Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

how long to cook pretzel dogs in air fryer

Air fryer pretzel dogs are a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for a snack, game day, or a weeknight dinner. They are also incredibly tasty, with a crunchy bite and a soft inside. The cooking time for pretzel dogs in an air fryer varies depending on the air fryer model, the number of pretzel dogs, and personal preferences for doneness. On average, pretzel dogs take around 7 to 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, with some recipes recommending a temperature setting between 370°F and 400°F.

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How to make pretzel dough from scratch

To make pretzel dough from scratch, you'll need the following simple, pantry staple ingredients:

  • Water
  • Yeast
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Flour
  • Oil
  • Baking soda

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water (around 100-115°F) with some sugar. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy. Next, add the salt, more sugar, and melted butter. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment until a thick dough forms. You may need to add a little more or less flour to get the right consistency—the dough should be soft, but not sticky. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.

Once your dough is ready, knead it by hand on a lightly floured surface for about a minute, shaping it into a ball. You can then let the dough rest for 10 minutes before shaping it into pretzels.

To shape the pretzels, first, flatten the dough slightly into a circle and cut it into 8 triangles. Roll each triangle into a long rope, about 14-20 inches long, depending on the size of the hot dog you'll be using. Starting at one end of the hot dog, wrap the dough around the entire length, gently pinching the dough at each end so it stays together.

Place the pretzel dogs into the basket of your air fryer, giving them enough room to expand slightly, and brush the basket with olive oil. Cook at 390˚F for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. You can then brush the pretzel dogs with melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt, sesame seeds, or other toppings of your choice.

If you're making soft pretzels without the hot dogs, you can shape the dough into pretzel shapes and place them in a baking soda bath for 2 minutes before transferring them to a baking sheet. Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt while they're still wet, then bake at 450°F until golden brown, about 8-9 minutes. Once out of the oven, brush the pretzels with melted butter and enjoy!

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How to cook frozen pretzel dogs

Ingredients

  • Frozen pretzel dogs
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Olive oil
  • Yeast
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Black pepper
  • Sriracha
  • Cream cheese

Utensils

  • Air fryer
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Tongs

Method

Take your frozen pretzel dogs out of their packaging. There is no need to thaw them out. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking. Set the air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F and cook for 7-15 minutes. Check on them around the 12-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook. Once done, carefully remove them with tongs and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

While the pretzel dogs are cooking, you can make a cheese sauce. Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan and stirring in flour. Slowly add milk and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer. Add cheese, cream cheese, black pepper, and sriracha. Stir until the cheese is melted.

You can also make the dough from scratch. In a medium mixing bowl, combine water and yeast. Add the flour, sugar, and sea salt and stir until it is mostly combined. Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough by hand for 1 minute, bringing it into a ball. Divide the dough into eighths. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes about 14-20 inches long depending on the size of the hot dog. Starting at one end of the hot dog, wrap the dough around the entire length, rolling as you go. Gently pinch the dough at each end so they stay together.

To make sweet pretzel dogs, brush the tops lightly with melted butter or coconut oil and then sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar. If you prefer garlic pretzel dogs, brush the tops of the soft pretzels with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic or garlic powder before cooking.

For garlic parmesan pretzel dogs, wait to add the cheese until after the soft pretzel finishes cooking so it doesn't burn. Open the air fryer basket, sprinkle shredded parmesan on the pretzel, then close the basket for one more minute. The residual heat will help melt the cheese into the pretzel.

Serve your pretzel dogs with mustard, cheese dip, jalapeño honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch dressing. For a full meal, serve them with a side of fries, onion rings, or a salad.

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How to make cheese dip

Air fryer pretzel dogs are a great snack, appetizer, or game-day treat. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Here is a simple recipe for making pretzel dogs in an air fryer, along with instructions for a delicious cheese dip to go with them.

How to Make Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs:

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes about 14-20 inches long, depending on the size of the hot dog.
  • Starting at one end of the hot dog, wrap the dough around its entire length, rolling as you go, and gently pinch the dough at each end to seal it.
  • Brush the basket of the air fryer with olive oil. Place the pretzel dogs into the basket, allowing enough room for them to expand slightly.
  • Cook at 390˚F for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. There is no need to flip them halfway through unless you desire.
  • Once cooked, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt and/or sesame seeds.

This cheese dip is a perfect pairing for pretzel dogs and can be made while the pretzel dogs are cooking.

  • Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan and stirring in flour.
  • Slowly add milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Lower the heat to a simmer and add shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, black pepper, and sriracha (optional). You can also add some mozzarella and Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
  • Stir the mixture until all the cheese has melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.
  • Serve the cheese dip immediately with the pretzel dogs.

You can also customize this dip by adding some minced garlic or garlic powder to the butter before brushing it on the pretzel dogs, or by garnishing the dip with fresh chives or green onions. Enjoy!

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How to reheat pretzel dogs

To reheat pretzel dogs, you can use an air fryer or an oven. Here are the detailed instructions for both methods:

Reheating Pretzel Dogs in an Air Fryer:

  • Place the desired number of pretzel dogs in the air fryer basket.
  • Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
  • Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
  • Check the pretzel dogs periodically to ensure they reach your desired level of warmth and texture.

Reheating Pretzel Dogs in an Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the pretzel dogs on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
  • Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the pretzel dogs are warmed to your liking.
  • Enjoy your freshly reheated pretzel dogs!

Please note that the reheating time may vary depending on the number of pretzel dogs you are reheating and the specific model of your air fryer or oven. Adjust the time as needed to ensure your snack is heated through and has regained its desired texture.

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How to cook pretzel dogs in the oven

To cook pretzel dogs in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 425–450˚F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine water and yeast. Stir. Add flour, sugar, and sea salt and stir until it is mostly combined. Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough by hand for 1 minute, bringing it into a ball. Divide the dough into eighths. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes about 14–20 inches long, depending on the size of your hot dogs. Starting at one end of the hot dog, wrap the dough around the entire length, rolling as you go. Gently pinch the dough at each end so they stay together. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and hot dogs.

Place the pretzel dogs into a pot of boiling water two at a time and boil for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat slotted spatula. Return the boiled pretzel dogs to the pan, brush the tops with melted butter, and sprinkle with sea salt.

Place the pretzel dogs in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. You can also brush the pretzel dogs with an egg yolk mixture before baking, for a golden brown finish.

For an extra cheesy treat, cut a slit into the middle of the hot dogs and add a slice of cheese before wrapping them with the dough.

Frequently asked questions

Frozen pretzel dogs should be cooked in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 370°F.

Homemade pretzel dogs should be cooked in the air fryer for 7 to 8 minutes at 390°F.

Frozen pretzels should be cooked in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 320°F.

Homemade pretzels should be cooked in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 425°F.

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