Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Pinwheel Recipe
If you need a quick lunch, easy snack, or warm party appetizer, this turkey pinwheel recipe is a simple option that comes together in just minutes. Soft flour tortillas are layered with a creamy sun-dried tomato spread, sliced turkey, cheese, and crisp lettuce, then rolled, sliced, and warmed in the air fryer. The cheese gets deliciously melty while the tortillas become lightly toasted around the edges, creating an easy pinwheel that is packed with flavor.
Pinwheel sandwiches have always been one of those wonderfully versatile foods that work for almost any occasion. You can serve them for lunch, make a platter for a party, or put together a quick afternoon snack when everyone starts looking for something to eat. These warm turkey pinwheels are especially tasty because the homemade sun-dried tomato cream cheese spread adds a tangy, savory flavor that turns simple deli turkey into something a little more special.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. There is very little prep work, and the air fryer warms the pinwheels in just a few minutes. If you enjoy easy sandwiches and appetizers made with everyday ingredients, these sun-dried tomato turkey pinwheels are definitely worth adding to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Pinwheels
There is a lot to love about this easy recipe, starting with how simple it is to make. You don’t need complicated ingredients or a long list of kitchen tools. A bowl, a spoon, a sharp knife, and an air fryer are just about all you need.
These pinwheels are also easy to customize. You can change the cheese, use a different type of tortilla, add more vegetables, or adjust the amount of hot sauce in the sun-dried tomato spread. That makes this recipe especially useful when you want to work with ingredients you already have in the refrigerator.
Another reason I love this turkey pinwheel recipe is that it can be served in several different ways. Make it as an easy lunch with a side salad or chips, or arrange the pinwheels on a platter for game day, family gatherings, or casual parties. They’re small enough to pick up and eat with your hands, making them a fun alternative to traditional sandwiches.
The combination of creamy, savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors makes these pinwheels hard to resist. Even better, you can have them ready to serve in less than 15 minutes.
Turkey Pinwheel Recipe Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 14 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 4 servings
The exact number of pinwheels you make will depend on how thickly you slice the tortilla rolls. Cutting each roll into approximately 1-inch slices should give you enough pinwheels for about four light servings.
If you are serving these as turkey pinwheel appetizers at a party, you may want to double or triple the recipe depending on the number of guests. These bite-sized sandwiches tend to disappear quickly, especially when served warm.
Equipment Needed
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare these easy turkey pinwheels.
Small Mixing Bowl
Use a small bowl to combine the cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, Tabasco sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Spoon or Small Spatula
A spoon works well for mixing the sun-dried tomato spread. A small offset spatula or butter knife helps spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas.
Cutting Board
A large cutting board gives you plenty of room to assemble and roll the tortillas.
Sharp Knife
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into neat pinwheels. A dull knife may press down on the tortilla and cause the filling to squeeze out.
Air Fryer
The air fryer quickly warms the pinwheels and melts the cheese. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the pinwheels in batches.
Air Fryer Parchment Paper
Air fryer-safe parchment paper is optional but can make cleanup easier. Always use parchment paper designed specifically for an air fryer and make sure the food holds the paper securely in place.
Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Pinwheels
The ingredients for these pinwheels are simple, but they create plenty of savory flavor when combined.
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Softened cream cheese creates the creamy base for the spread. Allow it to sit at room temperature briefly so it mixes easily with the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated tomato flavor that adds a slightly tangy and savory taste to the spread. If your tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before chopping.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Mayonnaise makes the cream cheese spread smoother and easier to spread over the tortillas.
1 to 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce: A little hot sauce gives the spread a gentle kick. Start with one teaspoon and add more if you enjoy extra heat.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Salt helps bring out the flavors of the cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A small amount of black pepper adds just enough seasoning to the creamy spread.
Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches
2 9-inch tortilla wraps: Large flour tortillas are soft, flexible, and easy to roll. Plain tortillas work perfectly, but you can also try spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps.
1/4 pound sliced turkey breast: Thinly sliced deli turkey is easy to layer and roll inside the tortillas. Use your favorite oven-roasted, smoked, or honey-roasted turkey.
