Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This sandwich combines juicy turkey slices with tangy cranberry sauce and a spicy kick of jalapeño, layered between melted Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. Buttered and air-fried until golden, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s an easy way to enjoy a festive, flavorful meal.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Golden, air fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, oozing melted cheese and spicy jalapeño slices. Save
Golden, air fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, oozing melted cheese and spicy jalapeño slices. | dashofstates.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

Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Butter Bread:
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Layer Ingredients:
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.
Place Sandwiches:
Place both sandwiches in the air fryer basket.
Air Fry:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Cool and Serve:
Let cool for 1 minute, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Warm, toasted Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese sandwich with a sweet and spicy aroma. Save
Warm, toasted Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese sandwich with a sweet and spicy aroma. | dashofstates.com

This sandwich brings my family together every holiday, sharing bites and stories over the melty cheesy goodness.

Notes

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.

Savory and sweet Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, ready to eat, with cranberry and turkey filling. Save
Savory and sweet Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, ready to eat, with cranberry and turkey filling. | dashofstates.com

This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or festive holiday snack.

Recipe FAQ

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, removing jalapeño seeds or using pickled jalapeños reduces the heat for a milder flavor.

What cheese works best for this sandwich?

Swiss cheese melts well and complements the flavors, but cheddar can also be used as a delicious alternative.

Can I substitute the turkey?

Leftover roast chicken or deli chicken make great substitutes while maintaining the savory profile.

Is cream cheese necessary?

No, it’s optional but adds extra creaminess if you prefer a richer texture.

How do I make this without an air fryer?

You can cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, pressing gently and flipping until golden and cheese melts.

What side pairs well with this sandwich?

Try crisp apple cider or a light Pinot Noir to complement the spicy and sweet notes.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey

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

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
7 min
Complete duration
17 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Nutritional 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Assemble Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of the bread, (if using) spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on each slice, add a slice of Swiss cheese, top with half of the turkey slices, spoon 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce over turkey, scatter half the jalapeño slices, add another slice of cheese, then cap with the second bread slice, buttered side facing out.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and potentially soy depending on product labels.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 490
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 27 g