Parmesan and mozzarella air fryer puff pastry cheese twists are an easy, flavorful appetizer or side. Homemade puff pastry cheese straws surpass the store-bought versions in taste and texture, yet they’re simple to prepare from a few basic ingredients: puff pastry sheets, cheese, and a seasoned butter. Make a batch for parties, picnics, or a quick snack—you’ll be glad you did.
Boasting the satisfying flavors of Parmesan and mozzarella, these crispy twists work well for everything from casual snacking to party platters. Serve warm for maximum crunch.
Why You’ll Love Them
Simple to make: Start with thawed puff pastry sheets, a garlic-parmesan butter, and mozzarella. Brush the strips, add cheese, twist, and air fry until golden.
Crisp and crunchy: Fresh from the air fryer these have an irresistible flaky crunch—perfect warm.
Customizable: Swap cheeses, try different herbs or spices, or pair with a variety of dipping sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredients Overview
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
- Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella for flavor and meltiness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives savory depth.
- Puff pastry: Store-bought sheets keep the recipe fast and reliable.
- Butter: Melted and seasoned to brush on the pastry.
- Seasonings: Dried basil, paprika, and salt enhance the flavor.
- Marinara: A classic dip that pairs perfectly.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cheese Twists
For exact measurements and timings, refer to the recipe card below.
- Thaw the pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed.
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut strips: Lightly flour a work surface and cut each sheet into 1-inch strips.
- Prepare cheese and butter mix: Slice mozzarella into thin strips. Combine melted butter with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, dried basil, paprika, and salt, then brush over the pastry strips.
- Assemble: Place a mozzarella strip on each pastry strip, twist tightly to encase the cheese, and brush more butter on top.
- Air fry: Arrange twists in a single layer with a little space between them and air fry for about 7 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Substitutions and Variations
Try dried oregano instead of basil, or replace paprika with cayenne for heat. Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses. For dips, offer tomato salsa, chive-and-onion dip, guacamole, or any favorite sauce to broaden the flavor options.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Offer with warm marinara and other small bites for a party platter.
Snack: Serve with a sweet treat on the side to balance the savory flavors.
Main meals: These work well alongside soup, salad, or roasted meats.
Drinks: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, or cocktails all pair nicely depending on the occasion.
Storage
Store: Keep cooled twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked twists on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to freezer bags; baked twists freeze well too—freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag.
Reheat: Re-crisp in a 350°F oven for a few minutes or warm in the air fryer until flaky again.
Top Tips
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for clean cuts and proper layering.
- Handle the twists gently; they can be fragile once baked.
- Make ahead: prepare and freeze unbaked twists for quick baking later.
- A pizza wheel works well for cutting even strips through pastry and cheese.
FAQs
You can prepare them up to a week in advance if stored in an airtight container. If they soften, re-crisp them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
Freeze unbaked twists on a parchment-lined sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. For baked twists, cool completely before freezing on a tray, then bag. Reheat unbaked straight from frozen, or re-crisp baked ones in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Puff Pastry Garlic Twists Recipe
Crunchy, cheesy, and savory—these air fryer puff pastry cheese twists make a quick crowd-pleasing snack. Serve with marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 8 ounces mozzarella, block (sliced into strips)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Allow puff pastry to thaw completely.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour a cutting board and unroll the puff pastry.
- Cut the pastry into 1″ strips.
- Slice mozzarella into 1/4″ strips.
- Combine melted butter, Parmesan, dried basil, minced garlic, and sea salt; mix well.
- Brush pastry with the butter mixture.
- Lay a mozzarella strip down the center of each pastry strip and twist tightly to cover the cheese.
- Brush the twists with remaining butter. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about 1/2″ between each.
- Cook for about 7 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve warm with marinara.
Notes
- Thaw the pastry completely before working with it.
- Handle twists gently; they can be fragile once baked.
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked for quick baking later.
- Use a pizza wheel for evenly cut strips.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 394 | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sodium: 519 mg
Once you try these cheese twists from scratch you’ll likely add them to your regular appetizer rotation. They’re flavorful, quick to prepare, and always popular when paired with marinara for dipping.
Other Recipes You Will Love
- Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes — cute and delicious.
- Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites — a savory, satisfying treat.
- No-Bake Mini Cherry Cheesecake Desserts — simple and sweet.
- Blueberry Brie Pastry and Dip Appetizer — another great air fryer option.
- Air Fryer Apricot Apple Cinnamon Dumplings — warm and comforting.
