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
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
Instructions
1. 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.
2. Add salt and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Brush the top of each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt to prepare them for air frying.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
8. Place pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
9. Cook for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Adjust cooking times as needed since air fryer temperatures can vary.
10. If desired, brush the finished pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt or your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pretzel bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: air fryer pretzel bites, pretzel bites in air fryer