4 to 6 lettuce leaves: Lettuce adds a little freshness and crunch. Make sure the lettuce is clean and thoroughly dry before adding it to the tortillas.
6 slices cheese: Use a cheese that melts well. Provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar are all delicious choices.
How to Make This Turkey Pinwheel Recipe
These warm pinwheels are quick and easy to assemble. For the best results, have all your ingredients ready before you begin rolling the tortillas.
Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Place the softened cream cheese in a small mixing bowl. Add the drained and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, Tabasco sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the spread is creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or Tabasco sauce as desired.
For a smoother spread, you can chop the sun-dried tomatoes very finely. Small pieces are easier to spread and help prevent large tomato chunks from falling out when the pinwheels are sliced.
Spread the Tortillas
Place the tortillas flat on a clean cutting board or work surface.
Divide the sun-dried tomato cream cheese mixture between the two tortillas. Use a spoon, butter knife, or small spatula to spread the mixture evenly over most of the surface of each tortilla.
Leave approximately 1 inch of space along one edge of each tortilla. This gives the filling a little room to move as the tortilla is rolled and helps prevent too much filling from squeezing out.
Add the Cheese and Turkey
Place three slices of cheese over each tortilla. Arrange the cheese in a single layer as evenly as possible.
Next, add the sliced turkey breast. Thin slices work best because they are easier to roll. If the turkey slices are large, you can fold or tear them into smaller pieces before placing them on the tortillas.
Try to distribute the turkey evenly so each pinwheel has plenty of filling.
Add the Lettuce
Place the lettuce over the turkey. You can use whole leaves or shred the lettuce into smaller pieces.
If using whole lettuce leaves, remove any thick stems that may make the tortillas difficult to roll. Also make sure the lettuce is dry. Excess moisture can make the tortillas soggy.
Roll the Tortillas
Starting at the filled end of each tortilla, roll it tightly toward the edge where you left the 1-inch space.
Keep the tortilla snug as you roll, but don’t press so firmly that the filling squeezes out the sides.
Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on the cutting board.
Slice the Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each tortilla roll into approximately 1-inch pieces.
If the ends of the tortilla rolls are uneven or don’t contain much filling, you can trim them before slicing the remaining roll into pinwheels.
For cleaner cuts, gently wipe the knife between slices if cream cheese begins to build up on the blade.
Air Fry the Turkey Pinwheels
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with air fryer-safe parchment paper.
Arrange the pinwheels in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Air fry the pinwheels at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly toasted around the edges.
Keep an eye on the pinwheels during the final minute because air fryer cooking times can vary by model.
Serve Warm
Carefully remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving.
Serve them warm with extra sun-dried tomato cream cheese spread for dipping, if desired.
Helpful Tips for Making Turkey Pinwheels
This recipe is easy to prepare, but a few simple tips can help you make perfectly rolled and sliced pinwheels every time.
Soften the Cream Cheese First
Room-temperature cream cheese is much easier to mix and spread. Cold cream cheese can tear the tortillas as you try to spread it.
If you forget to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator ahead of time, cut it into small cubes and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Drain the Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well
If you are using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them before chopping. Too much oil can make the cream cheese spread thin and may cause the tortillas to become greasy.
You can gently blot the tomatoes with a paper towel if they still seem especially oily after draining.
Finely Chop the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Smaller pieces of sun-dried tomato are easier to mix into the cream cheese. They also make the pinwheels easier to slice.
Large pieces can pull out of the tortilla roll when you cut it, so take an extra minute to chop them finely.
Don’t Overfill the Tortillas
It can be tempting to add extra turkey and cheese, but overfilling makes the tortillas difficult to roll. Too much filling can also cause the pinwheels to fall apart when sliced.
Use an even layer of each ingredient and keep the filling away from the final edge of the tortilla.
Roll the Tortillas Tightly
A snug roll is one of the secrets to attractive turkey pinwheel sandwiches. If the tortilla is rolled too loosely, the filling may fall out when you cut the slices.
Gently press the ingredients into place as you roll to create a firm tortilla log.
Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife creates cleaner pinwheel slices. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down on the tortilla.
If you want especially neat pinwheels for a party platter, wipe the knife blade clean between cuts.
