Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Crispy & Chewy – The perfect combination of crispy outside and soft inside.
- Healthy Option – Cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil, making them a healthier choice than traditional deep-fried pretzels.
- Customizable – Top with pretzel salt, cheese, or mustard for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
- Pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
2. Shape the Pretzel Bites
- Roll the dough into a long rope (about 12 inches). Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch long).
3. Boil the Bites
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baking soda.
- Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
4. Air Fry the Pretzel Bites
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Serve with mustard or cheese dip if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Top with shredded cheese during the last minute of air frying.
- Sweet Pretzels: Coat with cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.
- Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic butter for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza or pretzel dough to save time.
2. How do I get my pretzel bites crispy?
Make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, and cook them in batches if necessary.
3. Can I freeze these pretzel bites?
Yes, freeze them after boiling and before air frying. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen for 10-12 minutes.
4. What dipping sauces go well with pretzel bites?
Mustard, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing are classic choices.
5. Can I make these without yeast?
No, yeast helps the dough rise and gives pretzels their classic texture.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Pretzel Bites are quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Crispy, soft, and chewy, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re having a snack or hosting a party, these bites are a must-try!

Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
- Total Time: 25minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Pretzel Bites are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and absolutely delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and only 10 minutes of cook time, these homemade pretzel bites are the perfect snack or appetizer. Whether served with mustard, cheese, or your favorite dip, these bites are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
- Pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. -
Shape the Pretzel Bites
Roll the dough into a long rope (about 12 inches). Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch long). -
Boil the Bites
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baking soda.
Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon. -
Air Fry the Pretzel Bites
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes, until golden and crispy. -
Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Serve with mustard or cheese dip if desired.
Notes
- Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Top with shredded cheese during the last minute of air frying.
- Sweet Pretzels: Coat with cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.
- Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American