Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Thanks to the efficient embrace of the air fryer, this Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese is a fusion bite that tantalizes the taste buds.

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There are three reasons why I'm sharing this recipe. First, it's unbelievably tasty . . . one of those "why didn't I think of this combination before?" moments. Second, it's easy to whip up when you're hungry and feel like eating more than you feel like cooking. Third, the ingredients live in your fridge (cheese, kimchi, lunchmeat, mayo) or freezer (bread or lunchmeat) for long periods. In my house they are staples.

 Why use an air fryer to make a grilled cheese?

Clearly you're going to have to wash something when cooking a grilled cheese sandwich, no? Compared to using a skillet on the stove, an air fryer makes the fillings hot and gooey without overcooking the bread. Sure, you can always lower the heat under a skillet to reduce the chance of charring your sandwich, but that takes longer and a grilled cheese sandwich is supposed to be a quick meal.

I like to add more vegetables to my life by adding them to other familiar dishes I already enjoy. Previously on this page I've shared My Favorite Grilled Cheese Sandwich, a Grilled Cheese with Country Ham, Leeks, and Tomato Jam, a Double Pepper Double Cheese Grilled Cheese, and a Grilled Goat Cheese and Fresh Fig Sandwich. Now I'm adding to that collection with this Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

See how melty the cheese gets while the bread is nicely toasted? That's the air fryer, baby!

I've got the full 10 minute 'cooking class style' video up on YouTube, complete with cameo appearances from Robert Barker, Vincent Barbarino, and Molly Moose (the dogs)--outtakes at the end. You can see the Air Fryer Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese Sandwich video here.

Notes about Air Fryer Kimchi Grilled Cheese

1. Do warm the kimchi and corned beef before assembling the sandwich for best flavor and meltiness.
2. Use whatever meat you prefer--or none at all! I particularly like this sandwich with the zing of pastrami or corned beef, but sliced ham or smoked turkey works well too.
3. Use whatever cheeses you prefer. I like Swiss, my spouse prefers sharp cheddar, and we both like to add Havarti for extra gooeyness.
4. Add some fat to the outside of the sandwich for best browning. I've used mayo, butter, vegan spread, and olive oil with good results, though my preference is mayonnaise.

I asked ChatGPT to help me come up with a description of a Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese Sandwich made in the air fryer and this is what I got:

"With its irresistible combination of savory, tangy, and creamy elements, this Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese is not just a sandwich—it's a culinary adventure, crafted to tantalize taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, it's a dish that elevates the art of grilled cheese to new heights, all thanks to the innovative touch of the air fryer."

Okay, then. Let's get to the recipe!

 

Air Fryer Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese
By Kirsten Madaus

Thanks to the efficient embrace of the air fryer, this Kimchi Reuben Grilled Cheese is a fusion bite that tantalizes the taste buds.

Prep time: 00:05
Cook time: 00:06
Total time: 00:12

Yield: 1 sandwich
Ingredients:
1/4 to 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
2 slices corned beef or pastrami (or ham or turkey or leave it out)
2 slices sturdy bread (rye, marble, wholegrain, sourdough)
2 slices cheese (Swiss, Havarti, sharp cheddar, provolone)
2 teaspoons mayonnaise (or butter, bacon grease, vegan spread, olive oil)

Instructions:

Air fryer instructions: preheat air fryer to 375˚F. Place chopped kimchi and meat on a tray (or parchment or foil) and warm in preheated air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

Top each slice of bread with a slice of cheese. Add warmed meat and kimchi on one slice of bread, top with other slice of bread (cheese on the inside). Spread mayo (or the fat of your choice) on the top slice of bread, then flip the sandwich fat side down onto air fryer tray and spread mayo on the new top slice of bread.

Place in air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes, until top slice is toasted, then remove and flip sandwich over. Return to air fryer for 1-2 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.

Skillet instructions: preheat a skillet over medium heat. Warm kimchi and meat for 2-3 minutes, then assemble to sandwich as above. Return sandwich to skillet mayo side down, spread mayo on top, and cook 3 to 5 minutes per side until bread is browned and cheese is melted.

Let the sandwich sit for a moment before slicing, and enjoy!

This recipe is easily doubled/quadrupled. You can cook multiple sandwiches at the same time--make sure to leave an inch of space between sandwiches in the air fryer so everyone gets room to cook properly.