Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

Discover a festive twist combining tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss cheese elevated by fresh jalapeño slices. Layers of sourdough bread, buttered and toasted in an air fryer, create a crisp, golden exterior that perfectly contrasts with the creamy, spicy-sweet filling. Quick to prepare and cook, this handheld delight balances zest and comfort for an easy main dish.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:06:00 GMT
Air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, golden and crispy, oozing melted cheese. Pin this
Air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, golden and crispy, oozing melted cheese. | recipeshood.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.

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.
Warm, air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, with a spicy-sweet, festive flavor. Pin this
Warm, air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, with a spicy-sweet, festive flavor. | recipeshood.com

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 (per serving)

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

Perfectly toasted air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, ready to enjoy with a crisp drink. Pin this
Perfectly toasted air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, ready to enjoy with a crisp drink. | recipeshood.com

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

How do I control the spice level from jalapeño?

Remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat, or swap fresh jalapeño for pickled slices for a milder kick.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Swiss provides a mild melt, but cheddar or other melting cheeses work well, adding varied flavor profiles.

What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough with its sturdy texture crisps nicely in the air fryer and holds the filling without becoming soggy.

Is there a substitute for turkey?

Deli chicken or leftover roast chicken are excellent alternatives that maintain a similar texture and flavor harmony.

How do I achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer?

Spreading softened butter on the bread's outside ensures a golden, crunchy crust during air frying.

Can I add greens to this dish?

Adding fresh baby spinach or arugula inside adds a refreshing contrast and extra nutrients to the layers.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Spicy-sweet sandwich with turkey, cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese, and jalapeño, toasted to golden perfection.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
7 min
Overall Time
17 min
Created by Julia Harris

Meal Type Quick Family Meals

Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 2 Number of Portions

Dietary Details None specified

What You'll 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
02 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeds removed for milder heat

Optional

01 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Method

Step 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Bread: Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.

Step 03

Assemble Sandwiches: On the unbuttered sides, spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese if using. Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, half of the turkey, 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce, half the jalapeño slices, and a second slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 04

Cook Sandwiches: Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 05

Serve: Allow sandwiches to cool for 1 minute, then cut in half and serve immediately.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk; may contain soy. Check labels carefully.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 490
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 27 g