Air Fryer Breadsticks

The long and thin bread we know today as breadsticks were first described in 1643 by a Florentine abbot. The dish may have started out as an effort to make it easier for Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, who had digestive problems when he was younger.

Why I Love This Recipe

The best way to enjoy a delicious and crispy breadstick is by making it in your air fryer! These simple ingredients will be ready within just minutes. The outside gets crisp, while the inside stays soft – you won’t want another breadstick after eating these Air Fryer Breadsticks!

Easy to make
Fun to make
Always a hit at parties
Perfect for picky eaters

If you love easy Air Fryer recipes, you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe.

Ingredients

These Air Fryer Breadsticks only require a few simple ingredients, all of which are easy to find at your local grocery store, but you should have most of these ingredients on hand already.

Pizza dough (equivalent to two large pizzas)
butter
Italian seasoning
salt
parsley
garlic powder

Substitutions

Butter: A healthier substitute for butter is olive oil. Although, butter is more flavorful than olive oil.

Italian seasoning: Make your own Italian seasoning by mixing together dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, dried sage, and dried rosemary.

Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

You only need a handful of kitchen tools to help you make this recipe for breadsticks.

Air fryer
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Bowl
Food brush
Microwave – used to melt the butter

How to Make Air Fryer Breadsticks

Making these Air Fryer Breadsticks is simple and easy. Follow these simple steps below and you will have a delicious side dish or snack in no time at all.

Step 1: Divide the dough into the breadsticks

Divide dough into desired size breadsticks to fit the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Twist the breadsticks

Twist each dough breadstick.

Step 3: Melt the butter

Melt butter and mix in spices.

Twisted dough to make breadsticks on a wooden board next to melted butter and herbs in a white bowl with a pastry brush

Step 4: Butter the breadsticks

Using a food brush, generously coat each breadstick with butter mixture.

air fryer breadsticks coated with butter and seasonings before being cooked

Step 5: Add the sticks to the air fryer

Place breadsticks in the air fryer basket leaving some room between sticks.

Breadsticks inside the air fryer before being cooked

Step 6: Air fry the twists

Cook in the air fryer on 350 for 6 minutes or until breadsticks are golden brown.

cooked Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks inside the air fryer

Step 7: Serve while warm

Enjoy with your favorite marinara sauce.

Air Fryer Breadsticks on a transparent plate

Variations / Options / Add-Ins

There are so many ways you can enjoy these Air Fryer Breadsticks. Be creative and try out some of these tasty variations.

Chocolate breadsticks: Skip the butter mixture and add chocolate chips inside your pizza dough when you twist it to make chocolate breadsticks that your kids will love.

Cheesy breadsticks: Put some sliced mozzarella cheese inside your twisted breadstick to have cheesy bread that is oh-so-yummy, just like these Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks!

Plain breadsticks: If what you’re looking for is plain and simple breadsticks, you can skip all the toppings, fillings, or butter mixture and make a plain breadstick that still tastes amazing.

Serving Suggestions

You can top your breadsticks with anything you like, be creative, and come up with your own combination.

Sesame seeds
Grated parmesan cheese
Pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breadstick being dipped in a dipping sauce

Tips

Want to make sure your breadsticks come out perfect each and every time? Follow these tips below.

If you don’t have time to make your own dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough.
If you want a softer breadstick, cook for less time.
Or if you want a crispier breadstick, cook for more time.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Be sure to generously brush the breadsticks with the butter mixture. This will ensure a delicious and flavorful breadstick.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. We love marinara, garlic dipping sauce, or ranch dressing.
These Air Fryer Breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm out of the air fryer.
If you love extra crispy breadsticks you can brush them with olive oil before you air fry them.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this Air Fryer Breadsticks recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

How to store

Store leftovers in a ziplock bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

How to reheat

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees and reheat breadsticks in the air fryer for around 3 minutes if at room temperature, and around 5 minutes if kept in a refrigerator.

How to make breadsticks with a different appliance?

You can bake breadsticks in a regular oven at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Line your pan with a greased baking sheet to keep the dough from sticking to the pan.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks being dipped in a dipping sauce

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you like air fryer recipes, give these recipes a try:

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📋 Recipe

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Air Fryer Breadsticks