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

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.

Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Pretzel Bites dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry 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.

Can I make Air Fryer Pretzel Bites gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp pretzel salt or coarse sea salt. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works); the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Air Fryer Pretzel Bites keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

Can I halve or double Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, air-fry in batches; a crowded basket steams instead of crisping.

Serve it with

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