If there’s one crowd-pleasing snack I keep coming back to, it’s these flaky, golden Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get buttery puff pastry filled with garlicky, cheesy goodness and the kind of crispy edges everyone fights over. They’re simple to make, ready in minutes, and endlessly dippable. Whether you’re in need of a last-minute appetizer or want a savory side for pasta night, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists deliver big on flavor and fun with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few basic ingredients come together to create the magic that is Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists. Each element brings something special to the table, guaranteeing maximum flavor and crunch in every delicious bite.
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed: The buttery, flaky foundation that gives these twists their irresistible layers and texture. Make sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the flavors meld into the pastry beautifully. If you only have salted butter, just use a little less added salt.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): The aromatic punch that makes each twist wonderfully savory—you can add a bit more if you’re a true garlic lover.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, cheesy goodness that bakes up crisp with the pastry for those addictive golden edges. Freshly grated is ideal but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon) or dried (1 teaspoon): For a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness; swap in dried if you’re out of fresh herbs, no problem.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory notes and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick that ties the whole flavor profile together with just the right amount of warmth.
- Optional: Marinara or ranch for dipping: These twists beg for dunking! Choose your favorite sauce or offer a couple for fun variety.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Get things started by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This quick step ensures your twists will cook up extra crisp and golden right from the first batch. Just let it run for 3 to 5 minutes while you prep the pastry.
Step 2: Prepare and Flavor the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth any seams and create a level base for all the toppings. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Next, brush this savory mixture evenly over every inch of the puff pastry—don’t forget the edges, as that’s where the flavor magic happens. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously across the top so every twist gets the perfect balance of cheese in every bite.
Step 3: Slice and Twist
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and gently twist it a couple of times, then press the ends lightly so they keep their fun curly shape during cooking. This step turns a simple puff pastry into those irresistible Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists everyone loves.
Step 4: Air Fry the Twists
Arrange a portion of twists in your air fryer basket, making sure to keep them in a single layer and give each one a little room. Overcrowding can lead to soggier snacks, so air fry in batches if needed. Cook the twists at 375°F for 7 to 9 minutes, until puffed, golden, and crisp. Keep a close eye toward the end so they get perfectly brown but not overdone!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the finished twists cool for a few minutes (they’re seriously hot!), then serve with your favorite dipping sauce. That first bite of warm, cheesy, garlicky pastry is pure bliss—share with friends or keep them all to yourself.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists
Garnishes
To take your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists totally over the top, sprinkle on a little extra grated Parmesan and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley right as they come out of the air fryer. This adds a pop of color and a final cheesy flourish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These twists pair perfectly with everything from saucy pasta dishes to big green salads. Try them alongside tomato basil soup for a comforting lunch, or set them out as an appetizer for a pizza or pasta night—they’re especially fun dipped in marinara or ranch.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin, arrange them “standing” in a mason jar, or fan them out on a platter with dipping bowls in the center. For parties, try threading them onto wooden skewers for a fun, snackable twist on breadsticks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delightfully crisp for a day or two, making them perfect for snacking or tucking into a lunchbox the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let your twists cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. When hunger strikes, just reheat straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first! This makes them a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for busy weeks or impromptu gatherings.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked crispiness, pop leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This method keeps Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists flaky and golden without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists an even more impressive flavor and texture, though store-bought works perfectly for speed and convenience.
How do I keep the twists from unraveling during cooking?
Make sure to gently pinch the ends of each twist to help them hold their shape, and avoid stretching the dough too much when twisting. A little gentle pressure goes a long way toward a perfect swirl.
Can I add other cheeses or seasonings?
Definitely—try sprinkling in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness or using a little Italian seasoning blend for more herbal depth. These twists are endlessly customizable to your favorite flavors!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can still make these in a conventional oven! Arrange the twists on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for around 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden.
How far in advance can I prep these twists?
You can prepare and shape Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists a few hours ahead; just store covered in the fridge and air fry when you’re ready to serve. They taste best freshly cooked, so plan to bake just before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a warm, crispy twist that’s so simple to make but impossible to resist. No matter the occasion, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists always steal the show. Don’t wait for your next party—whip up a batch and experience just how much joy a little puff pastry and parmesan can bring!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists are a delightful twist on traditional breadsticks. With a crispy, golden exterior and a flavorful, cheesy interior, these twists are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Twists:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving:
- Marinara or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and brush with a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
- Cut and Twist: Cut the pastry into strips, twist each strip, and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 375°F for 7–9 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining twists.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra cheesy flavor, add shredded mozzarella or Italian seasoning.
- These twists are great for any occasion, from snacking to a side for pasta dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
