Easy Reuben Meatballs Recipe: Air Fryer & Oven Instructions for a Classic Twist

If you’re a fan of the iconic Reuben sandwich, prepare to be delighted by this fun and flavorful twist! These homemade Reuben meatballs bring all the beloved tastes of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and savory rye bread into a convenient, bite-sized form. Whether you prepare them in your air fryer for a quick weeknight meal or bake them in the oven for a party, they are incredibly simple to make and promise a burst of classic flavor in every mouthful. They’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, game day gatherings, or simply anytime you crave that distinctive Reuben taste.

What Exactly Are Reuben Meatballs?

Reuben meatballs are a creative and delicious reinterpretation of the classic Reuben sandwich. Instead of layers on rye bread, the key ingredients—tender corned beef, sharp Swiss cheese, pungent sauerkraut, and flavorful rye breadcrumbs—are blended together and formed into savory, moist meatballs. This unique preparation offers all the hearty, tangy, and rich flavors of the traditional deli favorite in a versatile, easy-to-serve format. They are not only a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved flavor profile but also an ingenious method to utilize any leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick’s Day festivities or holiday dinners.

The versatility of these meatballs is truly remarkable. They can be transformed into mini sliders on pretzel buns, piled onto a hoagie roll for a hearty sub, or even incorporated into a comforting casserole. For appetizers, simply serve them with toothpicks and a side of Thousand Island dressing. They can also elevate a simple pasta dish, making them a wonderful option for any mealtime. Despite their compact size, these Reuben meatballs deliver an incredible punch of flavor, making them an ideal choice for entertaining guests or for a lively tailgate party where portable, satisfying bites are essential.

Essential Ingredients for Your Reuben Meatballs

To create these delectable Reuben meatballs, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of the classic sandwich. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 pound corned beef: Trimmed of any large pieces of excess fat, though a little fat is fine for flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: For that signature nutty, creamy melt.
• ½ cup sauerkraut: Ensure it’s well-drained to prevent soggy meatballs.
• 3 slices stale rye bread: These will be processed into fresh breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs and add classic rye flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Act as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
• 1 Tbsp dried minced onion: Or substitute with ½ cup of fresh, finely diced onion for a more robust flavor.
• 1 tsp minced garlic: Adds an aromatic depth.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: For a touch of herbaceous freshness.
• 1 tsp salt: Adjust to taste based on the saltiness of your corned beef and personal preference.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, adjust to taste.
• ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing: Essential for dipping and serving, enhancing the Reuben experience.

How to Cook Reuben Meatballs: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to prepare and cook your delicious Reuben meatballs, either in an air fryer or a conventional oven.

1. Prepare your ingredients: Begin by finely grinding your stale rye bread into breadcrumbs. Next, process your cooked corned beef into a fine mince using a food processor. This ensures a consistent texture throughout your meatballs. Pro Tip: If you don’t have a food processor, you can meticulously chop the corned beef by hand with a sharp Chef’s knife and crush toasted rye bread in a sturdy bag. This method takes more effort but achieves similar results.

2. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, rye breadcrumbs, thoroughly drained sauerkraut, large eggs, dried minced onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together really well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher meatballs.

3. Form the meatballs: Gently form the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. For consistency and ease, you can use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, then roll the portions between your palms to create smooth, round meatballs.

4. Cook your meatballs:
   • For the Air Fryer: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on the rack, ensuring there’s ample air space between each one for even cooking. Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned to your liking and thoroughly cooked through.
   • For the Oven: Place the formed meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

   Important Food Safety Note: In both cooking methods, ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer to guarantee they are safe to eat.

5. Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious Reuben meatballs hot, ideally with a generous side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. For a more complete meal or appetizer, transform them into Reuben meatball sliders by serving them on soft pretzel slider buns with extra sauerkraut and more dressing!

