Crispy Air Fryer Bread Twists

My teenage son stumbled into the kitchen last Saturday, raiding the fridge like he always does around 3 PM, and casually asked if we could turn leftover pizza dough into something twisty and cheesy. I'd been experimenting with my new air fryer for weeks anyway, mostly with mixed results, so we rolled up our sleeves and made up a recipe on the spot. The smell that filled the kitchen made both of us stop mid conversation—garlic butter hitting hot cheese is basically impossible to ignore. Now he asks for these every weekend, and I've stopped pretending it was my idea all along.

Last time I made these for a casual Friday night gathering, my friend Sarah actually hovered near the air fryer waiting for each batch to finish. She claimed she was helping me transfer them to the serving plate, but I noticed about three twists mysteriously disappeared during the process. Now whenever I invite people over, someone inevitably asks if those bread twists will make an appearance.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: The shortcut that makes this whole thing possible—fresh dough works too if you're feeling ambitious
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates those irresistible cheese pulls in every bite
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that balances the mild mozzarella perfectly
• Pizza sauce: Spread it inside and serve extra on the side for dipping
• Dried Italian herbs: Oregano, basil, and thyme bring that classic pizza flavor we all crave
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love the subtle heat they sneak in
• Unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with garlic, this creates that golden, aromatic finish
• Garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference here—dont skip it
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and freshness to finish

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 375°F for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else

Roll out the dough:

On a lightly floured surface, stretch it into a rough rectangle about 10 by 14 inches—dont stress about perfection here

Add your fillings:

Spread pizza sauce over half the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick

Fold and slice:

Fold the dough in half to cover the filling, press gently to seal, then cut into 8 even strips with a sharp knife or pizza cutter

Twist and place:

Give each strip a few twists and arrange them in your air fryer basket in a single layer—work in batches if they don't all fit

Make the garlic butter:

While the air fryer works its magic, stir together melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl

Brush and air fry:

Brush the tops of each twist with garlic butter, then air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until they're golden and crispy

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want them to look extra pretty, and serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side

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These became my go-to contribution for family movie night, mostly because they disappear faster than I can get them onto plates. Something about tearing into warm, cheesy bread just makes everything feel more cozy and celebratory.

Making Them Ahead

I've prepped these through the twisting step earlier in the day, covered the tray tightly, and kept them in the fridge until guests arrive. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time since they'll be cold going in.

Dipping Sauces That Work

Beyond pizza sauce, these are fantastic with marinara, ranch dressing, or even a quick garlic aioli stirred together with mayo and roasted garlic.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the twisted, uncooked dough on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Air fry straight from frozen, adding about 3 minutes to the cook time.

• Let frozen twists thaw on the counter for 15 minutes before air frying for even better results
• Freeze them after the first cooking if you want to reheat quickly later—they'll crisp back up beautifully in about 3 minutes
• Always cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming

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There's something deeply satisfying about pulling hot, golden twists from the air fryer and watching everyone reach for one simultaneously.

Recipe FAQs

→ What dough works best for the twists?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for these twists as it’s easy to roll out and shapes well when twisted.

→ Can I add other fillings to the twists?

Absolutely, adding pepperoni slices, olives, or other favorite toppings enhances the flavor and texture.

→ How do I ensure the twists stay crispy after cooking?

Air fry the twists until golden brown, turning halfway for even crispiness, and serve immediately for the best texture.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispness and even cooking.

→ Is garlic butter necessary for the best flavor?

Brushing with garlic butter adds a rich, aromatic finish that complements the cheesy filling perfectly.