Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Twists

The air fryer hums quietly on the counter while my youngest stands on a step stool, eyes wide as the cheese starts to bubble through the dough. We discovered these twists by accident on a rainy Friday when we were craving something pizza adjacent but didn't want to commit to a whole pie. Now they are the most requested snack in our house, perfect for after school snacks or unexpected guests.

Last summer I brought these to a neighborhood block party and watched them disappear in minutes. Someone asked for the recipe three times before I even had a chance to sit down with my own plate. They are the kind of food that makes people instinctively reach for seconds while chatting in the kitchen doorway.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: The convenience of store bought dough lets you focus on the fun part without the wait
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Low moisture mozzarella melts beautifully without making the dough soggy
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty umami punch that makes these taste like they came from a pizzeria
• Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade, just make sure it is not too watery
• Dried Italian herbs: Oregano and basil give that classic pizza aroma everyone recognizes
• Red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat cuts through the richness of all that cheese
• Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top creates that gorgeous golden finish
• Garlic clove: Fresh garlic in the butter makes these smell absolutely incredible while cooking

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

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

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface shape the pizza dough into a rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches

Add the filling:

Spread pizza sauce over half the dough then sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if you like some heat

Fold and seal:

Fold the dough in half lengthwise to cover all that cheesy goodness and press the edges gently to seal

Make the twists:

Cut the dough into 8 strips then twist each one several times like you are wringing out a towel

Prepare the garlic butter:

Mix melted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl while the air fryer finishes heating

Brush and arrange:

Place the twists in a single layer in your air fryer basket and brush the tops with that garlic butter mixture

Air fry to golden perfection:

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes turning halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want some color and serve immediately with extra pizza sauce on the side

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My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner instead of cake. Something about being able to grab and dip makes them feel more special than regular pizza, and honestly I agree with her.

Customization Ideas

We have experimented with all sorts of fillings in these twists. Pepperoni slices create little pockets of salty meat throughout while chopped olives add a briny bite that some people love.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can assemble the twists ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. Just brush them with garlic butter right before they go into the air fryer for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These shine alongside a simple green salad or as part of a larger appetizer spread. They are substantial enough to stand alone as a snack but light enough that people will keep reaching for them.

• Set out small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the whole plate right before serving
• Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if you are making multiple batches

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There is something deeply satisfying about pulling apart a warm twist filled with melted cheese. Hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to ours.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What dough works best for the twists?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for easy handling and great texture, but homemade dough can also be used.

→ How do I achieve a crispy texture?

Air frying at 375°F for 8-10 minutes while turning halfway ensures a crisp, golden finish.

→ Can I customize the filling?

Yes, adding pepperoni slices or chopped olives enhances flavor and variety.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store twists in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to regain crispness.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, using vegetarian dough and cheese makes them a great meat-free option.