Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Twists

The smell of garlic butter hitting hot dough still pulls me back to late Friday nights when my air fryer first became my best friend. Id been experimenting with everything from wings to roasted chickpeas, but nothing quite captured that party appetizer magic until I twisted together some leftover pizza dough and cheese. These golden beauties emerged, crispy and impossibly cheesy, and suddenly I understood why they vanished faster than I could make them.

Last Super Bowl, I made three batches back to back because my friends kept hovering near the kitchen every time a new tray came out. The red pepper flakes give them this subtle warmth that has people reaching for just one more, and the garlic butter topping makes the whole house smell like an Italian bakery. I learned quickly to double the recipe if I wanted any for myself.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: This convenience ingredient is your secret weapon for restaurant quality results without the kneading time
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged and creates those gorgeous cheese pulls
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty depth that balances the mild mozzarella perfectly
• Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have time handy for dipping is essential
• Dried Italian herbs: Oregano basil and thyme blend together to give that classic pizza flavor profile
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for a gentle heat that cuts through the richness
• Unsalted butter: Melting this with fresh garlic creates the most incredible finishing brush
• Fresh garlic: Minced into the butter it infuses every twist with irresistible aroma
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and fresh flavor to finish

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Get it to 375°F for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else

Roll out the dough:

On a floured surface stretch that refrigerated dough into a roughly 10 by 14 inch rectangle

Layer on the flavors:

Spread pizza sauce over just half the dough then scatter mozzarella Parmesan herbs and those red pepper flakes if you like a little kick

Fold and seal:

Fold the bare half of dough over the filled side and press gently to help everything stick together

Slice into strips:

Cut the folded dough into 8 even strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter

Twist them up:

Give each strip several twists and lay them in a single layer in your air fryer basket

Make the garlic butter:

Whisk together melted butter and minced garlic while the air fryer works its magic

Brush and bake:

Brush the tops of each twist with that garlic butter then air fry 8 to 10 minutes flipping halfway until golden

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want it pretty and get them to the table warm with extra sauce on the side

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These became my daughters request for every sleepover and birthday party. Theres something about the interactive dipping and the handheld cheesy goodness that makes people feel like kids again regardless of their age.

Getting The Perfect Twist

Ive found that stretching each strip gently before twisting gives you those elegant bakery style looks instead of knotty clumps. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky and if it starts resisting let it rest for a couple minutes under a clean kitchen towel.

Cheese Selection Secrets

Part skim mozzarella actually crisps up better than full fat because it has less moisture to release during cooking. A splash of smoked provolone mixed into the mozzarella adds this incredible depth that keeps people guessing the secret ingredient.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble the twists through the twisting step then freeze them on a parchment lined tray before transferring to a bag. When the craving hits they go straight from freezer to air fryer adding just 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time.

• Freeze the garlic butter separately in an ice cube tray for instant portioning
• Reheat any leftovers at 350°F for 2 minutes to restore that freshly made crunch
• Try brushing with ranch seasoned butter instead of garlic for a totally different flavor profile

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Whether its game day or just Tuesday these twists have a way of making ordinary moments feel like a celebration. Enjoy every warm cheesy bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well and can add a personal touch to the twists.

→ What is the best cheese to use for these twists?

A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan creates a gooey and flavorful filling.

→ How do I prevent the twists from becoming soggy?

Air frying at 375°F crisps the dough quickly, and brushing with garlic butter adds flavor without sogginess.

→ Can I add extra toppings inside the twists?

Absolutely, pepperoni slices or chopped olives work great to enhance the flavor.

→ What should I serve with these cheesy twists?

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added zest.