Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Twists (Printable)
Golden, cheesy bread twists air fried for a crunchy and flavorful snack or appetizer. Easy and quick to make.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dough
01 - 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
→ Cheese & Fillings
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
05 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
06 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Topping
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10 x 14 inches.
03 - Spread the pizza sauce evenly over half of the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the sauce.
04 - Fold the dough in half lengthwise to cover the filling. Gently press together.
05 - Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 strips.
06 - Twist each strip several times and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
07 - In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic. Brush the tops of each twist with garlic butter.
08 - Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The air fryer creates that perfect crunch without deep frying
- They come together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup
02 -
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to soggy spots so cook in two batches if needed
- The butter brushing step is worth the extra effort for that golden glossy finish
03 -
- Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking back
- Check your twists after 6 minutes since air fryers vary in temperature accuracy