Craving warm, chewy goodness? Dive into homemade air fryer soft pretzels, where doughy delights meet cheesy dips in this easy-to-follow recipe!
Looking for more appetizer recipes? Try my Air Fryer Crab Rangoon, Cherry BBQ Chicken Wings, and Deviled Eggs.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Soft Pretzels Recipe
- It's a warm hug in food form: Soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying, these pretzels offer comfort with every bite!
- It's DIY deliciousness: Who needs the mall when you can whip up your own irresistible pretzels at home?
- Dip, dunk, devour: From cheese to mustard, these pretzels are the perfect excuse to play with your food!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in the air fryer soft pretzels recipe card.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for dough rise; consider using instant yeast if preferred.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture; whole wheat flour can add nuttiness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids yeast activation; honey or maple syrup are tasty alternatives.
- Kosher salt: Balances flavors; sea salt or Himalayan pink salt work well too.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture to the dough; melted butter or olive oil are delicious substitutes.
- Baking soda: Creates the classic pretzel crust; try pretzel salt for a different texture.
- Maldon salt: Enhances flavor and texture; coarse sea salt or fleur de sel are equally delightful.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor; coconut oil or margarine can be used as alternatives.
- Cheese dip: Perfect for dipping; explore mustard, hummus, or marinara for variety.
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let it sit until bubbly, like a cozy jacuzzi for yeast.
Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl; add oil and yeast mixture, then knead like you're making dough angels.
Let dough rise until puffy, like a cat stretching in the sun on a lazy afternoon.
Shape dough into pretzels; twist them like you're making edible art, because, well, you are!
Boil pretzels in baking soda water; it's like a mini spa treatment for your doughy creations.
Sprinkle pretzels with salt; they're like little salty kisses for your taste buds.
Bake until golden brown; your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery on a chilly morning.
Brush with melted butter; because everything's better with butter, isn't it?
Serve warm with cheese dip; dip, munch, and savor every delicious bite!
Share with friends and family; because sharing joy is what homemade treats are all about.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Skip the salt and brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist on this classic treat.
- Everything Bagel Pretzels: Add everything bagel seasoning to the dough for a savory kick and a nod to your favorite breakfast flavors.
- Cheddar Jalapeno Surprise: Mix shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapenos into the dough for a spicy, cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Pumpkin Spice Perfection: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the dough for a cozy autumnal twist that screams sweater weather.
- Chocolate Drizzle Delight: After baking, drizzle pretzels with melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert version that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Wine Pairing
For this recipe, a light and crisp Riesling would be a delightful wine pairing, its fruity notes complementing the soft pretzels' savory flavors like a perfect picnic in the park.
FAQ's
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Absolutely! Instant yeast works just as well; simply skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
- Can I freeze the pretzels for later?
- Of course! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. To enjoy, just reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Can I make gluten-free pretzels with this recipe?
- Certainly! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too.
- Can I skip the boiling step?
- While you can, boiling gives pretzels their classic chewy texture and distinctive flavor. It's worth the extra step!
- How do I store leftovers?
- Pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Though they rarely last that long—they're too delicious!
Tips
- Activate that Yeast: Give your yeast a warm bath with sugar to wake it up and get it ready to make your dough rise like a champ!
- Knead, Knead, Knead!: Don't be shy with that dough! Give it some love and knead it until it's smooth and stretchy—like pizza dough's fun cousin!
- Let it Rise... Like a Rockstar!: Find a cozy spot for your dough to rise, where it can stretch its legs and double in size like a happy balloon!
- Shape with Flair: Twist and twirl your dough into pretzel shapes like you're crafting edible art—each one should have its own personality!
- Boil for that Authentic Bite: Give your pretzels a quick spa treatment in boiling water and baking soda for that signature chewiness and golden glow!
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more appetizer recipes? Try my Air Fryer Crab Rangoon, Cherry BBQ Chicken Wings, and Deviled Eggs.
Did You Make this Recipe?
Please leave a comment and rating below, also let me know what you thought of this recipe. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @Meghanitup or share it on Pinterest so that I can follow along.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
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Ingredients
- Two ¼-ounce packets active dry yeast
- ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ¾ cups warm water 95°F to 110°F
- 5 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooking spray
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 cups boiling water
- ¼ cup Maldon or other flaky salt
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- Cheese Dip for serving
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water as per the original recipe. Allow it to sit until the sugar and yeast are dissolved, about 10 minutes.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, the remaining ½ cup sugar, and the kosher salt. Mix on low speed to combine. Add the oil and the yeast mixture, then mix on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16 equal pieces (about 2 ½ ounces each). Roll each piece into a 24-inch-long rope and twist each rope into a traditional pretzel shape.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine the baking soda and boiling water, stirring until the soda is completely dissolved. Dip each pretzel in the soda/water mixture, then place it in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving some space between them.
- Sprinkle the pretzels with the Maldon salt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Once preheated, place the pretzels in the air fryer basket or on the tray.
- Air fry the pretzels for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Once cooked, remove the pretzels from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter.
- Serve the pretzels immediately with cheese dip.
Notes
- Activate yeast properly: Allow yeast to dissolve and activate in warm water with sugar for optimal rising.
- Boil pretzels: Boiling in baking soda solution gives traditional flavor and texture.
- Work efficiently: Quickly shape dough to prevent drying and maintain softness during baking.
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