If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s equal parts flaky, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, look no further than these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists. Imagine golden puff pastry spirals layered with garlicky butter, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and a fragrant touch of Italian herbs—all crisped to perfection in your air fryer for a treat that’s as effortless to make as it is irresistible to eat. These twists are the ultimate savory snack for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you feel like treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple magic behind these twists—each ingredient is essential, working together to create layers of flavor and that signature crunch. The combination of store-bought puff pastry and pantry staples means you can whip these up in a snap, but don’t underestimate how much each element boosts the taste, aroma, and texture of your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: The flaky, buttery base that bakes up gorgeously crisp in the air fryer.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic and Parmesan adhere to every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the pastry with bold, aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): Nutty, salty, and savory, Parmesan creates those irresistible cheesy layers.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green for color and a hint of herby freshness.
- Italian Seasoning: Lends a fragrant, complex blend that elevates every twist.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor note.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures the twists get perfectly golden and don’t stick to your basket.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you even touch the puff pastry, give your air fryer a quick head start by preheating it to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures that your twists start crisping up the moment they hit the basket, giving you that signature flaky crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out gently, just enough to smooth out any creases—no need to make it too thin! This step sets the foundation for even baking and easy twisting.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Stir them together until the garlic is evenly distributed, creating a fragrant, flavorful mixture. This garlicky butter is what’s going to make your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists truly stand out.
Step 4: Layer on the Flavors
Brush the garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a touch of black pepper evenly over the top. Don’t be shy—a well-seasoned pastry is a delicious pastry!
Step 5: Fold and Slice
Carefully fold the pastry in half lengthwise, pressing gently to seal the edges together. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips. This is where you create that perfect twist shape everyone loves.
Step 6: Twist and Arrange
Take each strip and twist it a few times to create pretty spirals. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one so they crisp evenly. Give them a light mist of cooking spray or a brush of oil to help them turn golden and irresistible.
Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry your twists for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and beautifully crisp. Keep an eye on them near the end—they can go from perfect to overdone in a flash! Once done, let them cool slightly, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like that extra burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley takes these twists from tasty to truly stunning. Not only does it add a bright pop of color, but it also delivers a fresh, herby note that balances out the richness. For a little extra zing, try a light dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
These twists are the perfect partner for classic marinara sauce, creamy ranch, or even a tangy garlic aioli for dipping. Pair them with a crisp green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a simple yet satisfying meal. They also shine as a sidekick to pasta dinners or hearty stews.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, stack the twists in a tall glass or arrange them upright in a basket lined with a linen napkin. For appetizer parties, serve them in a spiral around a bowl of your favorite dip. These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists make a fun and festive edible centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge; just know they’ll lose a little crispness, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists! Arrange cooled twists on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—perfect for last-minute snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crunch, reheat the twists in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as new, with that perfect flaky texture and big, bold flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you love making your own puff pastry, go for it—the result will be even more decadent. Just make sure it’s rolled to about the same thickness as the store-bought version for even baking in the air fryer.
What dips go best with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all delicious options. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping sauces!
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, you can easily make a vegan version by using plant-based puff pastry (check the label), vegan butter, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The results are just as flaky and flavorful.
How do I prevent the twists from sticking together in the air fryer?
Make sure to leave a little space between each twist in the basket. If needed, cook them in batches so the air can circulate and each twist gets perfectly crisp.
Can I add other ingredients or spices?
Definitely! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap in your favorite herbs like basil or chives. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a simple but sensational appetizer, give these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists a try! They’re so fun to make, even more fun to eat, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists are a quick and delicious appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry twisted with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly crisp and golden, they make an easy savory snack or party treat that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out gently to smooth any seams or creases for an even texture.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic until well combined, creating a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Apply Garlic Butter and Season: Brush the garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Then sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Fold and Slice: Fold the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise, pressing gently to seal the edges. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded sheet into 1-inch wide strips.
- Twist Strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to create the twist shape. This helps the layers puff and crisp beautifully during cooking.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the twisted strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each twist for even cooking. Lightly spray them with cooking oil.
- Cook the Twists: Air fry the twists at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the twists from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing on the pastry.
- These twists are best enjoyed warm and freshly cooked to maintain their crispiness.
- Pair them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
