Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printer-Friendly)
Golden pretzel bites with zesty cheese dip, ideal for parties and gatherings.
# 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 (for boiling bath)
08 - 4 cups water (for boiling bath)
09 - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
10 - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
→ 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 (optional)
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a 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 in volume, 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 a floured surface. Divide into 6 pieces, roll each into a ½-inch thick rope, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined tray.
08 - Brush pretzel bites with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
09 - Arrange bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until deep golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining bites.
10 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
11 - Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12 - Serve pretzel bites warm with the zesty cheese dip on the side for dipping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The air fryer creates that signature pretzel crunch without turning on your oven or heating up the kitchen
- These bites come together faster than delivery arrives, and the cheese dip uses pantry staples you probably already have
02 -
- The baking soda bath is non-negotiable without it, these will taste like ordinary bread bites, not pretzels
- Let the dip come to room temperature slightly before serving, as it thickens up beautifully and coats better
03 -
- Weigh your flour if possible using a kitchen scale, as measuring by cup can vary wildly and affect the dough consistency
- Dont skip the step of shaking the air fryer basket halfway through, or youll end up with unevenly cooked bites