Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Featured in: Seasonal Recipes

This spicy-sweet melt blends juicy turkey with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh jalapeño slices. Layered with Swiss cheese on sourdough bread, it's toasted crisp and golden in the air fryer. Cream cheese adds optional creaminess. Ready quickly, it delivers a satisfying balance of heat, tartness, and comforting melted cheese, perfect for a quick meal or festive snack. Adjust jalapeño heat to suit your taste, and try adding fresh greens for extra freshness.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:56:00 GMT
Golden, toasted Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, oozing with melted cheese and cranberry. Save
Golden, toasted Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, oozing with melted cheese and cranberry. | whisknjoy.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.
Spicy-sweet Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, featuring turkey, jalapeño, and a gooey cheese pull. Save
Spicy-sweet Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, featuring turkey, jalapeño, and a gooey cheese pull. | whisknjoy.com

Try adding baby spinach or arugula for a fresh touch.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese: a delicious, festive grilled cheese sandwich, ready to enjoy. Save
Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese: a delicious, festive grilled cheese sandwich, ready to enjoy. | whisknjoy.com

This air fryer sandwich brings a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors to your table.

Recipe FAQ

How do I control the spice level?

Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat, or substitute with pickled jalapeños for a milder flavor.

Can I use other meats instead of turkey?

Deli chicken or leftover roast chicken work well as alternatives in this melt.

Is there an option to add extra creaminess?

Yes, spreading softened cream cheese on the bread before layering adds a smooth, creamy texture.

What type of cheese works best?

Swiss cheese is recommended, but cheddar or other melty cheeses can be used based on preference.

Can I add vegetables for freshness?

Adding baby spinach or arugula enhances freshness and adds a vibrant touch to the melt.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

A flavorful melt combining turkey, cranberry, jalapeño, and cheese toasted in an air fryer.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
7 min
Complete duration
17 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Seasonal Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 2 Portion Count

Dietary considerations 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
02 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat

Optional

01 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

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

Stage 03

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

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

Serve: Let sandwiches cool for 1 minute, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and soy (check labels).

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 490
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 27 g