Who doesn’t love a warm, soft pretzel fresh out of the oven? Well, with this recipe, you can enjoy that same delicious snack in the comfort of your own home, made even easier using an air fryer! These Cinnamon & Sugar Air Fryer Pretzel Bites are the perfect balance of soft, chewy pretzel dough coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Whether you’re craving a snack for a movie night or looking to impress friends and family with a homemade treat, this recipe is a winner.
With the air fryer, we can skip the deep-frying and still achieve the perfect golden-brown crust with a soft interior. Plus, it’s quicker and less messy than traditional baking methods. If you’ve never made pretzel bites before, this recipe is simple to follow and incredibly satisfying. Let’s get started!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
All-purpose flour: This is the base of our pretzel dough. You’ll need a good amount of flour to create that chewy, doughy texture that pretzels are known for.
Active dry yeast: Yeast is what gives pretzels their rise and soft texture. It helps the dough expand and gives it that classic pretzel bite.
Warm water: The warm water helps activate the yeast. Be sure it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast – just warm enough to feel comfortable on your finger.
Granulated sugar: A little sugar goes a long way to feed the yeast and get the dough rising. It also adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Salt is essential to balance the sweetness and to give the pretzel dough its signature flavor.
Baking soda: This ingredient is used to give the pretzels that chewy texture and help them get golden when cooked in the air fryer. It’s a crucial step in making the dough act like a traditional pretzel.
Butter: Melted butter is brushed on the pretzel bites after they cook, adding richness and flavor. It also helps the cinnamon-sugar topping stick.
Cinnamon: This is the key ingredient for the sweet topping! The warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon complements the soft pretzel perfectly.
Granulated sugar (for topping): Mixed with cinnamon, this sugar creates a sweet, crunchy topping for the pretzel bites.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar (for the dough)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Baking soda
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (for topping)
How to Make Cinnamon & Sugar Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This means it’s active and ready to go!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to get your air fryer preheated to 370°F (188°C).
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll the dough into a long rope and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re even in size for consistent cooking.
Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bites
In a medium pot, bring about 4 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water, cooking them in batches for about 30 seconds each. This step helps create the characteristic chewy texture. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a clean towel to dry.
Step 6: Air Fry the Pretzel Bites
Place the pretzel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Brush with Butter and Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the pretzel bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then toss the pretzel bites in this mixture while they are still warm.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t skip the boiling step: Boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution is key to getting that traditional pretzel texture and color. It’s worth the extra step!
- Use a non-stick air fryer basket: If your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick, try spraying it lightly with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- Check the pretzel bites early: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the pretzel bites after 6 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Add a pinch of salt: If you like a sweet-salty contrast, try sprinkling a tiny bit of salt on top of the cinnamon sugar for that classic pretzel flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but the texture may be a bit denser. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
Q: How do I store leftover pretzel bites? A: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I make these pretzel bites without an air fryer? A: Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cinnamon & Sugar Air Fryer Pretzel Bites!