Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printable)
Golden pretzel bites with a chewy center, air-fried to perfection and served with a rich, zesty cheese dipping sauce.
# 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 Steps:
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 - Divide dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into ½-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Working in batches, drop 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 in single layer in air fryer basket. Cook 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 1 minute.
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 Pointers:
01 -
- The air fryer gives you that crunch without deep frying a whole batch in oil
- The baking soda bath creates that classic pretzel flavor and chewy texture you crave
- This cheese dip is velvety smooth with just enough kick to keep you reaching for more
02 -
- Don't skip the baking soda boil or they'll taste like regular bread, not pretzels
- Work in small batches when boiling so the water stays hot enough
- Overcrowding the air fryer means uneven cooking, so do multiple batches if needed
03 -
- Let boiled bites drain on a wire rack for 30 seconds before the egg wash
- Room temperature ingredients in the dip prevent grainy cheese sauce