Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

$- 1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F) - 2 teaspoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling) - Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling) - 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing) You can swap ingredients easily if needed. For the warm water, you can use milk to add richness. If you have no active dry yeast, instant yeast works too. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you are out of coarse sea salt, regular salt will work, but use it sparingly. Olive oil can replace melted butter for brushing if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Each ingredient plays a key role. Warm water activates the yeast. This helps the dough rise. Sugar feeds the yeast, making it bubbly. The flour gives structure to the pretzel bites. Salt adds flavor, ensuring they taste great. Baking soda is crucial for that classic pretzel texture. It gives the bites their unique flavor and dark color. Finally, melted butter adds richness and helps the salt stick when brushed on warm bites. To make the dough for your pretzel bites, start with warm water. It should be between 110°F and 115°F. In a medium bowl, mix the warm water with granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Next, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the water. Let it sit for about five minutes until it gets frothy. This means the yeast is ready. In a large bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour and one teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually mix the flour into the water with a wooden spoon. When the dough is shaggy, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about five minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl and turn it to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes. It should double in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. This releases the air. Move the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into small squares or triangles. Each piece should be about one inch. Prepare a baking soda solution next. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda into about four cups of hot water in a medium bowl. Dip each piece of dough into this solution for about 30 seconds. This step gives pretzel bites their unique taste and texture. Remove the bites from the solution and let them drain briefly on a clean towel. Lightly spray or brush your air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the pretzel bites in a single layer. Make sure they have space and are not crowded. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pretzel bites for six to eight minutes until they turn golden brown. If needed, cook in batches. After cooking, brush the warm bites with melted butter. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top while they are still warm. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get that soft, chewy texture, the baking soda bath is key. This step gives pretzel bites their signature flavor. Be sure to dip each piece for about 30 seconds. If you skip this, your bites may taste plain. After the bath, let them drain briefly. This helps keep your air fryer clean. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If you pack too many bites in, they won't cook evenly. Each piece needs space to crisp up. Another mistake is not letting the dough rise enough. If it doesn't double in size, your bites may be dense and tough. Always check your dough before shaping it. Cooking time can vary by air fryer model. Start with 6 minutes, then check for golden brown color. If they need more time, add a minute or two. Remember, every air fryer is a bit different. Keep an eye on them, especially during the first batch. This way, you’ll find the perfect timing for your machine. {{image_4}} Pretzel bites are super fun to make. You can change them up in many ways. Here are some tasty variations to try. To make cheese-stuffed pretzel bites, you will need some cheese. I love using cheddar or mozzarella. After shaping the dough, take a small piece and flatten it. Place a cube of cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and seal it well. This lets the cheese melt inside while cooking. The result is a soft and cheesy center that everyone loves! If you like sweet treats, try making sweet pretzel bites. After cooking the bites, brush them with melted butter. Then, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Roll the warm bites in the cinnamon sugar mix. This adds a sweet, crunchy coating. Serve these with a side of icing or cream cheese dip for a special touch. You can also make gluten-free pretzel bites! Use gluten-free flour blends that work well for baking. The process is the same, but watch the dough. It may feel different. Make sure to check the package instructions for the right amount of flour to use. These bites will be just as tasty and perfect for those avoiding gluten. These variations make air fryer pretzel bites fun and delicious. Try them all to find your favorite! To store leftover pretzel bites, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. When you are ready to enjoy your pretzel bites again, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm, just like when they were fresh. To freeze pretzel bites, first, let them cool. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Put the sheet in the freezer until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, reheat directly from the freezer, using the air fryer as described above. Yes, you can make pretzel bites without an air fryer. You can bake them in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown. The oven will give a nice crisp outside and a soft inside. Your pretzel bites are done when they look golden brown. They should have a nice shine from the melted butter. You can also tap one lightly; it should sound hollow inside. If you're unsure, you can check the color. If they are not golden, give them a few more minutes. Pretzel bites taste great with many dips. Here are some popular options: - Cheese sauce: Creamy and rich, it pairs perfectly. - Mustard: Tangy mustard adds a nice kick. - Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy mix that many love. - Ranch dressing: Creamy ranch is a tasty choice too. These dips can enhance your snacking experience and make these bites even more fun to eat! In this article, we explored how to make delicious air fryer pretzel bites. We covered key ingredients and substitutes, along with step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for texture and common mistakes to avoid. We also discussed fun variations, storage methods, and answered key FAQs. Now, you have all the tools to create soft, golden pretzel bites at home. Enjoy them fresh, share them with friends, or customize them to fit your taste!$

Indulge in homemade Air Fryer Pretzel Bites that are quick and easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create warm, soft pretzel bites that are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. This delightful recipe guides you through every step, ensuring a mouthwatering result. Ready to satisfy your cravings? Click through to discover how to make these irresistible treats today!

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Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)

Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar, stirring gently until dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the water mixture and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture.

Gradually stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it with your hands for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Once the dough has completed rising, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.

Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch squares or triangles, depending on your preferred bite size.

Prepare the baking soda solution by dissolving the 1/4 cup of baking soda in about 4 cups of hot water in a medium bowl. Carefully dip each piece of cut dough into the baking soda solution for approximately 30 seconds, which will create the signature pretzel flavor and texture.

Remove the dipped bites from the solution and place them on a clean towel to drain for a moment.

Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the pretzel bites in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Air fry the pretzel bites for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Once the pretzel bites are out of the air fryer, brush them generously with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top while they are still warm, allowing the salt to adhere well.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 4-6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the warm pretzel bites on a large, inviting platter. Include small bowls of creamy cheese dip or tangy mustard for dipping on the side. Garnish the platter with a light sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness!