Air Fryer Jalapeño Turkey Cheese

Featured in: Savory Bites

This sandwich layers juicy turkey breast, tangy cranberry sauce, spicy jalapeño slices, and melted Swiss cheese between buttered sourdough bread. Toasted in the air fryer for a perfectly golden, melty finish, it offers a flavorful balance of heat, sweetness, and savory richness. Ideal for a quick and easy main dish packed with vibrant flavors and a crispy texture.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:53:00 GMT
Golden, melty Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, a delicious holiday sandwich, brimming with flavor. Save
Golden, melty Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, a delicious holiday sandwich, brimming with flavor. | cravebop.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.
Serve:
Let cool for 1 minute, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Save
| cravebop.com

This sandwich always brings smiles at our family gatherings, making easy meals feel like celebrations.

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.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese: A warm, comforting sandwich, oozing melted cheese and tart cranberry. Save
Air Fryer Jalapeño Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese: A warm, comforting sandwich, oozing melted cheese and tart cranberry. | cravebop.com

This air fryer grilled cheese is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect any time of year.

Recipe Guide

Can I adjust the heat level in this sandwich?

Yes, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove seeds to lessen the spiciness. Pickled jalapeños can also be used for a milder kick.

What cheese works best for melting here?

Swiss cheese melts nicely, but cheddar or a blend can be used depending on your preference.

Can I substitute turkey with other meats?

Deli chicken or leftover roast chicken are excellent alternatives to turkey in this sandwich.

How do I make the sandwich extra creamy?

Adding softened cream cheese beneath the Swiss cheese layers gives a richer, creamier texture.

What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Try crisp apple cider or a light Pinot Noir, or fresh greens like baby spinach or arugula to complement the flavors.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Turkey Cheese

A festive, spicy-sweet sandwich featuring turkey, cranberry, jalapeño, and melted cheese toasted to golden crisp.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
7 min
Complete duration
17 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Savory Bites

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Nutrition labels None specified

What you'll need

Bread & Spreads

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

Cheese

01 4 slices Swiss cheese
02 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional)

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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Serve: Remove sandwiches from the air fryer, let rest for 1 minute, then cut in half and serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat, milk; may contain soy—verify product labels.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 490
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 27 g