Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

Experience a bold blend of flavors with juicy turkey, tart cranberry sauce, melted Swiss cheese, and a fresh kick of jalapeño. This sandwich is quickly crafted using sourdough bread, buttered and layered for a harmonious taste. Toasted in the air fryer at 375°F, it achieves a golden crust with perfectly melted cheese inside. Optional cream cheese adds a luscious texture. Ideal for a fast, vibrant sandwich with a balance of heat and sweetness.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:43:00 GMT
Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, golden and bubbly, with melty cheese oozing out. Save
Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, golden and bubbly, with melty cheese oozing out. | amberladle.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.
A close-up of delicious Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, showcasing the spicy, sweet, and savory elements. Save
A close-up of delicious Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, showcasing the spicy, sweet, and savory elements. | amberladle.com

Warm, toasted Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, perfect for lunch, with the tangy cranberry sauce visible. Save
Warm, toasted Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, perfect for lunch, with the tangy cranberry sauce visible. | amberladle.com

Recipe FAQs

How do I reduce the heat from jalapeños?

Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before layering, or use pickled jalapeños for a milder spice.

Can I substitute turkey with another meat?

Yes, deli chicken or leftover roast chicken work well as alternatives without altering the flavor profile significantly.

Is there a way to add extra creaminess?

Spread softened cream cheese on the bread slices before assembling to add a rich and smooth texture.

What’s the best bread choice for this sandwich?

Sourdough bread is recommended for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor that complements the fillings.

How do I achieve a crispy and melted finish?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and air fry for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even toasting and melted cheese.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Spicy-sweet turkey and cranberry sandwich with melty cheese and jalapeño, toasted to golden in the air fryer.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
7 min
Overall time
17 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Serving size

Diet preferences None specified

What you need

Bread & Spreads

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

Cheese

01 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, if preferred)

Meats

01 4 oz cooked turkey breast, sliced

Fruit & Vegetables

01 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
02 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat

Optional

01 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)

How to make it

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: (If using) Spread 1 tbsp cream cheese on the non-buttered side of each bottom slice. Layer with one slice of Swiss cheese, half the turkey slices, 1 tbsp cranberry sauce, half the jalapeño slices, and another slice of cheese. Top with the second bread slice, buttered side out.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Equipment needed

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

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains: Wheat (bread), Milk (cheese, butter, cream cheese if used)
  • May contain: Soy (check bread and cheese labels)

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 490
  • Fat content: 22 g
  • Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein amount: 27 g