Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

How to Make Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

1. 1

   Step 1: Make the dough

   In a medium bowl, stir warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until a shaggy dough forms; knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot for about 15–20 minutes — it should puff slightly but does not need a full rise.

   For this step

   • 2 cupsAll-purpose flour
   • 2 1/4 tspInstant yeast
   • 3/4 cupWarm water (for dough)
   • 1 tbspGranulated sugar
   • 1 tspFine salt (for dough)
   • 2 tbspUnsalted butter, melted
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Shape the pretzel bites

   Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two pieces. Roll each piece into a 12–14 inch rope and cut into 1-inch pieces to make bite-sized pretzels; place the cut bites onto a parchment-lined tray while you prepare the soda bath.
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Give them a baking-soda bath

   Bring about 4 cups (1 L) of water to a gentle boil in a wide pot and stir in the baking soda (the water will foam slightly). Working in batches, carefully drop pretzel bites into the boiling soda water for 15–20 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer back to the parchment to drain briefly.

   For this step

   • 1/3 cupBaking soda (for soda bath)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Egg wash and season

   Whisk the large egg with 1 teaspoon water to make an egg wash and lightly brush each pretzel bite; this promotes browning in the air fryer. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the brushed bites to taste.

   For this step

   • 1 largeLarge egg (for egg wash)
   • 1 tspCoarse sea salt (for topping)
5. 5

   Step 5: Air fry until golden and finish with butter

   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bites in a single layer in the basket (work in batches to avoid crowding) and air fry 6–8 minutes, turning once, until deep golden-brown. Remove to a tray and brush immediately with a little melted butter if desired; serve warm with mustard or cheese dip.

1. In a medium bowl, stir warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until a shaggy dough forms; knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot for about 15–20 minutes — it should puff slightly but does not need a full rise.
2. Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two pieces. Roll each piece into a 12–14 inch rope and cut into 1-inch pieces to make bite-sized pretzels; place the cut bites onto a parchment-lined tray while you prepare the soda bath.
3. Bring about 4 cups (1 L) of water to a gentle boil in a wide pot and stir in the baking soda (the water will foam slightly). Working in batches, carefully drop pretzel bites into the boiling soda water for 15–20 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer back to the parchment to drain briefly.
4. Whisk the large egg with 1 teaspoon water to make an egg wash and lightly brush each pretzel bite; this promotes browning in the air fryer. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the brushed bites to taste.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bites in a single layer in the basket (work in batches to avoid crowding) and air fry 6–8 minutes, turning once, until deep golden-brown. Remove to a tray and brush immediately with a little melted butter if desired; serve warm with mustard or cheese dip.