Description
These air-fried pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Easy to make and fun to eat, they are sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Gradually mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until it starts to come together.
- When the dough starts to form, switch to using your hands. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes until its smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares, approximately 1 inch by 1 inch.
- Roll each square into a ball by taking a piece of dough and rolling it between your palms until it forms a smooth ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up!).
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Using a slotted spoon, gently drop a few pretzel balls into the baking soda bath at a time. Let them simmer for about 30 seconds, then remove them and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat this process until all the pretzel bites have been boiled.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg for a golden color.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top of each pretzel bite.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the pretzel bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they arent overcrowded.
- Air fry the pretzel bites for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Check them around the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Notes
- These pretzel bites are best served warm.
- Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, cheese sauce, or marinara for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes