Air Fryer Soft Pretzels: Frozen To Fresh

Making soft pretzels in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers great results. The air fryer's convection fan and heating element work together to cook the pretzels to crispy, golden perfection in just a few minutes. This method is far quicker than using a traditional oven and produces far better results than a microwave.

How to make frozen soft pretzels in an air fryer

How to get salt to stick to frozen pretzels

To get salt to stick to frozen pretzels, you can try a few different methods. One popular method is to lightly brush the pretzels with water and then immediately sprinkle salt on top. You can also try dipping the pretzels in a solution of baking soda and water before baking them, as the moisture from the solution will help the salt adhere. Another option is to use an egg wash or melted butter instead of water to moisten the pretzels before adding salt.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to around 320-375°F (190°C). Different models of air fryers may vary, so adjust the temperature as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Pretzels

Take your frozen pretzels out of the freezer and lay them out on a surface. Line a sheet of parchment paper on your counter or a large plate. You can also use a baking sheet or tray.

Step 3: Apply Moisture to the Pretzels

Lightly brush the tops of the frozen pretzels with water using a pastry brush. You can also use an egg wash or melted butter for a richer flavor. Alternatively, you can dip the pretzels in a solution of baking soda and water to help the salt adhere better. Make sure to work quickly, as the water may freeze on the frozen pretzels.

Step 4: Add the Salt

Immediately after applying moisture, sprinkle coarse salt on top of the pretzels. You can use the loose salt that comes with the pretzels in the packaging, or you can use sea salt. Make sure to cover the moistened areas of the pretzel with salt.

Step 5: Place Pretzels in the Air Fryer

Place the pretzels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pretzel. Avoid stacking or overcrowding them, as this will affect the crispiness and cooking time.

Step 6: Air Fry the Pretzels

Set the timer on your air fryer and air fry the pretzels at 320-375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Step 7: Flip the Pretzels (Optional)

For even crispiness on all sides, you can open the air fryer halfway through the cooking time and flip the pretzels over with a spatula.

Step 8: Remove and Serve

Once the pretzels are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer using silicone tip tongs. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch. Enjoy the warm, crispy pretzels with the salt perfectly stuck to the surface!

How to make frozen pretzel bites

First, gather your ingredients and tools. You will need frozen pretzel bites, water, salt or your preferred seasoning, a pastry brush, and an air fryer. You may also want to prepare a dipping sauce, such as cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch.

Next, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around 320-330°F, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired crispiness of your pretzel bites. Preheat for up to 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your frozen pretzel bites. Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one to ensure even cooking and crisping. Do not overcrowd the basket.

Now, it's time to add some flavor. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush water onto the frozen pretzel bites. This step will help the salt or seasoning stick to the pretzels. Immediately sprinkle coarse salt or your desired seasoning onto the moistened pretzel bites.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer. For frozen pretzel bites, cook for 2-4 minutes at 320°F. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers work quickly and you don't want your pretzel bites to burn.

When the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer. Using silicone tongs, take out your pretzel bites and serve them hot. Enjoy your crispy, golden pretzel bites with your chosen dipping sauce!

You can also get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings. For a sweet option, try sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the pretzel bites after cooking. Or, for a savory twist, brush the tops with melted butter and add some garlic powder or shredded cheese.

There you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious way to make frozen pretzel bites using your air fryer. Enjoy the convenience of this cooking method and the endless possibilities for customization.

How to store and reheat leftover soft pretzels

Soft pretzels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or at room temperature for up to 1 week.

When it comes to reheating soft pretzels, you can use either a microwave or an oven. The microwave method is quicker, but the oven method yields better results.

To reheat soft pretzels in the microwave:

• Wet a paper towel until it is just damp.
• Place the pretzel on a microwave-safe plate and lay the damp paper towel over it.
• Microwave on high for 15-30 seconds.
• Check the pretzel and, if necessary, heat for an additional 15 seconds.
• Allow the pretzel to cool before eating.

To reheat soft pretzels in the oven:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Drizzle a small amount of water over the pretzel to moisten it (but not too much that it becomes soggy).
• Wrap the pretzel in aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 5 minutes. For a crispier exterior, forgo the foil and place the pretzel directly on the middle rack of the oven.
• Check if the pretzel is warm enough. If not, return it to the oven for another minute or two.
• Remove the pretzel from the oven and let it cool slightly before enjoying.

How to make sweet pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 package of frozen pretzels (any type)
• 2 teaspoons of coarse salt
• 1/4 cup of dipping sauce of your choice (options include honey mustard, yellow mustard, melted butter, cheese sauce, and a variety of mustards)
• Cinnamon
• Sugar

Method:

• Remove the pretzels from their packaging and place them into the air fryer basket. Ensure there is space around each pretzel so that they can crisp up.
• Using a pastry brush, brush water onto the pretzels.
• Sprinkle the salt over the pretzels (most frozen pretzels come with a package of salt).
• Set the temperature to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 5 minutes.
• Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the pretzels after cooking.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

How to make savoury pretzels

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus ¼ cup for rolling the dough)
• 1 packet dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of sugar
• 1 egg
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling
• Dipping sauces of your choice (e.g. cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch)

Method:

First, prepare your air fryer basket by lightly coating it with olive oil or using an air fryer parchment paper liner. Set the basket aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pour in the warm water and melted butter, stirring with a fork until the dough thickens and becomes flaky.

Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth. Form the dough into a ball. Cut the ball into 8 pieces, then roll each piece into ropes about 12-14 inches long. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape: form a U-shape, cross the ends at the top, twist them, and pull down onto the bottom of the pretzel.

Place the pretzels into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for them to puff up. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a spoonful of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Air fry the pretzels at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is cooked and the tops are golden brown.

For an extra savoury kick, you can sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on top of the pretzels instead of salt.

Serve your freshly made pretzels with your favourite dipping sauces!

Tips:

• Try to make the dough ropes the same size and thickness so your pretzels cook evenly.
• For larger pretzels, divide the dough into four pieces instead of eight, and adjust the air frying time accordingly.
• Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can make the pretzels chewy and dense.
• If you don't have time to make the dough from scratch, you can use frozen soft pretzels and follow a similar process for cooking them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions