Cinnamon 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 dough comes together with pantry staples — flour, yeast, butter, and salt — so there's nothing hiding in the ingredient list that could cause a problem for anyone avoiding warming spices. The real magic happens in the baking soda bath, which gives each bite that signature pretzel chew and deep, slightly alkaline flavor before they ever touch the air fryer. A generous egg wash and a shower of coarse salt lock in that gorgeous mahogany color and the satisfying crunch on the outside. The air fryer does the heavy lifting in just minutes per batch, making this a genuinely quick project despite the from-scratch dough. Dip them in yellow mustard straight out of the basket and you've got a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack that's completely free of any spice blends or flavored coatings that might otherwise sneak in unwanted ingredients.
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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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