Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Twists

Last Friday night hit that perfect sweet spot between lazy and hungry, you know the one. I had pizza sauce leftover from Tuesday and a can of dough sitting in the fridge since Monday.

My husband wandered into the kitchen right as I was pulling that first batch out, golden and hissing. Now he asks for these every single movie night, and honestly, I cannot blame him.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: The refrigerated kind works beautifully here, just let it sit on the counter for ten minutes so it cooperates when you roll it out
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than the pre-shredded stuff which has anti-caking agents that can make it weirdly grainy
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty depth that makes these taste like they came from a real pizzeria instead of your countertop
• Pizza sauce: Use whatever sauce you actually like eating, because that flavor really comes through in the finished twist
• Italian herbs: Dried oregano, basil, and thyme work perfectly here, no need to buy anything fancy
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but honestly recommended if you like even the tiniest bit of heat
• Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top because garlic butter makes everything better, that is just a fact
• Garlic clove: Freshly minced, no garlic powder here if you can avoid it
• Fresh parsley: Makes them look pretty and adds this fresh little bite at the end

Instructions

Get your air fryer ready:

Preheat it to 375°F for about three minutes so it is nice and hot when the dough goes in

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll that refrigerated dough into a rectangle about 10 by 14 inches

Add the good stuff:

Spread the pizza sauce over just half the dough, then sprinkle both cheeses, herbs, and red pepper flakes right on top

Make the fold:

Fold the bare half of dough over the filling and press the edges together gently so nothing escapes during cooking

Cut into strips:

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the folded dough into eight even strips, about one and a half inches wide

Twist them up:

Twist each strip several times and arrange them in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for hot air circulation

Garlic butter moment:

Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush the mixture over the tops of every single twist

Get them golden:

Air fry for eight to ten minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you remembered to buy it and serve while they are still hot with extra sauce

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These became my go-to whenever friends are over because they disappear faster than I can make them.

Filling Ideas That Work

Pepperoni slices tucked inside create these little pockets of salty goodness. Chopped olives, sautéed mushrooms, or even cooked sausage all work beautifully if you want to turn them into a whole meal.

Make Ahead Magic

You can slice and twist these up to four hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just brush with garlic butter right before air frying so they do not get soggy.

Serving Suggestions

These shine alongside a big bowl of soup or a simple green salad.

• Marinara is classic but ranch or garlic aioli both work surprisingly well
• Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan right when they come out while they are still hot
• Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if you are feeding a crowd

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Hope these become your new favorite way to satisfy that pizza craving without the wait.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best for these twists?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for ease and texture, but homemade dough can also be used for a fresher taste.

→ How do I achieve the crispy texture in the air fryer?

Air frying at 375°F while turning halfway ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy finish on each twist.

→ Can I customize the filling inside the twists?

Yes, adding ingredients like pepperoni slices or chopped olives can enhance the flavor and variety.

→ Is it necessary to brush the twists with butter?

Brushing with garlic butter before cooking adds richness and helps develop a flavorful, golden crust.

→ What can I serve alongside these twists?

Extra pizza sauce or marinara makes a perfect dipping accompaniment to complement the herbs and cheeses.