Watch the Air Fryer Closely
These pinwheels only need a few minutes in the air fryer. Since every air fryer cooks a little differently, check them after three minutes.
Remove the pinwheels as soon as the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly toasted.
What Cheese Is Best for Turkey Pinwheels?
One of the easiest ways to change the flavor of this turkey pinwheel recipe is to use a different cheese.
Provolone is a great choice because its mild flavor pairs well with turkey and sun-dried tomatoes. Swiss cheese adds a slightly nutty flavor, while mozzarella gives the pinwheels a mild taste and plenty of melty cheese.
For a little more flavor, try sharp cheddar, pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack. Pepper Jack is especially tasty if you enjoy the spicy flavor of the Tabasco sauce in the sun-dried tomato spread.
You can also combine two cheeses. Try mozzarella with provolone or cheddar with Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy filling.
Easy Turkey Pinwheel Variations
Once you know how to make this turkey pinwheel recipe, it’s easy to create different versions using ingredients you already have.
Add Fresh Spinach
Replace the lettuce with baby spinach. Spinach has a mild flavor and holds up well when warmed in the air fryer.
Add Roasted Red Peppers
Thinly sliced roasted red peppers add color and a slightly sweet flavor. Drain and pat them dry before placing them on the tortilla.
Make Spicy Turkey Pinwheels
Add extra Tabasco sauce to the cream cheese spread or use pepper Jack cheese. Thinly sliced jalapeños can also add more heat.
Add Bacon
Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey and cheese.
Use Ham or Chicken
You don’t have to use turkey every time. Thinly sliced ham or chicken can easily be substituted for the turkey breast.
Make a Cream Cheese Turkey Pinwheel with Herbs
For a slightly different flavor, stir chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives into the cream cheese mixture. Fresh basil is especially delicious with sun-dried tomatoes.
What to Serve with Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches
This turkey pinwheel recipe can be served as an appetizer, snack, or easy lunch.
For lunch, serve them with potato chips, pasta salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. A cup of tomato soup is another delicious option, especially when the pinwheels are served warm and cheesy.
For parties, arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter with fresh vegetables and dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or extra sun-dried tomato spread all work well.
You can also add these pinwheels to a larger appetizer table with cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, vegetables, and other finger foods. Their small size makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Can You Make Turkey Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the tortilla rolls a few hours ahead of time if needed. Prepare the sun-dried tomato spread, add the turkey, cheese, and lettuce, and tightly roll the tortillas.
Wrap each tortilla roll tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to slice and air fry the pinwheels.
For the freshest texture, I recommend waiting to air fry the pinwheels until shortly before serving. This keeps the tortillas lightly toasted and the cheese warm and melted.
If making them ahead, be sure the lettuce is completely dry. Moisture from freshly washed lettuce can soften the tortillas as they sit in the refrigerator.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Pinwheels
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within two to three days.
The tortillas may soften slightly while refrigerated, but the pinwheels can easily be reheated.
Place leftover pinwheels in the air fryer and warm them at approximately 350°F for two to three minutes. Check them frequently so the tortilla edges don’t become too crisp.
Because this recipe contains cream cheese, mayonnaise, turkey, and cheese, the pinwheels should not be left sitting at room temperature for long periods.
Can You Serve Turkey Pinwheels Cold?
Yes! Although this recipe uses the air fryer to melt the cheese and lightly toast the tortillas, the pinwheels can also be served cold.
For cold turkey pinwheel appetizers, tightly wrap the assembled tortilla rolls and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Chilling helps firm up the cream cheese spread and makes the rolls easier to cut.
The cold version is a great option for lunchboxes, picnics, or party trays. If packing pinwheels for lunch or a picnic, keep them properly chilled until you’re ready to eat.
Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Pinwheels
These warm and cheesy turkey pinwheels are a simple recipe that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a flavorful snack or lunch. The creamy sun-dried tomato spread adds a delicious tangy flavor to the sliced turkey and melted cheese, while a few minutes in the air fryer gives the tortillas lightly toasted edges.
