If you love snacks that are crispy, garlicky, and cheesy all at once, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe. These golden puff pastry twists come out perfectly crisp on the outside, with the most irresistible garlic butter and Parmesan cheese flavor packed inside every bite. They make an effortless, show-stopping appetizer or snack that’s ready in under 20 minutes and brings pure comfort with every twist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to whenever you want something simple but incredibly delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe plays a vital role—each one adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together beautifully without any fuss. These basics are easy to find and prepare, yet they transform a simple puff pastry into a memorable treat.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The flaky, buttery base that becomes perfectly crispy in the air fryer.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses the twists with rich moisture and helps carry the garlic flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): The star ingredient that delivers that signature aromatic and savory punch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and a melty, golden crust on top.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, herbaceous balance and a pop of green color.
- Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of dried herbs that enhances the garlic and cheese perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch to brighten and elevate all the flavors.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures a flawless release and crisp texture without sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to crisp those twists to perfection. While it heats, mix your melted butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This garlicky butter is the magic that flavors every inch of your pastry.
Step 2: Roll Out and Season the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet gently. Using a brush, coat the entire pastry surface evenly with your garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley all over, making sure every bite will have that savory, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Fold and Cut into Strips
Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, gently pressing it together to sandwich the seasonings inside. Now, take a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips. These strips are the future twists—ready to become little golden delights.
Step 4: Twist and Air Fry
Grab each strip and twist it several times to create that classic spiral shape. Place the twists with some space between them in your air fryer basket, then lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they turn beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once done, remove your garlic parmesan twists from the basket and serve them immediately for that best fresh, warm crunch. These bites are irresistible straight from the air fryer when the cheese is still slightly melty.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra chopped parsley on top after cooking adds a fresh burst of color and an herbaceous note that’s simply delightful. Don’t shy away from adding a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
These twists make the perfect accompaniment to almost anything Italian-inspired—imagine pairing them with a creamy tomato basil soup, a hearty pasta marinara, or even a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette. They also work beautifully as an appetizer alongside cured meats and cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange these twists upright in a tall glass or mason jar alongside dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a garlicky aioli. They also look fantastic nested on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olives, nuts, and sliced fresh veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because these disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep them fresh though they’re best enjoyed on the same day.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked twisted strips by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive their crunch, reheat leftover twists in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy. This method refreshes that crisp exterior and warm, melty interior beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough gives a softer, fluffier texture compared to puff pastry’s flaky crunch. Both work wonderfully with this recipe, so try whichever you prefer.
Is it necessary to thaw the puff pastry before using it?
Yes, thawing is important for easy handling and proper baking. Softened dough allows you to unfold and twist the strips without cracking or tearing.
Can I make these twists vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a dairy-free puff pastry and substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. You can also use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How many twists does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 10 twists, perfect for sharing as an appetizer or snack at your next gathering.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake them instead?
Definitely! You can bake the twists in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe enough—it’s quick, easy, and so incredibly tasty that every bite feels special. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute appetizer or craving a savory snack, these twists hit all the right notes with their crispy, cheesy, garlicky perfection. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear at your table!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 10 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists are crispy, flavorful puff pastry breadsticks infused with garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
Topping
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the twists.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet carefully to prevent tearing.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Evenly brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the garlic butter mixture ensuring full coverage.
- Add Parmesan and Parsley: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley evenly over the buttered pastry surface.
- Fold and Slice: Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise and gently press the edges to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Twist the Strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to create spiral shapes, which will enhance the crispy texture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the twisted strips in the air fryer basket spaced apart to allow air circulation. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to aid browning.
- Air Fry: Cook the twists in batches for 6–8 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Remove the twists carefully and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more Parmesan on top before air frying.
- Substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
- These twists make a great appetizer or side dish for pasta and soups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
