Artificial Flavors Free Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy, and golden-brown with a satisfying salt crunch on top, these pretzel bites hit every snack craving without a single artificial flavor in sight. Every ingredient here is straightforward pantry staple territory — flour, yeast, butter, egg, and salt — so you know exactly what you're eating with zero mystery additives. The baking soda bath is the real magic step, giving each bite that signature pretzel chew and deep mahogany crust that store-bought versions try to fake with flavor enhancers. Because you're making the dough from scratch, there's no need to scrutinize a label for "natural and artificial flavors" or wonder what's hiding in a preservative blend. The air fryer does a brilliant job of locking in that crisp exterior while keeping the inside pillowy and tender, all in under ten minutes per batch. Dip them in plain yellow mustard and you've got a snack that tastes genuinely indulgent — because it is, just without anything you can't pronounce.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the dough
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°f / 43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the baking soda bath
- 6 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
For finishing
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1–2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt
For serving
- ½ cup yellow mustard (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let stand for 5–7 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
- 2
Add the flour, fine salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4–5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, slightly tacky, and springs back when poked. Return to the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and rest for 10 minutes.
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