Seeds Free Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy, and golden-brown with that signature pretzel crust, these air fryer bites are the kind of snack that disappears the moment they hit the table. The dough comes together with pantry staples — flour, butter, yeast, and salt — so there's nothing hidden or unexpected lurking in the ingredient list. That quick dip in a baking soda bath is the real magic here, giving each bite its deep mahogany color and that satisfying chew without any specialty ingredients. A brush of beaten egg and a scatter of coarse salt before they hit the air fryer takes them from good to genuinely craveable. The air fryer delivers that bakery-style crust in a fraction of the time, and working in batches means every single piece gets properly browned rather than steamed. Serve them straight out of the basket with yellow mustard and watch them vanish.
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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)
Can be omittedyellow mustard
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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