Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Making the Dough
01 -
1 teaspoon salt
02 -
2 ½ cups plain flour (plus some extra for sprinkling)
03 -
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
04 -
1 teaspoon sugar
05 -
¾ cup warm water (at around 110°F)
06 -
1 packet of dry yeast (approx. 2 ¼ teaspoons)
→ Boiling Liquid
07 -
1/4 cup baking soda
08 -
4 cups of water
→ Topping It Off
09 -
Coarse salt for sprinkling (as much as you like)
10 -
2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small container. Stir lightly and allow it to sit for 5 minutes until the surface is foamy and bubbly, signaling the yeast is active. If the mixture doesn't foam up, start over with fresh yeast.
02 -
Put your salt and flour into a big bowl and mix them. Pour in the foamy yeast mix and melted butter. Stir until the mixture starts forming a doughy lump. Use your hands to gather it into one smooth ball—it’s a bit messy but worth it!
03 -
Dust your counter with flour and knead the dough for 5 minutes until it feels elastic and smooth. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rest somewhere warm for about an hour until it swells up to about twice its size.
04 -
After the dough rises, gently punch it down to release gas. Roll it into an 18-inch rope and slice into segments about an inch wide to create small, bite-sized pieces.
05 -
Boil 4 cups of water in a pot and stir in the baking soda—it will bubble up, so stir gently! Drop a few dough pieces in for 30 seconds or until they float up. Scoop them out with your slotted spoon and let them drain on a towel.
06 -
Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at 375°F. Line your pretzel bites in one layer, batch by batch, in the basket. Cook each batch for 6-8 minutes or until they're golden and crisp on the outside, yet soft when you bite in.
07 -
Brush the freshly cooked pretzel bites, right out of the air fryer, with melted butter. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top while they’re still hot so it sticks perfectly.
# Notes:
01 -
These pretzel bites have a chewy center and a crispy outside, just like your favorite mall pretzels but better because they're homemade!
02 -
The baking soda water bath is key. It helps the pretzels get their distinctive rich brown color and classic taste.
03 -
Want a sweet version? Swap out the salt and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over butter-brushed bites for a dessert vibe.
04 -
For more flavor, try mixing garlic or onion powder into the salt topping!