Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printable)

Golden pretzel bites with crispy exteriors and soft centers, served with warm zesty cheese dip for ultimate snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 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

# How to Make It:

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 lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in 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 medium saucepan.
06 - Punch down dough and 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 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 over medium heat in small saucepan. 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.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These bites deliver that perfect chewy interior and crispy exterior without the hassle of shaping full pretzels
  • The air fryer gives you restaurant quality results with less oil and faster cooking than traditional baking
02 -
  • The baking soda bath is not optional, it is what creates that distinct pretzel flavor and crust
  • Do not skip the egg wash or your pretzels will look dull instead of shiny and golden
  • Work in small batches when air frying so the bites cook evenly and get properly crispy
03 -
  • If your dough feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it is manageable
  • The water temperature for activating yeast is crucial, use a thermometer if you are unsure

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