Gelatin Free Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Chewy on the inside, deeply golden on the outside, these little pretzel bites hit every snack craving at once. The secret to that signature pretzel chew and dark, glossy crust is the baking soda bath — a quick 30-second dip before the air fryer does all the heavy lifting. Many store-bought pretzel snacks sneak in unexpected additives, so making your own from scratch with simple pantry staples means you know exactly what's going in. The dough comes together with just flour, yeast, butter, and salt, then the air fryer delivers that satisfying crunch without any deep frying. A beaten egg wash gives each bite its beautiful mahogany color and just the right amount of sheen before the coarse salt goes on top. Dip them in yellow mustard straight out of the basket and they disappear embarrassingly fast.
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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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