Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer garlic butter twists! Picture this: golden, flaky puff pastry twisted into little spirals of joy, brushed with the most heavenly garlic butter mixture that’ll make your whole kitchen smell incredible. I stumbled upon this recipe one lazy Sunday when I needed a quick snack for unexpected guests – now it’s my go-to appetizer for everything from game nights to “I just need something delicious right now” moments. The best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes, and that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture will have everyone begging for the recipe. Trust me, once you taste these buttery, garlicky twists, you’ll understand why I’m completely obsessed!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Twists
Listen, I know you’re going to fall head over heels for these little twists of joy—here’s why:
- Crazy fast: 20 minutes from fridge to plate (yes, really!)
- Foolproof: Even my 8-year-old niece can make ’em
- That garlic butter smell: Your neighbors will knock just to ask what’s cooking
- Party magic: I’ve watched these disappear faster than chips at every gathering
- Pantry staples: You probably have everything right now
- Air fryer crispiness: Gets that perfect golden crunch without heating up your oven
Seriously—they’re the edible equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite person.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Twists
Gather these simple ingredients—I promise you won’t need anything fancy! Here’s what makes these twists so magical:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold – trust me, it handles better this way)
- 4 tbsp butter (melted and slightly cooled – I use salted for extra flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced fresh – none of that jarred stuff!)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped fine – dried works in a pinch but fresh is best)
- 1/4 tsp salt (I use flaky sea salt for texture)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground makes all the difference)
That’s it! Six ingredients for golden, garlicky perfection. Now let’s get twisting!
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Twists
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making these addictive little twists! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this takes about 3 minutes in most models. While it’s heating up, roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. I usually get about 12 strips from one sheet.
- Twist each strip gently but firmly – don’t worry about perfection here! The more rustic, the better. Just hold both ends and twist in opposite directions.
- Make the garlic butter by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let it sit for a minute so the flavors meld.
- Arrange twists in the air fryer basket in a single layer – they shouldn’t touch each other. You’ll probably need to work in batches.
- Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture – don’t be shy here! The more you use, the more flavorful they’ll be.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them after 7 minutes – all air fryers run a bit differently.
Tips for Perfect Twists
Here’s my hard-earned wisdom for twist success: Don’t overcrowd the basket (they’ll steam instead of crisp), use fresh garlic (jarred just doesn’t taste the same), and check for doneness early – better safe than sorry with these golden beauties! For more general tips on using your appliance, check out this guide on air fryer best practices.
Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Twists
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is perfect as-is, don’t get me wrong), try these fun twists:
- Cheesy delight: Sprinkle grated parmesan before air frying – it gets all crispy and amazing
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter
- Herb garden: Mix in some fresh rosemary or thyme with the parsley
- Everything bagel: Top with everything seasoning after brushing with butter
Really, the sky’s the limit – make them your own! If you enjoy cheesy appetizers, you might also like this air fryer Mexican restaurant cheese dip (Queso Blanco).
Serving Suggestions
These garlic butter twists disappear fast no matter how you serve them, but my favorite ways are with marinara for dipping (like fancy breadsticks!), a cool ranch drizzle, or alongside tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal. Honestly? They’re magical straight off the tray too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the scoop on keeping these twists tasting fresh – if you somehow have leftovers! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. (Pro tip: They’ll never be quite as magical as fresh, but they’ll still disappear fast!)
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Twists FAQs
I get asked about these twists all the time – here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30 minutes. The key is keeping it cold but pliable – if it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to work with.
How do I prevent sogginess?
Two secrets: First, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – give those twists room to breathe! Second, make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot when brushing – warm is fine, but piping hot butter can make the pastry soggy before cooking. Understanding the science behind why butter affects crispiness can help!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the twists up to brushing with butter, then refrigerate for a few hours. But for best results, I recommend air frying right before serving – nothing beats fresh-from-the-fryer crispiness!
Why are my twists unraveling?
If your pastry is too warm, it loses its structure. Chill the sheet for 5 minutes if needed before twisting. And don’t twist too tightly – a gentle twist holds better!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know – these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary, but here’s the scoop per twist: about 120 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated), 10g carbs, and 1.5g protein. Not bad for pure deliciousness, right?
Did you make these garlic butter twists? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social – seeing your creations makes my day!
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20-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Twists That Steal Hearts
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 twists
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor, these air fryer garlic butter twists are made with puff pastry for a quick and delicious snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 1-inch strips.
- Twist each strip and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the twists.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American