Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printable)
Golden crispy pretzel bites with zesty cheese dip—perfect for sharing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pretzel Bread Bites
01 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - ⅓ cup baking soda
08 - 4 cups water
09 - 1 large egg, beaten
10 - Coarse sea salt
→ Zesty Cheese Dip
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 2 oz cream cheese
16 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
17 - ½ tsp garlic powder
18 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
19 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
20 - Salt and black pepper
# Steps:
01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to yeast mixture. Mix until shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
05 - Bring 4 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a medium saucepan.
06 - Punch down dough and turn onto floured surface. Divide into 6 pieces, roll each into ½-inch thick rope, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 20 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined tray.
08 - Brush pretzel bites with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
09 - Arrange bites in single layer in air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until deep golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining bites.
10 - Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form roux.
11 - Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
12 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
13 - Serve pretzel bites warm with zesty cheese dip for dipping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The air fryer gives you that perfect golden crunch without heating up your whole house or dealing with hot oil splattering everywhere
- That baking soda bath is what makes pretzels taste like actual pretzels, creating that signature deep golden color and chewy texture you can not fake
02 -
- The boiling step is not optional, without the baking soda bath you are just making regular bread balls, not pretzels
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the bites will steam instead of getting crispy, work in batches if you need to
03 -
- If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it is manageable
- The baking soda water can get a little slimy, that is completely normal and part of the process