Whether you serve this turkey pinwheel recipe for a quick family lunch, an afternoon snack, or as an easy party appetizer, it’s a fun recipe to keep on hand. Try changing the cheese or adding your favorite vegetables to make the pinwheels your own, and don’t forget to serve a little extra sun-dried tomato spread on the side for dipping!
Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Pinwheel Recipe
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Air fryer
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liner
Ingredients
- Sun-Dried Tomato Spread:
- 2 ounces cream cheese room-temperature
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinwheel Sandwich:
- 2 9 inch tortilla wrap
- 1/4 pound turkey breast sliced
- 4-6 slices lettuce
- 6 slices cheese
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a small mixing bowl. Add the drained and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, Tabasco sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the spread is creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or Tabasco sauce as desired.
- For a smoother spread, you can chop the sun-dried tomatoes very finely. Small pieces are easier to spread and help prevent large tomato chunks from falling out when the pinwheels are sliced.
- Place the tortillas flat on a clean cutting board or work surface.
- Divide the sun-dried tomato cream cheese mixture between the two tortillas. Use a spoon, butter knife, or small spatula to spread the mixture evenly over most of the surface of each tortilla.
- Leave approximately 1 inch of space along one edge of each tortilla. This gives the filling a little room to move as the tortilla is rolled and helps prevent too much filling from squeezing out.
- Place three slices of cheese over each tortilla. Arrange the cheese in a single layer as evenly as possible.
- Next, add the sliced turkey breast. Thin slices work best because they are easier to roll. If the turkey slices are large, you can fold or tear them into smaller pieces before placing them on the tortillas.
- Try to distribute the turkey evenly so each pinwheel has plenty of filling.
- Place the lettuce over the turkey. You can use whole leaves or shred the lettuce into smaller pieces. If using whole lettuce leaves, remove any thick stems that may make the tortillas difficult to roll. Also make sure the lettuce is dry. Excess moisture can make the tortillas soggy.
- Starting at the filled end of each tortilla, roll it tightly toward the edge where you left the 1-inch space. Keep the tortilla snug as you roll, but don't press so firmly that the filling squeezes out the sides. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on the cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each tortilla roll into approximately 1-inch pieces. If the ends of the tortilla rolls are uneven or don't contain much filling, you can trim them before slicing the remaining roll into pinwheels. For cleaner cuts, gently wipe the knife between slices if cream cheese begins to build up on the blade.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with air fryer-safe parchment paper. Arrange the pinwheels in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the pinwheels at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly toasted around the edges. Keep an eye on the pinwheels during the final minute because air fryer cooking times can vary by model.
- Carefully remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve them warm with extra sun-dried tomato cream cheese spread for dipping, if desired.
Notes
Soften the Cream Cheese First
Room-temperature cream cheese is much easier to mix and spread. Cold cream cheese can tear the tortillas as you try to spread it. If you forget to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator ahead of time, cut it into small cubes and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes.Drain the Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well
If you are using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them before chopping. Too much oil can make the cream cheese spread thin and may cause the tortillas to become greasy. You can gently blot the tomatoes with a paper towel if they still seem especially oily after draining.Finely Chop the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Smaller pieces of sun-dried tomato are easier to mix into the cream cheese. They also make the pinwheels easier to slice. Large pieces can pull out of the tortilla roll when you cut it, so take an extra minute to chop them finely.Don’t Overfill the Tortillas
It can be tempting to add extra turkey and cheese, but overfilling makes the tortillas difficult to roll. Too much filling can also cause the pinwheels to fall apart when sliced. Use an even layer of each ingredient and keep the filling away from the final edge of the tortilla.Roll the Tortillas Tightly
A snug roll is one of the secrets to attractive turkey pinwheel sandwiches. If the tortilla is rolled too loosely, the filling may fall out when you cut the slices. Gently press the ingredients into place as you roll to create a firm tortilla log.Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife creates cleaner pinwheel slices. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down on the tortilla. If you want especially neat pinwheels for a party platter, wipe the knife blade clean between cuts.Watch the Air Fryer Closely
These pinwheels only need a few minutes in the air fryer. Since every air fryer cooks a little differently, check them after three minutes. Remove the pinwheels as soon as the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly toasted.
