Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Twists

The first time I made these cheese twists, my kitchen smelled like a pizzeria and my neighbor actually knocked on the door to ask what I was making. They disappeared from the cooling rack so fast that I barely got to taste one myself. Now they are my go to whenever I need something that feels indulgent but comes together in under half an hour.

I brought these to a friends game night last month and watched three different people ask for the recipe while still chewing their first bite. My sister now texts me every Friday asking if I am making my famous twists. They have this way of making any casual gathering feel like a proper party.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Keep it cold until you are ready to work with it for easier handling
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre shredded bags
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty umami punch that makes these feel restaurant quality
• Pizza sauce: Do not oversauce or the dough will get soggy in the middle
• Dried Italian herbs: Dried herbs work better than fresh here because they withstand the high heat
• Red pepper flakes: Even a tiny pinch wakes up all the other flavors
• Unsalted butter: Melt it completely so it brushes on evenly
• Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic is non negotiable for that aromatic finish
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and makes them look fancy

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Getting it to 375°F first ensures the twists start cooking immediately and get that golden crunch

Roll the dough:

Work on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10 x 14 inch rectangle keeping the thickness even

Add the filling:

Spread sauce on just half the dough then layer mozzarella Parmesan herbs and pepper flakes

Fold and seal:

Fold the plain half over the filling and press firmly along the edges to seal everything inside

Make the twists:

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

Prepare the garlic butter:

Whisk melted butter with minced garlic until fragrant and well combined

Air fry to perfection:

Brush twists with garlic butter and air fry 8 to 10 minutes turning halfway until golden

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with warm pizza sauce on the side

Save

My son started requesting these for his birthday instead of cake which tells you everything you need to know about how good they are. Watching friends instinctively reach for seconds while still holding their first twist has become one of my favorite kitchen moments.

Making Ahead

You can prepare the twists through the twisting step up to 4 hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and brush with garlic butter right before air frying. They actually taste even better after a short chill because the dough firms up.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze uncooked twists on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen adding 2 to 3 minutes to the air fry time. No need to thaw first.

Serving Suggestions

These pair beautifully with a simple green salad to cut through the richness or serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comfort food meal. They also make an unexpected addition to a charcuterie board.

• Try adding pepperoni slices inside for a meat lovers version
• Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top instead of parsley
• Pair with ice cold beer or sparkling cider for drinks

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a batch of these golden twists out of the air fryer hearing that crispy crunch and watching everyone gravitate toward the kitchen.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What dough works best for these twists?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal due to its elasticity and quick preparation time. Homemade dough can also be used for a fresher taste.

→ Can I customize the filling flavors?

Yes, adding pepperoni, olives, or extra herbs can enhance the flavor profile according to personal taste.

→ How do I ensure the twists turn out crispy?

Air frying at the right temperature and brushing with melted garlic butter helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior without drying out the interior.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these twists?

Classic pizza sauce complements these twists perfectly, but ranch or a spicy marinara can add exciting flavor variations.

→ Can these twists be reheated?

Yes, reheating in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes refreshes the crispy texture without making them soggy.