What to Serve With Your Flavorful Reuben Meatballs

Reuben meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of accompaniments. Here are some fantastic ideas for bases, side dishes, and even drinks to complete your meal or appetizer spread:

• Thousand Island dressing: The classic, indispensable dipping sauce.
• Mustard: A dollop of spicy brown or Dijon mustard adds a nice kick.
• Pretzel rolls: Perfect for making mini Reuben slider sandwiches.
• Hoagie rolls: For a heartier sub-style sandwich.
• Egg noodles: Serve the meatballs over a bed of buttery egg noodles for a comforting main course.
• Colcannon: This traditional Irish mashed potato dish with cabbage or kale is a perfect, thematic pairing.
• Mashed potatoes: A classic comfort food that complements the savory meatballs beautifully.
• Pickles: Dill pickle spears or gherkins offer a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast.
• Potato chips: A simple, crunchy side for a casual meal or party.
• French fries: A universally loved side that works well with any meatball dish.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw, perhaps with a touch of Thousand Island dressing, makes a great fresh side.
• Onion rings: Crispy onion rings offer a sweet and savory fried component.
• Deviled eggs: A popular appetizer that pairs well for potlucks and gatherings.
• Porter style beers: The rich, malty notes complement the robust flavors of corned beef.
• Rye based beers: An excellent choice to echo the rye bread in the meatballs.
• Martinis: For a more sophisticated pairing, a crisp martini can cut through the richness.

For more specific pairings, consider trying them with my Air Fryer Deviled Eggs for another easy appetizer, or alongside my Air Fryer Beer Batter Onion Rings. If you’re looking for a unique potato side, my Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes are a must-try. To complete your themed meal, wash it all down with an Irish Margarita Recipe or a classic Tipperary Cocktail, and finish with a fun dessert like Leprechaun Bark or Lucky Charms Rice Krispies.

Expert Tips for Perfect Reuben Meatballs Every Time

Even though these Reuben meatballs are straightforward to make, a few insider tips can elevate your cooking experience and ensure a fantastic result:

• Air Fryer Performance: When using an air fryer, cooking times can vary depending on the model. In my Ninja air fryer, the meatballs were fully cooked and reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in just 10 minutes, without any preheating. I added an extra 2 minutes to achieve a darker, crispier exterior, which is entirely a matter of personal preference. Always check with a meat thermometer to be sure.
• Handling During Cooking: The meatballs can be quite soft while cooking, especially in the air fryer. For this reason, I generally don’t recommend flipping them. If you prefer a more even browning on all sides, do so very gently with a pair of tongs to avoid breaking them apart. They will firm up considerably once they cool slightly after cooking.
• Air Fryer Cleanup: To make cleanup even easier and to prevent any cheese drips from sticking to the air fryer grates, consider using perforated parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
• Stuffed Meatball Variation: For an extra cheesy surprise, try a stuffed meatball option! Instead of mixing the Swiss cheese into the meat mixture, place a small cube of Swiss cheese in the center of each meatball before rolling. Make sure to seal the meatball completely around the cheese to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
• Recipe Yield: This recipe typically yields around two dozen meatballs. However, the exact number can vary slightly based on how consistently you form them and your preferred size.

Storage and Reheating for Convenience

Reuben meatballs are fantastic for meal prep or for saving leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their delicious quality:

• Refrigerator Storage: Any leftover Reuben meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. They are also excellent made in advance and reheated later for a quick meal.
• Freezing for Longer Term: For longer storage, you can easily freeze Reuben meatballs. Allow them to cool completely after cooking, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For added convenience, you can also freeze them uncooked; simply add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to prepare them from frozen.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • To reheat cooked meatballs in an air fryer, place them in the basket and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 1-2 minutes.
  • To reheat in a conventional oven, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 3 minutes. Always ensure they are heated through to a safe internal temperature.

• Reuben Sliders (Air Fryer or Oven)
• Reuben Crescent Rolls

Final Thoughts on These Delicious Reuben Meatballs

These Reuben meatballs are an absolute game-changer, especially for anyone looking for an exciting and delicious way to use up leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick’s Day feast! But don’t limit them to just the holidays; they are equally fantastic and easy to make with deli corned beef whenever a craving strikes. Their robust flavors and hearty nature make them a satisfying dish any day of the week.

The true beauty of meatballs lies in their incredible versatility. You can serve these Reuben delights in countless ways. For a fun party appetizer, simply arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Transform them into a crowd-pleasing game-day snack by piling them onto soft pretzel slider rolls with a dollop of extra kraut and more dressing. They also make a hearty main course tucked into a hoagie roll as a flavorful sub sandwich, or served over a bed of pasta or mashed potatoes (perhaps even that delicious leftover colcannon!). I’ve even experimented with turning them into a comforting meatball casserole, proving their adaptability in the kitchen.