Sesame Free Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy, and deeply golden, these air fryer pretzel bites deliver everything you want from a classic snack — that signature slightly salty crust, a pillowy interior, and the kind of pull-apart satisfaction that makes them disappear fast. The baking soda bath is the real secret here, giving each bite its characteristic chew and that beautiful mahogany color without any specialty equipment beyond your air fryer. Store-bought pretzels and pretzel snacks can be a minefield when you're avoiding sesame, since many are produced on shared lines or finished with sesame-based toppings — making a homemade batch the smartest move. Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward pantry staple territory: flour, yeast, butter, egg, and coarse salt, so you stay in full control of what goes on each bite. The egg wash and flaky salt finish create that glossy, bakery-style exterior that looks far more impressive than the effort involved. Dip them in yellow mustard straight out of the air fryer and you've got a snack that genuinely rivals anything you'd find at a ballpark or a soft pretzel stand.
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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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