Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Name: Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (105-110°F); 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup baking soda; 8 cups water (for baking soda bath); 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tbsp pretzel salt or coarse sea salt; 1 cup prepared cheese sauce (for dipping); 1/2 cup whole grain mustard (for dipping)

Soft, chewy homemade pretzel bites with a golden brown exterior and perfect salt-studded crust. These addictive snacks are air-fried to perfection and served with creamy cheese sauce for dipping.

38 minMediumServes 6175 cal/serving

GermanAppetizerAir FryerVegetarianHalal-friendlyPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup warm water (105-110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup baking soda
8 cups water (for baking soda bath)
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
1 cup prepared cheese sauce (for dipping)
1/2 cup whole grain mustard (for dipping)

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2

Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
5

Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and bring 8 cups water (for baking soda bath) and 1/2 cup baking soda to a simmer in a large pot (this creates the baking soda bath).
6

Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a rope about 1-inch thick, then cut each rope into 1 inchs to make pretzel bites.
7

Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
8

Transfer the pretzel bites to the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. Brush with 1 beaten large egg and sprinkle with 2 tbsp pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
9

Air fry for 7-8 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
10

Serve warm with 1 cup prepared cheese sauce (for dipping) and 1/2 cup whole grain mustard (for dipping) for dipping.

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Questions

What temperature does Air Fryer Pretzel Bites cook at?

For Air Fryer Pretzel Bites, the air fryer is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 5. The longest stretch at that heat is 8 minutes, in step 9. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time.

Is there a substitute for yeast in Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

The entry for Air Fryer Pretzel Bites calls for 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. In its place: Instant and active dry yeast swap measure for measure. Active dry wants five minutes in warm liquid first, while instant goes straight into the flour.

Can I make Air Fryer Pretzel Bites dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Air Fryer Pretzel Bites is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 1 cup prepared cheese sauce (for dipping). Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Air Fryer Pretzel Bites vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 1 cup prepared cheese sauce (for dipping) and 1 large egg, beaten. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

How many calories are in Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 175 calories, with 4 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 420 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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