Welcome to my air fryer soft pretzels recipe! If you’re a fan of soft, chewy pretzels, then this recipe is definitely perfect for you.
It’s a healthier version of the classic snack that you can enjoy guilt-free. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also delicious and fun to customize with different toppings and tasty dipping sauces.
Making soft pretzels at home may seem daunting, but with the help of your air fryer and a stand mixer, it’s easier than you think.
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
The dough is mixed and kneaded using a stand mixer, making the process fast and effortless. After allowing the dough to rise, the pretzels are boiled in baking soda water, brushed with an egg wash, and sprinkled with pretzel salt.
Finally, they’re air-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
So, whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity or a snack to share with family and friends, this air fryer soft pretzels recipe is a definitely must-try.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Easy To Make: One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The dough is mixed and kneaded in a stand mixer, making the process fast and effortless.
Plus, the recipe includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your pretzels turn out perfect every time.
Fun Activity For The Whole Family: Making soft pretzels at home is not only a delicious snack but also a fun activity for the whole family. Get your kids involved in the process by letting them help mix the dough, shape the pretzels, and brush them with the egg wash.
It’s a great way to spend quality time together while also teaching your kids valuable skills in the kitchen.
Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a snack to enjoy while watching a movie, hosting a game night, or having a casual get-together with friends, these air fryer soft pretzels are perfect for any occasion.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Soft Pretzels Ingredients
For this soft pretzel in air fryer recipe you will need:
- 4 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2oz (55g) Butter (melted)
- 1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
- 2/3 cup Baking Soda
- 10 cups Water
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 package Active Dry Yeast
- Pretzel Salt
🥨 Soft Pretzel Air Fryer Recipe
Follow this easy air fried soft pretzels recipe:
Step 1
Combine the water, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl (use a dough hook). Add the yeast on top, and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2
Add the flour and melted butter. Turn on the mixer on low speed and mix until well combined.
Then, increase the speed and knead until the dough is smooth. It should take no more than 5-6 minutes.
Step 3
Place the dough in a bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for about an hour. The dough will increase in size.
Step 4
Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C).
Step 5
Pour the 10 cups of water into a large stockpot. Add the baking soda, mix well, and then bring to a boil.
Step 6
Place the pretzel dough onto an oiled surface and divide it into 10 pieces. Roll each piece into a 18-20 inch rope. Then twist it into a pretzel shape.
Step 7
Place the pretzels (one by one) into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds and then remove them.
Step 8
Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture. Add pretzel salt on top, and then place in the air fryer basket (cook in 2 or 3 batches).
Air fry for 5-6 minutes. Then, turn them and air fry them for 5-6 more minutes.
Step 9
Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and let them cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy! This air fryer soft pretzels recipe is so easy and tasty!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked these air fried soft pretzels, make sure to check out these amazing recipes as well:
💡 Tips
Here are my top tips for making these air fryer soft pretzels:
1. Let The Dough Rise In A Warm Place
The key to making soft and fluffy pretzels is to let the dough rise properly. After mixing the dough, it needs to rest in a warm place for about an hour.
This allows the yeast to work its magic and makes the dough rise, creating light and airy pretzels.
A warm place can be a draft-free corner of your kitchen, on top of your oven, or near a sunny window. Cover the dough well with a plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
2. Boil The Pretzels In Baking Soda Water
Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water is what gives them their special chewy texture and golden brown color.
When the dough is boiled, the baking soda reacts with the dough’s surface, creating a thin layer of alkaline. This layer helps to create the characteristic crispy crust and soft interior of an excellent and tasty pretzel.
Boil each pretzel for 20-30 seconds before removing them and placing them on the baking sheet. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it.
3. Use A Dough Hook Attachment For Your Mixer
When mixing the dough, it’s recommended to use a dough hook attachment on your stand mixer.
This specific attachment allows for the dough to be thoroughly mixed and kneaded, resulting in a smooth and elastic texture.
Using a dough hook attachment also makes the mixing process easier and faster, which is helpful if you’re making a large batch of pretzels.
4. Don’t Overwork The Dough
While it’s important to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, it’s also important not to overwork the dough.
Overworking the dough can lead to tough and chewy pretzels, so it’s best to knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Be gentle with the dough and let it rest for a few minutes if it becomes too tough to handle. With time – you will get better at this. I promise!
5. Get Creative With Pretzel Shapes
While the traditional pretzel shape is a classic, it’s also fun to try different shapes to make your pretzels unique. Try making bite-sized pretzel nuggets or long pretzel sticks.
You can also make pretzel bites by cutting the dough into small pieces and boiling them in baking soda water, then brushing with the egg yolk mixture and air frying.
6. Serve With A Variety Of Dipping Sauces
Dipping sauces are the perfect addition to soft pretzels, so it’s a good idea to have a few options available.
Some classic dipping sauces include honey mustard, cheese sauce, and spicy mustard.
You can also make a homemade dipping sauce by mixing together your favorite condiments and spices.
For example, mixing ketchup and mayonnaise creates a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that pairs well with pretzels.
✔️ Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Instead of using pretzel salt, brush the boiled pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Air fry as directed in the recipe.
Everything Bagel Pretzels: Instead of pretzel salt, brush the boiled pretzels with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt).
Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños to the pretzel dough before kneading. Boil and air fry the pretzels as directed in the original recipe.
Garlic Parmesan Pretzels: Instead of pretzel salt, brush the boiled pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese. Air fry as directed in the original recipe. I recommend serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
All Purpose Flour: You can use bread flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Note that using bread flour will result in a chewier texture, while using whole wheat flour will result in a denser and nuttier flavor.
Butter: You can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Egg yolk: You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg yolk for a vegan version.
Pretzel Salt: You can use coarse sea salt, kosher salt, or any other type of flaky salt as a substitute for pretzel salt.
👪 FAQ
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the pretzels in a regular oven. Simply preheat the oven to 425F (218C), place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
How long does it take for the dough to rise?
It takes about an hour for the dough to rise in a warm place. The dough should double in size before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I freeze the pretzels?
Yes, you can freeze the pretzels. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
When ready to eat, thaw the pretzels in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or air fryer (2-3 minutes at 400F).
What can I use instead of pretzel salt?
If you don’t have pretzel salt, you can use coarse sea salt or kosher salt.
I hope you liked my soft pretzel air fryer recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and so much healthier than deep-fried pretzels. All you need is a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, and you can have fresh, homemade pretzels ready in no time.
If you have any questions about this air fryer soft pretzels recipe- feel free to comment below. Also, make sure to check out other easy air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- 4 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 oz Butter (55g) (melted)
- 1 Egg Yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
- 2/3 cup Baking Soda
- 10 cups Water
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 package Active Dry Yeast
- Pretzel Salt
- Combine the water, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl (use a dough hook). Add the yeast on top, and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the flour and melted butter. Turn on the mixer on low speed and mix until well combined.Then, increase the speed and knead until the dough is smooth. It should take no more than 5-6 minutes.
- Place the dough in a bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for about an hour. The dough will increase in size.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C).
- Pour the 10 cups of water into a large stockpot. Add the baking soda, mix well, and then bring to a boil.
- Place the pretzel dough onto an oiled surface and divide it into 10 pieces. Roll each piece into a 18-20 inch rope. Then twist it into a pretzel shape.
- Place the pretzels (one by one) into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds and then remove them.
- Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture. Add the pretzel salt on top, and then place in the air fryer basket (cook in 2 or 3 batches if needed).Air fry for 5-6 minutes. Then, turn them and air fry them for 5-6 more minutes.
- Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and let them cool for 10-15 minutes before serving
