Air Fryer Frozen Pretzels: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Making frozen pretzels in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious snack or appetizer. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, golden exteriors and soft, warm interiors without the need for traditional baking or frying methods. The air fryer's rapid air circulation creates a satisfying crispiness without the use of excessive oil, resulting in a healthier treat.

To make frozen pretzels in an air fryer, simply preheat your air fryer, brush the pretzels with water, add desired seasonings, and air fry for a few minutes until golden brown. This method works for both savoury and sweet pretzel variations and is a convenient way to enjoy a tasty treat without the long wait.

How to make frozen pretzels in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen pretzels
• Water
• Salt
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Dipping sauce of your choice

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 325°F and 375°F.
• Place 1 to 4 frozen pretzels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one.
• Lightly brush the tops of the pretzels with water and sprinkle with salt.
• Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown.
• Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and serve hot with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, apply cooking spray to the pretzels before placing them in the air fryer.
• To ensure your pretzels are crispy, preheat your air fryer properly and avoid overlapping the pretzels in the basket.
• If you prefer your pretzels with a sweet glaze, brush the tops with melted butter, coconut oil, or olive oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

How to make sweet pretzels

Yes, you can make frozen pretzels in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for sweet pretzels:

Ingredients:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 4 1/4 cups (540 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Method:

• Make the pretzel dough by combining all the dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and knead for 7 to 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips (approximately 1/4-1/2 inch thick).
• Shape the pretzels by crossing the top of each strip and wrapping them together, then aligning and twisting the bottom part of the strips to form a heart shape.
• Boil a large pot of water and add baking soda. Reduce the heat to low and carefully dunk each pretzel into the baking soda solution for about 10 seconds. Place the shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake the pretzels for about 10 minutes, ensuring they don't overbake.
• Allow the pretzels to cool slightly, then brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Enjoy your homemade sweet pretzels while they're still warm!

You can also make sweet pretzels in an air fryer by following the same steps as for making savoury pretzels, but instead of sprinkling with salt, brush the tops with melted butter, coconut oil, or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before cooking.

How to reheat pretzels in an air fryer

If you have leftover pretzels, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer to restore that crispy exterior and warm interior. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Pretzels

• Preheat your air fryer to around 300-375°F (190°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
• Place the pretzels in the air fryer basket. It is important not to stack them on top of each other; instead, arrange them in a single layer with some space between each pretzel to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Reheat the Pretzels

• Reheat the pretzels at the set temperature for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers work quickly and you don't want them to burn.
• If you're reheating a larger batch of pretzels, consider flipping them halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating on both sides.

Step 3: Serve Warm

• Once the pretzels are hot and crispy, remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
• Serve them warm, and if desired, with your favorite dips or sauces.

Tips:

• If your pretzels have lost some of their saltiness, you can lightly brush the tops of the pretzels with water and sprinkle on some salt before reheating.
• For extra crispiness, you can lightly mist the pretzels with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
• Each air fryer is unique, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing slightly to achieve the perfect reheated pretzel.

What to serve with pretzels

Pretzels are a versatile snack, and can be soft or hard, sweet or savoury. They are a great snack on their own, but there are also many foods that can be served with them to elevate your snacking experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve with pretzels:

Dips

Pretzels are a great dipping food, and there are many dips that can be served with them. Here are some ideas:

• Cheese dip: A classic side that pairs wonderfully with pretzels. The creamy, gooey texture and savoury flavour of the cheese complement the crunchy, salty pretzels.
• Mustard: The tangy, spicy flavour of mustard adds a zesty kick that contrasts nicely with the saltiness of the pretzels.
• Hummus: A healthy and flavorful option, hummus is made from chickpeas, tahini, and various spices, adding a rich, earthy taste that works well with the crunchy texture and salty flavour of pretzels.
• Chocolate fondue: For a sweet twist, the combination of salty pretzels and smooth, rich chocolate creates a delightful contrast, making for a decadent and satisfying treat.
• Spinach and artichoke dip: A creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs well with pretzels. The blend of savory spinach, tangy artichoke, and gooey cheese creates a rich and delicious dip that complements the crunchy pretzels perfectly.
• Salsa: Adds a fresh, zesty flavour to your pretzel-snacking experience. The combination of tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro creates a vibrant, flavorful dip that contrasts nicely with the salty pretzels.
• Tzatziki: A versatile dip that can be served as a soup, dip or sauce. The main ingredients include cucumbers, strained yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
• Guacamole: A delicious and healthy option to serve with pretzels. Made from ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and spices, this creamy dip adds a fresh, zesty taste that works well with the salty crunch of pretzels.
• Buffalo chicken dip: For those who love a little spice, this creamy, tangy dip is made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and blue cheese, creating a flavorful combination that pairs well with pretzels.
• Peanut sauce: A popular and versatile dip that can be eaten with many items, including pretzels. It can be made with just roasted ground peanuts and your favourite spices, or with the addition of salt or peanut butter.

Other Foods

In addition to dips, there are also some other foods that can be served with pretzels:

• Classic German potato salad: This salad is a popular and filling side dish that pairs well with pretzels. It is made with potato, onion, bacon, celery, vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper.
• Maple roasted butternut squash: A veggie option that can work as a side dish with pretzels. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the nuttiness of the squash complement the flavours of the pretzels.
• Arugula salad with parmesan: A peppery leafy salad with the addition of pears and parmesan cheese, creating a blend of different flavours and textures that complement pretzels.
• Caramel: For a sweet and sticky element, drizzle caramel sauce over pretzels or use it as a dip. The combination of salty pretzels and sweet caramel creates a mouthwatering contrast.
• Strawberry jam: A sweet and fruity option that pairs surprisingly well with pretzels. The sweetness of the jam creates a delightful contrast with the saltiness of the pretzels, resulting in a unique and tasty flavour combination.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy dip that pairs well with pretzels.
• Crab dip: A hot crab dip is a great party appetizer and the crunch of the pretzels will add a lot of texture.
• French onion dip: Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of how amazing French onion dip is. Let's bring it back but eat it with grain-free pretzels instead of those greasy potato chips.
• Beer cheese: Beer and cheese are a classic combination, and when combined as a dip, they pair excellently with pretzels.

So, there you have it! Plenty of ideas for what to serve with pretzels to take your snacking to the next level.

How to store leftover pretzels

If you have leftover pretzels, it is important to store them properly to prevent them from going stale or soggy. Here are some tips on how to store leftover pretzels:

Storing at Room Temperature

The best way to store pretzels at room temperature is to use a bread box. Bread boxes allow a controlled amount of air to circulate, ensuring that your pretzels remain moisture-free without becoming stale. If you don't have a bread box, you can use a paper bag or a storage container. However, make sure to consume the pretzels within 3 to 4 days, as they won't stay fresh for long at room temperature.

Refrigerating Leftover Pretzels

You can also store leftover pretzels in the refrigerator. Once the pretzels have cooled, place them in a resealable bag or container. If you're stacking them, use parchment paper between each pretzel to prevent sticking. Refrigerated pretzels will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing Leftover Pretzels

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of your pretzels and ensure they remain soft and fresh. To freeze pretzels, first, let them cool completely, then wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pretzels in a storage bag or container and label it with the date. Frozen pretzels can be enjoyed for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, simply thaw them or reheat them in an oven or microwave.

Reheating Tips

If you're reheating frozen pretzels, you can sprinkle them with a small amount of water, wrap them in foil, and bake at 325°F for about 5 minutes. For a crispier exterior, remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes directly on the oven rack. Alternatively, you can place the pretzels on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a little water, and microwave in 15-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions