Black Pepper Free Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy, and golden brown with a satisfying salty crust, these air fryer pretzel bites are the kind of snack that disappears the moment they hit the table. The baking soda bath is the real secret here — it gives each bite that signature pretzel chew and deep mahogany color without any specialty ingredients. For anyone avoiding black pepper, classic pretzel recipes are actually a natural fit, since the traditional flavor comes entirely from the yeasty dough, coarse salt, and that quick alkaline dip. The finishing touch of flaky sea salt and a brush of beaten egg creates a glossy, bakery-worthy exterior straight from your air fryer. Serve them alongside yellow mustard for dipping and you've got a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack that tastes completely indulgent. The air fryer keeps things quick and delivers an even, crispy bite without the mess of deep frying.
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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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