Air Fryer Jalapeño Turkey Cheese

Featured in: Fabulous Weeknight Meals

This sandwich features juicy slices of turkey layered with tangy cranberry sauce, fresh jalapeño, and melted Swiss cheese between buttery sourdough bread. Toasted to a crispy golden finish in the air fryer, it offers a festive blend of spicy and sweet flavors. Simple and quick to prepare, it's perfect for an easy lunch or light dinner that balances richness with a kick of heat.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:12:00 GMT
Golden air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, oozing cheese and ready to eat. Save Pin
Golden air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, oozing cheese and ready to eat. | fabulousdishesby.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.

A festive, spicy sweet twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and a kick of jalapeño 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.
Spicy jalapeño slices peek out from this air fryer turkey grilled cheese with cranberry filling. Save Pin
Spicy jalapeño slices peek out from this air fryer turkey grilled cheese with cranberry filling. | fabulousdishesby.com

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.

Nutritional Information

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

Warm, toasted air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, a perfect autumn lunch option. Save Pin
Warm, toasted air fryer jalapeño cranberry turkey grilled cheese, a perfect autumn lunch option. | fabulousdishesby.com

This air fryer grilled cheese offers a perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet tartness, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Recipe FAQs

How can I reduce the spiciness of the jalapeño?

Remove the seeds and membranes inside the jalapeño before slicing. Alternatively, substitute with pickled jalapeños for a milder heat.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Swiss cheese works well, but you can substitute cheddar or any melty cheese to suit your taste preferences.

What bread is best for this sandwich?

Sourdough bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, but other rustic breads can also be used.

Is the air fryer essential for this dish?

The air fryer crisps the sandwich evenly and melts the cheese quickly, but a skillet or panini press can be alternatives.

Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?

Yes, adding baby spinach or arugula provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich and spicy layers.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Turkey Cheese

Spicy jalapeño, turkey, cranberry, and melted cheese toasted in an air fryer for a quick meal.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to cook
7 min
Overall duration
17 min
Posted by Fabulous dishes by Vanessa Collins


Skill level Easy

Cuisine style American

Servings made 2 Number of servings

Dietary details None specified

Ingredient list

Bread & Spreads

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

Cheese

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

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 milder heat)

Optional

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

Step-by-Step Guide

Instruction 01

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

Instruction 02

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

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

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

Instruction 05

Serve: Allow sandwiches to rest for 1 minute, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Take a moment to check each ingredient for possible allergens. Always reach out to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cheese, butter, optional cream cheese)
  • May contain soy—verify all product labels

Nutrition details by serving

These details help guide you, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional when needed.
  • Kcal: 490
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Protein: 27 g