Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Twists

The first time I made these cheese bread twists, my kitchen smelled like a pizzeria and my three roommates materialized at the counter within minutes. I was experimenting with my new air fryer, trying to figure out what else I could make besides the usual frozen fries, and ended up with something dangerously addictive. Now they are my go-to whenever I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes almost no effort but looks like I tried.

I brought these to a Super Bowl party last winter, and honestly, people were more excited about the twists than the actual wings. My friend Sarah, who claims she does not like appetizers that require getting your hands messy, ate four of them standing right over the serving platter. There is something about that pull of melted cheese when you bite into a warm twist that feels like pure comfort.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Store-bought dough works beautifully here and saves you so much time, but homemade dough works too if you are feeling ambitious
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella melts beautifully without making the dough too soggy
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty umami punch that makes these taste like they came from a pizza joint
• Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade, and always have extra on the side for dipping
• Italian herb blend: Dried oregano, basil, and thyme give you that classic pizza flavor without any chopping
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle warmth that balances the rich cheese
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with garlic, this creates that irresistible garlic-butter finish
• Fresh garlic: One clove is all you need to make the butter coating aromatic and savory
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a bright pop of color and freshness

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 375°F and let it run empty for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll the pizza dough into a rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches

Add the fillings:

Spread the pizza sauce over half the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes evenly on top

Fold and seal:

Fold the bare half of the dough over the filling, then press gently along the edges to seal everything inside

Cut into strips:

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the folded dough into 8 even strips

Twist and place:

Twist each strip several times and arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket

Make garlic butter:

While the air fryer heats, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl

Brush and cook:

Brush the garlic butter over the tops of the twists, then air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve them warm while the cheese is still melty

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My niece now requests these every time she visits, and she has started adding her own twists on the recipe by hiding pepperoni slices inside before twisting. Watching her face light up when she pulls apart that first cheesy bite reminds me why I love cooking so much. Food has this way of turning ordinary moments into something special.

Make Them Your Own

Once you master the basic recipe, the variations are endless. Sometimes I add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra briny flavor. You could also swap the pizza sauce for pesto or add cooked Italian sausage for a heartier version.

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect as is, but having extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping takes them to the next level. They also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup for a light dinner.

Storage and Reheating

These cheese twists are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they are at their crispiest. If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you are ready to eat them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to restore that crunch.

• Avoid microwaving leftovers unless you want soft, chewy twists
• You can freeze unbaked twists and cook them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time
• Let cooked twists cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy

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There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a batch of these golden twists from the air fryer and hearing everyone rush to the kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ What dough works best for these twists?

Refrigerated pizza dough provides an easy base, but homemade dough can also be used for a fresher taste and texture.

→ How do I ensure the twists are crispy?

Air frying at 375°F and turning halfway cooks the twists evenly and creates a golden, crispy crust.

→ Can I add extra fillings to the twists?

Yes, ingredients like pepperoni slices or chopped olives add extra flavor inside the twists.

→ What is the best way to brush the twists before cooking?

Mix melted butter with minced garlic and gently brush over the twists to enhance flavor and crispness.

→ How should the twists be served?

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying snack or party appetizer.