Spicy Turkey Panini with Pear and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
This Spicy Turkey Panini with Pear and Cheddar Cheese is a deliciously balanced sandwich combining spicy chipotle mayo and jalapeño with sweet pear slices and sharp cheddar. Toasted to perfection in an air fryer or skillet, it’s a quick and flavorful dinner option ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread and Base
- 2 ciabatta bread rolls, sliced in half OR 4 slices sourdough bread
- Olive oil, for brushing
- ¼ cup chipotle mayo
Filling
- 6 ounces sliced roast turkey
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
- Handful of arugula
- 4 ounces sliced sharp Cheddar cheese (about 4 to 6 slices)
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Brush the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls lightly with olive oil. Toast them in an air fryer at 400°F or in a skillet on the stovetop until they are golden brown. Alternatively, if using sourdough slices, brush one side with olive oil and toast similarly until crisp.
- Assemble the Panini: Spread the chipotle mayo evenly on both halves of the toasted bread or all the toasted sourdough slices. Layer the roast turkey, thinly sliced pear, jalapeño slices, and sharp cheddar cheese onto two pieces of bread or the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls.
- Melt the Cheese: Transfer the assembled bread with fillings to the air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 2 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the sandwich through. Alternatively, place them under a broiler just long enough to melt the cheese.
- Add Arugula and Finish: Remove the melted sandwiches from the air fryer or broiler. Top the filling with a handful of fresh arugula, then place the other half of the bread roll or bread slice on top. Press firmly down, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute sourdough bread if ciabatta is unavailable, brushing one side with olive oil before toasting.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference or remove seeds to reduce heat.
- Chipotle mayo adds a smoky spicy flavor but can be replaced with regular mayo mixed with chipotle powder.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with grilled vegetables or plant-based slices and omit the cheddar or use vegan cheese.
- Using an air fryer speeds up the toasting and melting process, but a skillet and broiler work just as well.
