sliced a little thicker but you can slice it any way you like.
• Top it off with a little or a lot of sauerkraut.
• Take the pointed end closest to you and fold over the contents.
• Bring up the sides and fold in.
• Continue folding over until it looks like an egg roll. :)
• Spray lightly on both sides with vegetable oil spray.
• Place in Air Fryer Basket. I always leave a little room around them so they bake nicely.
• Air Fry at 400° for 7 minutes, flip and another 7 minutes on the other side. You can adjust the baking time to whether you like them light or dark. (My husband loves everything burnt! lol)
• Remove with tongs from Air Fryer and serve with Russian dressing aka 1000 island dressing.
• You can make your own 1000 island dressing with ketchup, mayonnaise and relish.
• Enjoy!