Air-Fryer Pretzels: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making pretzels in an air fryer is an easy and enjoyable process that yields great results. You can make pretzels from scratch or use frozen pretzels. If you're making them from scratch, you'll need to prepare the dough, shape it into pretzels, and then cook them in the air fryer. If you're using frozen pretzels, simply place them in the air fryer, brush with water, and sprinkle with salt. You can also get creative with different shapes and flavours, such as cinnamon sugar or sesame.

How to shape pretzel dough

Shaping pretzel dough is a fun and easy process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Start by sprinkling some flour on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Take one piece of dough and roll it into a long rope, aiming for a diameter that is slightly less than a dime. The length should be around 12-14 inches. If the dough is sticking too much, you can sprinkle a tiny amount of flour on top.

Now, it's time to shape the rope into a pretzel. Form a U-shape with the rope, then cross the ends at the top. Twist the ends and pull them down towards the bottom of the U-shape. Place the twisted end on top of the curved part of the U.

If you want to make pretzel bites, simply cut the rope into small pieces, each about 1¼ inch long.

Repeat this process for the remaining pieces of dough. If you want to make larger pretzels, you can divide the dough into four pieces instead of eight.

Once you've shaped all the dough, it's time to boil them in a baking soda bath. This step is crucial for achieving the signature pretzel flavour, texture, and colour. Bring a large pot of water with baking soda to a rolling boil and drop the pretzel shapes into it. Let them cook for about 30-60 seconds, or until they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a cooling rack to dry.

Now your pretzel dough is shaped and ready for the next steps in your air fryer pretzel recipe!

How to make an egg wash

An egg wash is a simple mixture of egg and water that is brushed on top of bread and pastries before baking to give them a shiny, golden-brown finish. It is used purely for aesthetic purposes and does not affect the final flavour of the food item.

To make an egg wash, follow these steps:

• Beat 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl with a fork until well combined. You can also use a whisk to combine the ingredients. The consistency of the egg wash should be fluid, and the egg white and yolk should be completely incorporated to avoid a blotchy finish.
• Use a pastry brush to coat the surface of the dough evenly with the egg wash before baking.
• Pop your baked goods into a hot oven and watch them turn a delicious golden brown.

You can also add a splash of milk or plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk or almond milk to the egg wash. Using milk or cream will further enhance the colour and gloss of the baked goods.

Leftover egg wash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to cook pretzels in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 cup for dusting and rolling
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water, around 115°F
• 3 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 1 packet of yeast (7g, 2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
• Everything seasoning (optional)
• 1 egg
• Coarse salt
• Water
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauces (classic cheese sauce, marinara, sweet cream cheese dip, mustard, honey mustard, or ranch)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Pastry brush
• Air fryer basket or tray
• Silicone mat or parchment paper
• Tongs

Method

• In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, butter, salt, and sugar.
• Sprinkle the yeast across the mixture and allow it to activate for 10 minutes.
• Add the all-purpose flour into the bowl 1/2 cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon.
• Once all the flour is added and mixed in, the dough should be slightly sticky.
• Dust a little flour onto a kneading surface and place the dough on top. Knead the dough gently for 3-4 minutes.
• Cut the dough into 4 or 8 equal pieces, depending on your preferred pretzel size.
• Roll each piece of dough into long ropes and twist them into pretzel shapes.
• Prepare an egg wash by whisking the egg with a spoonful of water in a small bowl.
• Brush the egg wash onto the pretzels.
• If desired, sprinkle everything seasoning on top of the pretzels.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the pretzels into the air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded as they will expand during cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 350-375°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
• Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips

• If using active dry yeast, allow the dough to sit in a warm place for 30 minutes to an hour until it has almost doubled in size.
• For a salty flavor, sprinkle sea salt over the pretzels right after they come out of the air fryer.
• For a cheese-lover's treat, apply grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese.
• For a sweet sensation, create a cinnamon and sugar mixture and sprinkle it generously over the pretzels after cooking.
• For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your pretzels.
• To make cinnamon sugar pretzels, brush the pretzels with melted butter after cooking and dip them in a cinnamon sugar mixture.
• To make pizza pretzels, top them with shredded cheese and pepperoni during the last few minutes of air frying.
• For cheese pretzels, sprinkle shredded cheese on top or into the dough before air frying.
• Instead of coarse salt, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on top of the pretzels.

Storage

Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week in the fridge but are best when freshly made. For a warm, soft pretzel, microwave it for 15 seconds or place it back in the air fryer for a minute or two.

How to make sweet pretzels

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 cup for dusting and rolling
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water, around 115°F
• 3 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 packet of yeast (7g) (instant or active)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter for brushing
• Everything seasoning (optional)
• Oil for spraying the air fryer basket
• Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture

In a large bowl, mix together warm water, butter, salt, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast across the surface of the mixture and let it activate for about 10 minutes. It should look slightly fluffy.

Step 2: Mix in the flour

Add the all-purpose flour into the bowl, 1/2 cup at a time, while stirring with a wooden spoon. Continue until all the flour is added and mixed in. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Dust a little flour onto a kneading surface and place the dough on top. Knead the dough gently for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth.

Step 4: Let the dough rise (if using active dry yeast)

If you are using active dry yeast, cover the dough and let it sit in a warm place for about 30 minutes to an hour, until it has almost doubled in size.

Step 5: Cut and shape the dough

Cut the dough into 4 or 8 equal pieces, depending on how big you want your pretzels. Then, roll each piece into long ropes and twist them into pretzel shapes. Cross the end pieces, then cross them once more. Hold the two end pieces, fold them over, and place them on top of the round piece.

Step 6: Prepare the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F-375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Prepare the egg wash

In a small bowl, mix together an egg and a tablespoon of melted butter to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture onto the pretzels.

Step 8: Season the pretzels

Sprinkle everything seasoning on top of the pretzels if desired. For a sweet version, brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Step 9: Air-fry the pretzels

Place the pretzels into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air-fry for 10-12 minutes at 350°F-375°F, until they are golden brown.

Your sweet pretzels are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as a snack or an appetizer, paired with your favorite dips and sauces.

How to make savoury pretzels

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/4 cup for dusting and rolling
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water, around 115°F
• 3 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 1 packet of yeast (7g) (instant or active)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
• Everything seasoning (optional)
• Coarse salt
• Water

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Air fryer basket or tray
• Pastry brush
• Silicone tip tongs

Method:

• In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, butter, salt, and sugar.
• Sprinkle the yeast across the mixture and allow it to activate for about 10 minutes. It should look slightly fluffy.
• Add the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir with a wooden spoon.
• Continue stirring and adding flour until the mixture forms a slightly sticky dough.
• Dust a floured surface and place the dough on top. Knead the dough gently for 3-4 minutes.
• Cut the dough into 4 or 8 equal pieces, depending on your preferred pretzel size.
• Roll each piece of dough into long ropes and twist them into pretzel shapes.
• Prepare an egg wash by whisking an egg with a spoonful of water.
• Brush the egg wash all over the pretzels.
• Sprinkle everything seasoning on the tops of the pretzels (optional).
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Place the pretzels into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and serve warm with your choice of dips.

Tips:

• You can get creative and make different shapes and flavours, such as cinnamon sugar, sesame, or pizza pretzels.
• For a vegan option, use vegan butter and omit the egg wash.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
• If using active dry yeast, let the dough sit in a warm place until it has almost doubled in size.
• You can also cook frozen pretzels in the air fryer. Simply brush them with water, sprinkle with salt, and air fry for about 3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions