Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

$- 1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F) - 2 teaspoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling) - Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling) - 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing) Gather these simple ingredients for air fryer pretzel bites. Warm water helps activate the yeast. Make sure it's not too hot. The sugar feeds the yeast, making it frothy. The flour gives the dough its structure and chew. Salt adds flavor, while baking soda helps create that classic pretzel taste. Coarse sea salt gives a nice crunch on top. Finally, melted butter adds richness and shine. These ingredients work together to form tasty pretzel bites. You can find them at any grocery store. Feel free to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and great for any skill level. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To start, mix 1 cup of warm water with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar in a bowl. The water should be between 110°F and 115°F. This warmth helps the yeast grow. Next, sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want to see it become frothy, which shows the yeast is alive. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. This step is key for good texture. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. It should double in size. After rising, punch it down. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into 1-inch squares or triangles. This gives you bite-sized pieces. Now, prepare a baking soda solution. In a medium bowl, dissolve 1/4 cup of baking soda in about 4 cups of hot water. Carefully dip each piece of dough into this solution for about 30 seconds. This step adds the classic pretzel flavor. After dipping, place the bites on a towel to drain. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once ready, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the pretzel bites in a single layer. Make sure they aren't crowded. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown. You may need to fry in batches. As soon as the bites are done, brush them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. While they are still warm, sprinkle coarse sea salt over them. This adds a tasty finish. For a fun touch, serve them with cheese dip or mustard for dipping. Enjoy your tasty snack! When making pretzel bites, watch for common mistakes. First, avoid adding too much flour. This can make the dough dry. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. It should feel smooth and soft. If it feels sticky, add a bit of flour, but don’t overdo it. To tell if the dough has risen properly, look for size. It should double in volume. You can also poke it gently. If it springs back slowly, it is ready. If it doesn’t, it may need more time to rise. For even cooking, space the bites well in the air fryer. Don’t overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to flow around each bite. Flip them halfway through cooking for nice browning. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Different air fryer models can vary. Start with 6-8 minutes, but check often. If they are not golden brown, add another minute. To add flavor to your pretzel bites, consider seasonings. Coarse sea salt is classic, but you can try garlic powder or onion powder. For a sweet twist, add cinnamon sugar after baking. To achieve a crispy exterior, dip the bites in the baking soda solution. This step is key for that pretzel taste. Brush them with melted butter right after cooking. This keeps them soft and adds flavor. {{image_2}} You can make your pretzel bites stand out with new flavors. Try adding cheese or herbs into the dough. Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist. You can also use herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for a savory touch. Another fun idea is to create sweet pretzel bites. After baking, sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. This gives a warm, sweet flavor that kids love. You can even dip them in icing for a treat. Dipping sauces enhance the joy of eating pretzel bites. Some popular choices are cheese sauce and mustard. For cheese dip, melt cream cheese and mix it with shredded cheddar. Heat it gently until smooth. For mustard sauce, simply mix Dijon mustard with honey. This gives a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the salty bites. Both sauces are easy to make and add extra fun. You can enjoy pretzel bites even if you're gluten-free or vegan. For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Make sure the blend has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. If you want vegan pretzel bites, skip the butter and use oil instead. You can brush the bites with olive oil right after cooking. This keeps them soft and adds flavor without animal products. Enjoy these tasty variations! To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This will help maintain crispness. Refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to reheat them, use your air fryer. Just air fry at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them warm and crispy, just like fresh out of the fryer. If you have extra pretzel bites, freezing is a good option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their texture. Fresh pretzel bites are best eaten within three days if stored in the fridge. If frozen, they can last up to three months without losing flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. By following these tips, you can enjoy your pretzel bites at their best! Yes, you can use instant yeast. It works well in this recipe. Instant yeast does not need to be dissolved before use. You can mix it straight with the flour. This saves time and still gives great results. The pretzel bites will rise nicely and taste just as good. You can tell when they are done by their color and texture. Look for a deep golden brown color. The bites should feel firm but soft inside. If you tap them, they should sound hollow. This means they are cooked through, and ready to eat! If you don’t have baking soda, use baking powder. But keep in mind, the flavor will change a bit. You can also try using lye, which is traditional for pretzels. Just be careful with lye, as it can be dangerous if not handled correctly. For these pretzel bites, any air fryer that heats to 375°F works well. Look for one with a good basket size. This lets you cook enough bites in one go. A model with adjustable time and temperature settings makes it easy. This way, you can get the perfect results every time! Making pretzel bites is fun and simple with the right steps. We covered the essential ingredients, from warm water to coarse sea salt. You learned how to activate yeast, prepare, shape, and boil the dough. We also explored air frying techniques and delicious flavor variations. Remember these tips to perfect your pretzel bites. Store them well for later, and don’t forget about dipping sauces. Enjoy tasty bites that impress! With practice, you can make pretzel bites everyone will love.$

Satisfy your snack cravings with these delicious Air Fryer Pretzel Bites! This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time and features simple ingredients like warm water, flour, and a touch of baking soda for that classic flavor. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they’re golden, buttery, and ready to dip! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)

Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture.

Stir until a dough begins to form, then knead for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.

Cut the dough into 1-inch squares or triangles, depending on your preference for bite sizes.

In a medium bowl, dissolve the baking soda in about 4 cups of hot water. Carefully dip each piece of dough into the baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. This helps achieve the classic pretzel flavor.

Remove the bites from the solution and place them onto a towel to drain slightly.

Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with a little oil. Place the pretzel bites in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not crowded.

Air fry for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches.

Once out of the air fryer, brush the bites with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sea salt over them while they’re still warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 4-6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pretzel bites warm on a platter with a small bowl of cheese dip or mustard for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for color!