Air-Fryer Pretzel Bites: Quick, Crispy, Chewy Perfection

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make delicious snacks, and pretzel bites are no exception. With a crispy exterior and soft, chewy centre, air-fried pretzel bites are a tasty treat that can be made from scratch or with a few simple store-bought ingredients.

Most recipes suggest making a dough from flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, before forming it into bite-sized pieces and cooking in the air fryer. However, some recipes suggest using ready-made pizza dough as a time-saving alternative.

The key to getting that classic pretzel flavour and texture is to boil the bites in a baking soda and water mixture before air frying. After air frying, the bites can be brushed with butter or egg wash and sprinkled with salt.

Air fryer pretzel bites are best served warm with a variety of dips, such as mustard, cheese sauce, or marinara sauce.

Choosing the right flour

The type of flour you use for your pretzel bites can make a difference in how they turn out. The two main types of flour you can use are bread flour and all-purpose flour.

Bread Flour

Bread flour has a higher protein content (about 12-15%) than all-purpose flour, which leads to a higher gluten content. This gives your pretzel bites a softer and chewier texture. Bread flour will also make it easier for your pretzel bites to hold their shape, which is especially helpful if you're a beginner baker. However, keep in mind that bread flour is best used for breads, so if you don't plan on making a lot of bread, it might not be the most cost-effective option.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour has a lower protein content (8-12%) and is more versatile, as it can be used for a wide variety of baked goods such as cookies, muffins, pie crusts, and breads. Pretzel bites can be made well with all-purpose flour, and it is a more cost-effective option if you don't want to buy a separate type of flour just for pretzels.

Other Options

You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, depending on your dietary preferences or requirements. However, keep in mind that the amount of liquid you need may vary when using different types of flour, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

In conclusion, while you can use either bread flour or all-purpose flour for your pretzel bites, bread flour will result in a softer and chewier texture, while all-purpose flour is a more versatile and cost-effective option. Ultimately, the choice of flour depends on your personal preferences and what you have available.

Preparing the dough

To make pretzel bites in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare the dough first. Here's a detailed guide on how to do that:

Making pretzel dough is quite simple and does not require any special equipment. You can use a stand mixer or simply mix the ingredients by hand in a bowl. Here are the steps to prepare the dough:

• Gather the Ingredients: The basic ingredients for pretzel dough are all-purpose flour, warm water, salt, sugar, and yeast. You can use active dry yeast or instant/rapid-rise yeast. If you use active dry yeast, you will need to bloom it before mixing it into the dough, and you may need to let the dough proof for a bit. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour mixture.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, flour, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together. If you are using honey instead of sugar, it is recommended to mix the flour and yeast first to prevent the yeast from clumping.
• Add Water Gradually: Add warm water to the flour mixture gradually. Start by adding about half a cup of warm water (around 100-110°F) and stir. The mixture will be dry and crumbly at first. Continue adding water in small amounts (a couple of tablespoons at a time) and mixing until a dough ball starts to form. The dough should be sticky and well-hydrated. You may need to adjust the amount of water based on your environment and the consistency of your flour.
• Knead the Dough: Once the dough comes together, sprinkle some flour on a clean work surface and place the sticky dough on it. Sprinkle a little more flour on top of the dough and begin kneading. Knead the dough by folding it in half and then pressing it with the palms of your hands while pushing away from you. Repeat this process a few times until the extra flour is incorporated, and you have a smooth, tacky dough ball.
• Divide and Roll the Dough: Cut the dough into equal pieces, usually around 8 pieces. Take one piece and roll it into a long rope, about 12-14 inches in length, with a diameter slightly less than a dime. Repeat this process for the remaining pieces of dough.
• Optional Resting: If you are using active dry yeast, it is recommended to let the dough rest for about 30 minutes, covered with plastic, to allow it to rise a little. This step can be skipped if using instant/rapid-rise yeast.
• Cut the Ropes into Bites: Using a floured knife, cut the ropes of dough into small pieces, about 1-inch in length. These pieces will be your pretzel bites.

Once you have prepared the dough and cut it into bites, the next steps involve boiling the bites in a baking soda bath, and then air-frying them to perfection.

Shaping the pretzel bites

First, you will need to prepare your dough. For this, you can either make your own dough from scratch using ingredients such as flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water, or you can use a shortcut and opt for premade pizza dough. If you are making your own dough, combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, and then slowly add the water until a sticky dough forms.

Once your dough is ready, it's time to shape those pretzel bites! Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Take one piece and roll it into a long rope that is about 12-14 inches long and slightly less than a dime in diameter. You can sprinkle a tiny amount of flour over the dough if it starts to stick too much. Cut this rope into pieces that are about 1 1/4 inches long. Repeat this process for the remaining dough pieces.

Place the pieces of pretzel dough onto a floured surface or a baking sheet. You should now have a bunch of little dough bites ready for the next step!

Now, it's time for the baking soda bath. This step is crucial in giving your pretzel bites that signature pretzel flavour, texture, and colour. In a large pot, bring a mixture of water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the dough bites into the boiling water and cook them for about 30-60 seconds, or until they float to the top. Remove the bites from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack or a paper towel-lined surface to dry.

At this point, you can also add some extra flavour to your pretzel bites. You can try an egg wash by beating an egg with a small amount of water and brushing it over the bites, or you can simply brush them with melted butter. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as pretzel salt, cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, or even spices like smoked paprika or Cajun spice blend.

And there you have it! You've successfully shaped your pretzel bites and they are now ready to be air-fried to perfection. Enjoy the delicious, crispy, and chewy snack that you have created!

Boiling the dough

To prepare the baking soda bath, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. The amount of water and baking soda required may vary depending on the recipe, but generally, you will need around 8 to 10 cups of water and 1/3 to 1/2 cup of baking soda. Stir the mixture until the baking soda is fully dissolved.

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the pretzel bites to the pot. You can do this using a slotted spoon or another large scoop with holes to prevent them from falling apart. Let the bites cook in the baking soda bath for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until they float to the top. This step is crucial for achieving the desired pretzel flavour and texture.

After boiling, remove the pretzel bites from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack or a paper towel-lined surface to drain and dry. It is important to keep the bites separated at this stage to prevent them from sticking together.

By boiling the pretzel dough in a baking soda bath, you ensure that your pretzel bites have the characteristic pretzel flavour, colour, and chewy texture that defines this classic snack.

Air frying the pretzel bites

When you are ready to air fry, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each bite to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the pretzel bites in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air fry the pretzel bites for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip the bites halfway through the cooking process. Once they are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Frequently asked questions