Air Fryer Pretzel Bites in Just 16 Minutes Total

Name: Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (240 ml) – for activating the yeast; 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp) – the leavening agent; 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting); 1 tablespoon sugar (12 g) – to feed the yeast; 2 teaspoons salt (10 g) – for flavor; 2 tablespoons baking soda (30 g) – for boiling the bites before air frying, it gives them their signature pretzel flavor and texture; 1 large egg (beaten) – for the egg wash, gives a nice shine; Coarse salt, for topping – adds texture and flavor; Cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet version; Melted butter for brushing on top post-baking; Sesame or poppy seeds for a crunchy topping

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Who doesn’t love warm, soft pretzel bites straight from the air fryer? They’re so easy to make—just mix up the dough, let it rise, shape into bites, and air fry for 6 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The air fryer gives you that perfect crispy outside and chewy inside texture without any frying hassle.

These pretzel bites offer a perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re the ultimate quick snack or party food that everyone loves. If you’re into easy air fryer recipes, this is a must-try.

Why Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

Using an air fryer for pretzel bites comes with a handful of benefits that really make a difference in both texture and health aspects.

Texture: Air frying gives these bites a uniformly crispy exterior without compromising their soft, chewy center.
Health benefits: Less oil means fewer calories and less fat. This is a win if you’re looking for healthier snack options.
Quick and convenient: As one of the quick air fryer snacks, pretzel bites can be ready in no time, perfect for unexpected guests or a speedy treat.

I’m very happy with how these turn out every time, and I’m confident you will be too.

See next: Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Equipment Needed

To whip up these tasty morsels, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Here’s what I recommend:

Air fryer: Any model will do, but I have my favorites. This tool is crucial for achieving that perfect pretzel bite texture.
Mixing bowls: For preparing the dough.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters in baking.
A rolling pin or dowel for shaping the dough
A sharp knife or pizza cutter: For cutting the dough into bite-sized pieces.
Parchment paper or an air fryer-safe baking dish.

Having the right air fryer accessories on hand will make the process smoother and ensure perfectly cooked pretzel bites every time.

Ingredients Checklist

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to delicious pretzel bites. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup warm water (240 ml) – for activating the yeast
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp) – the leavening agent
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 tablespoon sugar (12 g) – to feed the yeast
2 teaspoons salt (10 g) – for flavor
2 tablespoons baking soda (30 g) – for boiling the bites before air frying, it gives them their signature pretzel flavor and texture
1 large egg (beaten) – for the egg wash, gives a nice shine
Coarse salt, for topping – adds texture and flavor

Optional toppings and variations:

Cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet version
Melted butter for brushing on top post-baking
Sesame or poppy seeds for a crunchy topping

This dough recipe and the seasoning variations allow for customization based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re after the classic salty pretzel bite or something sweeter, these air fryer pretzel bites ingredients have got you covered.

How to Make Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.

Yeast activation for pretzel bite dough in a mixing bowl

Add salt and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

Mixing ingredients to form shaggy dough for pretzel bites

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Proper dough rolling techniques are essential here for the ideal texture.

Kneading pretzel dough to achieve smooth and elastic texture

Shaping the Pretzel Bites: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces for shaping. Roll each piece into a long rope, about ½ inch in diameter, then cut into 1½ inch pieces to form bites.

Pretzel dough shaped into bites, ready for baking soda bath

For the baking soda bath: Bring 9 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds each, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Boiling pretzel bites in baking soda water for texture

Brush the top of each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt to prepare them for air frying.

Preparing pretzel bites with egg wash and coarse salt before air frying

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Place pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

Arranging pretzel bites in air fryer basket for cooking

Cook for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Adjust cooking times as needed since air fryer temperatures can vary.

If desired, brush the finished pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt or your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.

Essential Note: Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the pretzel bites and adjust the cooking time as needed. They should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside but still soft and chewy on the inside.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 10

Calories: 150

Nutrition Facts	Amount	% Daily Value*
Total Fat	1g
Saturated Fat	0.2g
Cholesterol	18mg	3%
Sodium	940mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	11% DV
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	1g	2%
Protein	4g
Calcium	20mg	2%
Iron	1mg	6%
Potassium	50mg	2%

% Daily Value (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Please note, the high sodium content primarily comes from the baking soda bath and the added coarse salt topping. For a lower sodium option, you can reduce the amount of coarse salt used as a topping.

Flavor Variations and Dipping Sauce Ideas

Exploring pretzel bites flavors and air fryer snack variations is a fantastic way to cater to everyone’s taste preferences. Here are some fun variations and homemade dipping sauces to try:

Sweet Variation: Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

After brushing with melted butter, toss the warm pretzel bites in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Serve with a creamy vanilla or chocolate dipping sauce for an indulgent treat.

