Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs

Name: Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 beef or pork hot dogs; 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F); 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup baking soda; 4 cups water, boiling; 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water; 2 tsp coarse pretzel salt (or flaked sea salt); 1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard (for serving)

Hot dogs wrapped in chewy homemade pretzel dough, dipped in baking soda solution for that characteristic mahogany crust, then air fried to golden perfection. A fun and filling lunch the whole family will love.

52 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

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Ingredients

8 beef or pork hot dogs
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tsp granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups water, boiling
1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water
2 tsp coarse pretzel salt (or flaked sea salt)
1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard (for serving)

Instructions

1

Combine 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tsp granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy, confirming the yeast is active.
2

Stir in 1 tsp kosher salt and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour gradually, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out and knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
3

Divide the dough into equal portions - one portion per hot dog. Roll each portion into a rope about 18 inches long. Starting at one end of a 8 beef or pork hot dogs, wrap the dough rope in a tight spiral down the length of the dog, pinching the ends to seal.
4

In a wide bowl, stir 1/2 cup baking soda into 4 cups boiling water until dissolved. Working quickly, dip each wrapped dog into the baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds, then place on a wire rack to drip dry for 2 minutes.
5

Brush dipped pretzel dogs with 1 beaten with 1 tbsp water large egg and sprinkle with 2 tsp coarse pretzel salt (or flaked sea salt).
6

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket. Air fry the pretzel dogs in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway, until deep mahogany brown. Confirm the hot dogs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7

Serve immediately with 1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard (for serving).

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Questions

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs reach?

For Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs, the air fryer is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 6. The longest stretch at that heat is 12 minutes, in step 6. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What if the yeast does not foam in Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs?

Step 1 reads: "Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy, confirming the yeast is active." Then it is dead or the liquid was too hot. Step 1 is the test: no foam after ten minutes means start again with fresh yeast and liquid that feels barely warm, about 105 F.

What can I use instead of yeast in Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs?

The entry for Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs 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 Soft Pretzel Dogs gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs is 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp coarse pretzel salt (or flaked 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.

Does Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Dogs contain eggs?

Yes: 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Baked Spaghetti Squash Fritters side
Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apple and Pecans salad
Swamp Soup soup
Strawberry Milkshake drink

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