Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Featured in: Warm Cozy Dinners

This easy-to-make sandwich blends tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melted Swiss cheese, and a bold jalapeño kick. Layers of buttered sourdough bread are air fried until golden and crispy, offering a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Ideal for a speedy meal with festive notes, it’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant taste and comforting textures. Adjust the jalapeño for heat preference or add greens like spinach for freshness.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:49:00 GMT
Golden air fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, bubbling with melted cheese and spicy jalapeños. Save
Golden air fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, bubbling with melted cheese and spicy jalapeños. | sagekettle.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.

I first served this with great success and the flavors quickly became a family favorite.

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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| sagekettle.com

This recipe always brings my family together especially around holiday meals.

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 per serving

Close-up of a perfectly toasted Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, ready for a delicious bite. Save
Close-up of a perfectly toasted Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, ready for a delicious bite. | sagekettle.com

This sandwich perfects festive flavors with convenience for any meal.

Recipe Q&A

How do I adjust the spiciness of the jalapeño?

Remove the seeds before slicing for milder heat, or use pickled jalapeños as a softer alternative.

Can I substitute the turkey with another meat?

Deli chicken or leftover roast chicken can be used to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile.

What cheese works best for melting in this sandwich?

Swiss cheese melts smoothly and offers a mild taste, but sharp cheddar can add a stronger flavor.

Is it necessary to butter the bread before air frying?

Yes, buttering the bread ensures a golden, crispy crust and prevents it from drying out during cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this sandwich?

Fresh greens like baby spinach or arugula work well to add freshness and balance the rich flavors.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

A spicy and sweet turkey sandwich with cranberry, jalapeño, and melted cheese, toasted perfectly in an air fryer.

Setup Time
10 min
Time to Cook
7 min
Total Duration
17 min
Created by Elena Brooks

Classification Warm Cozy Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Batch Size 2 Portions

Dietary Details None specified

Components

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 less heat

Optional

01 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3 minutes.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Assemble Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, optionally spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese each. Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, half the turkey slices, 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce, half the jalapeño slices, and another slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side outward.

Step 04

Cook Sandwiches: Place both 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, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review every ingredient to spot possible allergens. Consult your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk (cheese, butter, cream cheese). May contain soy. Verify product labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are for reference and don't substitute medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 490
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 27 g