Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
These golden, chewy pretzel bites are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They make an irresistible snack that disappears fast.
Print
Pin
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- air fryer
- bench scraper
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water (110F)
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 3 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
For the Baking Soda Bath
- 4 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
For Topping
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Cheese Sauce or Whole Grain Mustard (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly. Add the melted butter, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1/2-inch thick, then use a knife or bench scraper to cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and stir in the baking soda. Working in batches, drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- This quick bath is what gives the pretzel bites their signature chewy crust and deep golden-brown color.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Arrange the boiled pretzel bites in the basket in a single layer with a little space between each one. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through, until the pretzel bites are deeply golden brown all over.
- Immediately brush the hot pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt while the butter is still glistening.
- Serve warm with cheese sauce or whole grain mustard for dipping.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g
Cost: $5