Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists: Easy Recipe & Crispy Perfection

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists: Prepare to be utterly captivated by these golden, crispy, and utterly irresistible treats! Imagine the delightful aroma of garlic mingling with the savory tang of Parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection in your air fryer. These aren’t just any breadsticks; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and they’re incredibly easy to make.

While the exact origins of twisted breadsticks are a bit hazy, the combination of garlic and Parmesan has deep roots in Italian-American cuisine. Think of the classic garlic bread served alongside pasta dishes – a simple yet satisfying pairing that has become a beloved staple. These Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists take that familiar flavor profile and elevate it to a whole new level of convenience and deliciousness.

What’s not to love? The air fryer creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. The garlic Parmesan topping provides a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer, a side dish with your favorite Italian meal, or even as a snack on their own. The ease of preparation and the incredible taste are why people adore this recipe. Get ready to make a batch (or two!) because these twists are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: Marinara sauce, for dipping

Preparing the Dough and Garlic Butter:

1. First, let’s get that pizza dough ready. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it much easier to work with and prevent it from tearing when you try to stretch it out. Trust me, a relaxed dough is a happy dough!
2. While the dough is resting, let’s whip up that amazing garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. The aroma alone is going to make your mouth water! Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s what makes these twists so irresistible.
3. Now, lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to roll out. You can use all-purpose flour or even a little cornmeal for a slightly different texture.
4. Unroll the pizza dough onto the floured surface. If it’s a rectangular sheet, great! If it’s a round dough, gently stretch it into a rectangular shape. Aim for a rectangle that’s roughly 12×16 inches. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little imperfection adds character!
5. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. This is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy with the garlic butter!

Cutting and Twisting the Dough:

1. Now comes the fun part – cutting and twisting! Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into strips that are about 1 inch wide. You should end up with around 12-16 strips, depending on the size of your dough.
2. Pick up one strip of dough at a time. Gently stretch it out a little bit to make it slightly longer. This will help create a nice, defined twist.
3. Hold one end of the strip in each hand. Twist the strip in opposite directions, creating a spiral shape. Don’t twist it too tightly, or it might break. You want a nice, gentle twist that shows off the layers of garlic butter and Parmesan.
4. Once you’ve twisted the strip, pinch the ends together to seal them. This will prevent the twist from unraveling during cooking. Place the twisted dough onto a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining strips of dough until you have a whole batch of beautiful, twisted garlic Parmesan goodness!

Air Frying the Twists:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure that the twists cook evenly and get nice and golden brown. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at 350°F for a few minutes before adding the twists.
2. Carefully place the twisted dough into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the twists won’t cook properly. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model.
4. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the twists over to ensure even browning on both sides. This will also help them cook more evenly.
5. Once the twists are golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. While the twists are still warm, sprinkle them with some fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan perfectly.
2. Serve the garlic Parmesan air fryer twists immediately. They are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey and the dough is soft and chewy.
3. These twists are delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer. They also make a great side dish for pasta, soup, or salad.
4. For an extra touch of flavor, serve the twists with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the savory garlic and Parmesan.
5. Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for a day or two, but they are definitely best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Cheese lover’s delight: Use a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone cheese for an even cheesier experience.
• Herb garden: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or rosemary, to customize the flavor.
• Sweet and savory: Sprinkle the twists with a little bit of sugar after cooking for a sweet and savory treat.
• Garlic herb butter: Add some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter for an even more flavorful twist.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Sprinkle the twists with everything bagel seasoning before air frying for a delicious and crunchy topping.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the twists ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Dipping sauces: Get creative with your dipping sauces! Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Troubleshooting:

• Twists are burning: If your twists are burning, reduce the air fryer temperature by 25 degrees and check them more frequently.
• Twists are not cooking through: If your twists are not cooking through, increase the air fryer temperature slightly and cook them for a few more minutes.
• Dough is sticking: If the dough is sticking to your work surface, add more flour.
• Twists are unraveling: Make sure to pinch the ends of the twists together tightly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 10-15g
• Saturated Fat: 5-8g
• Cholesterol: 20-30mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 5-7g

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the crispy, golden-brown exterior, the soft, chewy interior, and that incredible garlic parmesan flavor is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of snack that disappears in minutes, leaving you wanting more.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. We’re talking about minimal prep time and a super-fast cook time in the air fryer. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying snack or side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike will devour these twists. They’re also a fantastic way to use up any leftover pizza dough or even puff pastry for a flakier version.

Think of these twists as your new go-to appetizer for parties, a fun addition to your next movie night, or even a delightful accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad. Imagine serving them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup – the perfect comfort food combination!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic parmesan mixture. Or, if you’re a fan of herbs, sprinkle in some dried oregano, basil, or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. You could even experiment with different cheeses! A blend of parmesan and asiago would be absolutely divine.

For a sweeter twist (pun intended!), consider brushing the twists with a little melted butter and sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar after they come out of the air fryer. These would be amazing with a cup of coffee or tea.

Another fun variation is to add a dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you could also try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a creamy pesto. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect pairing!

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous! You could even stuff the dough with mozzarella cheese before twisting for an extra cheesy treat. Or, for a healthier option, use whole wheat dough and reduce the amount of parmesan cheese.

I truly believe that this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists is a winner. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the most addictive snack you’ve ever made!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you choose? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and comments below! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy air frying! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Twists!

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