Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Bites

Air Fryer Soft Pretzels Bites are soft and salty pretzel bites that cook quickly in the air fryer.  The best thing about making these delicious morsels is that they cook so quickly and make for a great appetizer or snack.  Awesome for game day. 

We love fresh soft pretzel bites at the mall.  However, we don’t have a mall close by where we live so we had no way to get our cravings for pretzels fulfilled.  I went out on a limb and decided to try and make pretzel bites at home.  These are delicious and taste just like the mall.  They don’t take a lot of time and make for a delicious snack. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Bites 

What kind of toppings can I use

I prefer the classic salt.  But, you could also sprinkle with cinnamon sugar to dust on the top if you want a sweet pretzel. 

What is the purpose of a baking soda bath for pretzels

Did you know that the baking soda bath is what makes a pretzel a pretzel? Baking soda is an alkaline substance. By soaking your dough into an alkaline water bath before baking it helps to gelatinize the outside crust of your pretzel which prevents the pretzel from fully rising which is how you get the soft and chewy texture of a pretzel instead of a bread like texture. 

Can I freeze soft pretzel bites 

Yes! These bites freeze very well.  I recommend freezing them after they are cooked however you can also freeze the dough before they are baked in the air fryer.  To freeze, lay flat on a baking sheet in the freezer for about one hour until they harden.  Then place into a freezer bag and store for up to 5 months.  To serve thaw in the fridge and microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds on a microwave safe plate.  If you are microwaving frozen bites you will need to microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or until they are warm all the way through. 

How can I make a cheese sauce to dip pretzels in

I can only eat pretzel bites when I dip them in a gooey cheese sauce.  Here’s my favorite cheese sauce recipe if you like the cheesy goodness like I do. 

• 2 ¼ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• ¼ teaspoon pepper 

Heat whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove until your milk is warm and you see small bubbles appear.  DO NOT allow your milk to boil.

While your milk is heating, melt butter in another saucepan over medium high.  Once melted whisk in flour and allow to brown slightly.  This is called making a roux.

Add milk slowly to your roux whisking constantly.  Allow to cook until your sauce thickens. 

Add in the cheese and contain to stir until the cheese is completely melted and your sauce is smooth.  Season with salt and pepper until smooth. 

Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Dough

water {~110 degrees F}

active yeast

all-purpose flour 

sea salt

granulated sugar

Course kosher salt

Baking Soda Bath

• 3 cups water

• 1/3 cup baking soda

How To Make 

1.    In a mixing bowl, combine the water and yeast and stir

2.    Add flour, sugar, and sea salt and mix until it is completely combined.

3.    With floured hands, knead the dough for 1 minute or use a dough hook in an electric mixer, until it forms into a ball. Divide the dough into eighths. 

4.    On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes.

5.    With a knife, slice the dough into 1-inch pieces and bathe the pieces in a baking soda bath for 30 seconds.

6.    Spray the basket of the air fryer with oil. Place pretzel bites into the basket, giving them enough room to expand.

7.      Cook for 6 minutes at 390 degrees F, or until lightly browned on top. Remove and brush with melted butter and salt with kosher salt to taste.

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