Savory Flavor Variations:

Buffalo Pretzel Bites: Toss in a buttery buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Everything Bagel Pretzel Bites: Top with an everything bagel seasoning blend.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

Classic Mustard: A tangy mustard dipping sauce is a perfect pairing for savory pretzel bites.
Cheese Sauce: Whip up a quick cheddar or beer cheese sauce for a gooey, indulgent dip.
Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, honey mustard complements both sweet and savory pretzel bite flavors.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce: For a fun twist, serve pretzel bites with a zesty marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

These flavor pairing and sauce preparation ideas offer both sweet and savory options to suit a variety of tastes. Get creative and experiment with different homemade dipping sauces to find your favorite flavor pairings!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your pretzel bites is easier than you think. Here are some tips to help you make perfect pretzel bites:

Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: Don’t skip the baking soda bath! This step helps create that signature pretzel flavor and chewy texture.
Ensure Dough Balls are Dry Before Air Frying: Ensure the dough balls are completely dry before air frying to prevent soggy pretzels.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that your pretzel bites cook evenly and get that desired crispy texture.
Space Out the Pretzel Bites: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each pretzel bite to crisp them up evenly.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt or desired toppings immediately after air frying for maximum flavor.

Remember, whether you’re making easy air fryer appetizers or exploring tips for air frying, the key is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new flavor enhancements and adjust based on your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Freshly baked air fryer pretzel bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some creative serving ideas to make the most of these delicious snacks:

Classic & Simple: Serve them fresh out of the air fryer on a wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces. Mustard, cheese sauce, and chocolate sauce are crowd-pleasers.
Pretzel Bite Sliders: Use them as the base for mini sliders—just add some thinly sliced meat, cheese, and a dab of mustard. It’s a creative twist that’s sure to impress.
Dessert Platter: For a sweet twist, toss the bites in cinnamon sugar right after air frying and serve with caramel and chocolate dipping sauces. Add some fresh fruits on the side for a complete dessert platter.
Party Mix: Mix freshly made pretzel bites with nuts, pretzel sticks, and popcorn for a casual, easy-to-serve party snack mix.

Golden-brown air fryer pretzel bites served with mustard, cheese, and chocolate dipping sauces

These ideas for serving air fryer pretzel bites turn them into versatile snacks perfect for any occasion.

Freezing and Reheating

Leftover pretzel bites? No problem. Here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping them just as delicious as when they were first made.

To Freeze:

Allow the pretzel bites to cool completely after cooking.
Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once partially frozen, transfer the pretzel bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

No Thawing Needed: Place frozen pretzel bites directly into the air fryer.
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat them for about 3-5 minutes or until they’re warm and crispy again.
If they were originally brushed with butter, you might want to add a little more butter before reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Reheating in the air fryer helps the pretzel bites regain their fresh-baked texture and crispness. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can become dry or tough. These snack storage tips ensure your air fryer snacks remain a go-to favorite, ready to be enjoyed anytime.

FAQs about Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Can I use frozen pizza dough for these pretzel bites?

Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough for making pretzel bites. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before you start. Thawed pizza dough can save time and offers a convenient option without compromising the quality of your pretzel bites.

What dipping sauces go well with air fryer pretzel bites?

Mustard, cheese sauce, and chocolate sauce are top choices for dipping air fryer pretzel bites. Each sauce complements the salty, crispy exterior and soft interior of the pretzel bites, catering to a range of taste preferences from classic to sweet.

How long to cook pretzel bites in the air fryer?

Cook pretzel bites in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and the size of the pretzel bites.

Can I use store-bought dough for these pretzel bites?

Absolutely, store-bought dough is a great time-saver for making pretzel bites. Whether it’s pizza dough or bread dough, either can work well. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature for easier handling.

What are the best air fryer models for making pretzel bites?

The best air fryer models for making pretzel bites are those that offer even cooking and have enough space to cook the bites in a single layer. Models from Cosori, Ninja, and Philips are known for their reliability and consistent results, making them excellent choices for air frying pretzel bites.

Can I make pretzel bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare pretzel bites ahead of time. After shaping them, you can either refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking or freeze them for longer storage. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before air frying.

How long to cook frozen pretzel bites in air fryer?

To cook frozen pretzel bites in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen bites in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. No need to thaw them first.

Final Thoughts

Making air fryer snacks, especially these easy homemade pretzel bites, has never been simpler or more satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a party favorite, these bites have got you covered.

Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but the air fryer ensures perfectly crispy exteriors and chewy, soft insides every time.

I can’t wait for you to try these quick snacks. Let me know if you have any questions or if you try out different flavor variations – I’m always eager to swap snack recipes!

Making air fryer snacks has never been simpler or more delicious. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible pretzel bites.

I’d love to hear how you serve your pretzel bites or any creative variations you’ve tried. Please feel free to comment below with your experiences or questions!