Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printable Version)
Golden air fryer pretzel bites with creamy zesty cheese dip. Perfect for parties and game nights.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pretzel Bread Bites
01 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - ⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling)
08 - 4 cups water (for boiling)
09 - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
10 - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
→ Zesty Cheese Dip
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 2 oz cream cheese
16 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
17 - ½ tsp garlic powder
18 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
19 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
05 - Bring 4 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a medium saucepan.
06 - Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 6 pieces. Roll each into a ½-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined tray.
08 - Brush pretzel bites with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
09 - Arrange bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until deep golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining bites.
10 - In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
11 - Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
12 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13 - Serve pretzel bites warm with zesty cheese dip for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside impossibly soft and chewy
- That zesty cheese dip comes together in minutes and tastes better than anything youd order at a pub
02 -
- The baking soda bath is non negotiable, it creates the chemical reaction that gives pretzels their signature crust and flavor
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the bites will steam instead of crisp up
03 -
- Weigh your flour if possible, too much flour makes tough pretzels
- Let the bites cool for just 2 minutes before serving, they get even crispier