Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Featured in: Weekend Home Comforts

This dish combines tender turkey breast with a tangy cranberry spread and a touch of spicy jalapeño, layered between sourdough bread and melted Swiss cheese. Using the air fryer, the sandwich achieves a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the cheese gooey and the flavors vibrant. Quick to prepare and packed with contrasting tastes, it's a delightful twist on a classic toasted sandwich, perfect for a festive or casual meal.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:33:00 GMT
Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, boasting melted cheese and golden, crispy bread. Pin this
Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, boasting melted cheese and golden, crispy bread. | terrawhisk.com

A festive, spicy-sweet twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and a kick of jalapeño, all toasted to golden perfection in the air fryer.

Preparation Time 10 minutes Cooking Time 7 minutes Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • Bread & Spreads: 4 slices sourdough bread 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Cheese: 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, if preferred)
  • Meats: 4 oz cooked turkey breast, sliced
  • Fruit & Vegetables: 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied) 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2:
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Step 3:
On the non buttered sides, layer as follows: (If using) Spread 1 tbsp cream cheese on each bottom slice. Lay one slice of Swiss cheese. Top with half the turkey slices. Spoon 1 tbsp cranberry sauce over the turkey. Scatter half the jalapeño slices over the cranberry. Add another slice of cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
Step 4:
Place both sandwiches in the air fryer basket.
Step 5:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Step 6:
Let cool for 1 minute, cut in half, and serve immediately.
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| terrawhisk.com

Try adding baby spinach or arugula for a fresh touch. Pairs well with a crisp apple cider or a light Pinot Noir.

Required Tools

Air fryer Serrated knife Butter knife Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread), Milk (cheese, butter, cream cheese if used) May contain Soy (check bread and cheese labels) Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 490 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 46 g Protein 27 g

A close-up of a warm Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, showcasing cranberry and pepper filling. Pin this
A close-up of a warm Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, showcasing cranberry and pepper filling. | terrawhisk.com

This sandwich is perfect for a quick festive meal that delivers bold flavors in minutes.

Recipe FAQs

How do I reduce the spiciness of the jalapeño?

Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño slices or substitute with pickled jalapeños for a milder heat.

Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Deli chicken or leftover roast chicken work well as alternatives without altering the sandwich's overall flavor.

What cheese options work best for this sandwich?

Swiss cheese is recommended for its melt and mild flavor, but cheddar can be used for a sharper taste.

How do I get the bread perfectly toasted in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the sandwich for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even browning.

Can I add vegetables to this sandwich?

Adding fresh greens like baby spinach or arugula provides a refreshing contrast and extra texture.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Juicy turkey, tangy cranberry, and jalapeño melted between sourdough slices, toasted golden in the air fryer.

Time to prep
10 min
Time to cook
7 min
Overall time
17 min
Created by Naomi Carter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Portions

Dietary notes None specified

What you need

Bread & Spreads

01 4 slices sourdough bread
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cheese

01 4 slices Swiss cheese

Meats

01 4 ounces cooked turkey breast, sliced

Fruit & Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce, whole berry or jellied
02 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeds removed for milder heat

Optional

01 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Directions

Step 01

Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare bread: Evenly spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.

Step 03

Assemble sandwiches: On the unbuttered sides, layer as follows: (optional) Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese onto each bottom slice, then add one slice of Swiss cheese, half the turkey slices, 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce, half the jalapeño slices, another slice of cheese, and finish with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.

Step 04

Air fry sandwiches: Place both sandwiches inside the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 05

Serve: Allow sandwiches to cool for one minute, cut in half, and serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Air fryer
  • Serrated knife
  • Butter knife
  • Cutting board

Allergens

Review ingredients for allergies and speak with your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk (from cheese, butter, and cream cheese if used)
  • May contain soy; verify ingredient labels

Nutrition details (each serving)

This info is a reference and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor.
  • Energy: 490
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 27 g