Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printable version)

Golden air fryer pretzel bites with a soft chewy interior and crispy exterior, served with warm zesty cheese dip for the ultimate party appetizer.

# 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 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. Let stand until foamy, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Combine flour, salt, and melted butter with yeast mixture. Mix until shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
05 - Bring 4 cups water and baking soda to a boil in medium saucepan.
06 - Punch down dough and turn onto floured surface. Divide into 6 pieces. Roll each into ½-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 20 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined tray.
08 - Brush pretzel bites with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
09 - Arrange bites in single layer in air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until deep golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining bites.
10 - Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form roux.
11 - Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
12 - 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 on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer creates an impossibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and chewy
  • That baking soda bath is the secret to genuine pretzel flavor without the restaurant price tag
  • The zesty cheese dip comes together in minutes and upgrades everything from vegetables to crackers
02 -
  • The baking soda bath is non negotiable, it creates the chemical reaction that gives pretzels their signature crust
  • Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket or the bites will steam instead of crisp up
  • The cheese dip will thicken as it cools, so serve it immediately or rewarm gently
03 -
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check your water temperature, too hot kills yeast, too cold slows rising
  • Let the bites cool for just 2 minutes before serving, they set up and get even crispier

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