Air Fryer Soft Pretzels: Frozen To Fresh In Minutes

Air fryers are a great way to cook your favourite snacks and treats, and soft pretzels are no exception. In fact, they might be the perfect snack to make in your air fryer – they're quick, easy, and delicious. But how long do they need in the air fryer?

The cooking time for frozen soft pretzels in an air fryer will depend on the type of pretzel you're cooking, the size of your air fryer, and the brand of pretzel you're using. Large soft pretzels will take 3-5 minutes at 320°F, while pretzel rods will take 2-4 minutes, and pretzel bites will take 2-3 minutes. You can also cook pretzel dogs and cheese-filled pretzels in the air fryer, but these will need a little longer – around 8-10 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a tasty snack that's ready in minutes, frozen soft pretzels in the air fryer are a great option. Just remember to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The air fryer temperature and timing for cooking frozen soft pretzels can vary slightly depending on the size of the pretzels and the model of the air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure perfect results.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not stack the pretzels on top of each other in the air fryer basket. They should be placed in a single layer with some space between each one to allow for even cooking. The number of pretzels you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer basket.

When it comes to temperature, most sources recommend setting your air fryer between 320-330 degrees Fahrenheit. However, one source suggests a much higher temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Regarding timing, the cooking time for frozen soft pretzels in an air fryer is generally around 3-5 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn. You may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes to the cooking time, depending on the brand of pretzel and your air fryer model. The pretzels are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

To get an even crisp on all sides, you can try flipping the pretzels halfway through the cooking time. Additionally, you can brush the pretzels with water and sprinkle salt on top before placing them in the air fryer. This will give them a salty crunchy crust.

Pretzel preparation

Preparing frozen soft pretzels in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this snack, without the hassle of traditional baking or frying. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious, crispy pretzels:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

You will need a box of your favourite frozen soft pretzels, some water, and coarse salt. You may also want to prepare a dipping sauce, such as cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch. Get your air fryer and a pastry or silicone brush ready, too.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer between 320°F and 375°F. The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer model, but generally, it should take around 3-5 minutes to preheat. You can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking spray, although this is not necessary as pretzels typically don't stick.

Step 3: Prepare the Pretzels

Take your frozen pretzels out of the packaging and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other, as this will ensure even cooking. You can cook between 1 and 4 pretzels at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Brush and Season the Pretzels

Lightly brush the tops of the pretzels with water. This will help the salt stick to the pretzels. You can then sprinkle coarse salt on the moistened edges. If you want to reduce your sodium intake, you can leave the salt out. You could also experiment with other seasonings, such as cinnamon sugar, garlic powder, or shredded cheese.

Step 5: Air Fry the Pretzels

Air fry your pretzels at the desired temperature for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the brand of pretzel you are using. Check on your pretzels regularly to ensure they don't burn. For an even crispier coat, you can try flipping the pretzels halfway through the cooking time.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your pretzels are golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer with silicone tongs and serve them warm. You can enjoy them as they are or with your chosen dipping sauce.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover pretzels, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy again. You may want to brush them with water and add more salt before reheating.

Dipping sauces

Air-fried frozen soft pretzels are a quick and easy snack, ready in just a few minutes. But what about the dips? Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to take your pretzel game to the next level:

Cheese Sauce

A classic choice, cheese sauce is a perfect pairing with soft pretzels. You can make your own by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and then gradually adding milk. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and salt until smooth. You can also add some cream cheese for a richer consistency. This sauce is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Mustard

A salty-sweet mustard dip is another great option for pretzels. You can make your own by whisking together mayonnaise, Creole mustard, and yellow mustard. This dip can be served hot or cold and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Like the cheese sauce, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Beer Cheese Dip

For something a little different, try a beer cheese dip. Simply substitute half of the milk in the cheese sauce recipe with your favorite beer. This dip is sure to be a hit at your next game-day gathering.

Sweet Options

If you're craving something sweet, there are plenty of options to dip your pretzels in. Try a chocolate or marshmallow creme dip, or get creative with a cinnamon sugar pretzel – just brush the tops of the pretzels with olive or coconut oil and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before air-frying. You could also dip them in a raspberry honey mustard sauce or even some nutella!

Savory Options

For more savory options, try sprinkling your pretzels with garlic powder or topping them with shredded cheese. You can also dip them in a variety of sauces like ranch, cowboy dipping sauce, or pumpkin fluff dip. If you're feeling adventurous, try a taco dip or bang bang sauce!

Reheating and storing

If you're reheating frozen soft pretzels in an air fryer, the process is simple. Place the pretzels in the air fryer basket and heat them at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat soft pretzels in the microwave or the oven.

When reheating soft pretzels in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 15-second intervals, checking the pretzels after each interval, until they are warm enough.

To reheat soft pretzels in the oven, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle a small amount of water over the pretzels so that they are moist but not soggy. Wrap the pretzels in aluminium foil and place them in the oven for 5 minutes. If you want a crispier exterior, leave the aluminium foil off and place the pretzels directly on the middle rack of your oven. If the pretzels are not warm enough after 5 minutes, leave them in for another minute or two, then remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

When storing soft pretzels, it is best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you don't plan on eating the pretzels the day they arrive, it is best to keep them frozen until you are ready to eat them. Frozen pretzels will last for up to 6 months.

Flavour variations

There are many ways to add flavour variations to your frozen soft pretzels when using an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels: Brush the tops of the pretzels with olive oil or coconut oil. Then, sprinkle on a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Garlic: Melt some butter and stir in minced garlic or garlic powder. Brush the mixture on the pretzels before cooking.
• Garlic parmesan: Brush the pretzels with butter or olive oil. Then, sprinkle on shredded parmesan cheese after the pretzels finish cooking so the cheese doesn't burn.
• Sweet: Brush the tops of the pretzels with melted butter or coconut oil, then sprinkle on a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
• Savoury dips: Enjoy your pretzels with your favourite sweet and savoury dips, such as Ranch Dip, Cowboy Dipping Sauce, Pumpkin Fluff Dip, or Chocolate S'mores Dip.

Frequently asked questions