As someone who loves to create delicious snacks at home, I’ve always been drawn to making soft pretzels. They’re warm, salty, and irresistible, perfect for any occasion. The best part is, with the help of my trusty air fryer, these soft pretzels come together in no time with that signature golden, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. If you’ve been craving fresh pretzels without the hassle of deep frying or baking for hours, this recipe is for you. It’s incredibly simple and delivers authentic pretzel flavor with a fraction of the effort.
Air frying the pretzels gives them that perfect texture, and you can have them ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re snacking solo, hosting a movie night, or serving them at a party, these pretzels are bound to become a household favorite. Let’s get started and make some homemade air fryer soft pretzels!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base for your soft pretzels, all-purpose flour gives the dough its structure and perfect chewy texture. You’ll need a bit of this to make the dough smooth and elastic, just like your favorite pretzel shop treats.
Active dry yeast: This is what helps the dough rise and gives the pretzels that signature fluffy texture. The yeast will need to be activated in warm water, so make sure the temperature is just right—around 110°F (43°C)—to get it working its magic.
Warm water: Used to activate the yeast and make the dough come together. It should be comfortably warm to the touch but not hot, which would kill the yeast.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to feed the yeast and gives the dough a slight sweetness. It’s also essential for helping the yeast rise to create those perfect soft pretzels.
Salt: Salt not only adds flavor to the pretzels but also enhances the taste of the dough and the final product. You can’t have a pretzel without that touch of saltiness!
Baking soda: This is the secret to achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and slightly crispy exterior. We’ll be using it to create a quick bath for the pretzels before air frying.
Butter: A little melted butter brushed on top of the pretzels after they come out of the air fryer will give them a rich, irresistible flavor. It’s also what helps the salt stick to the surface.
Coarse salt: For topping your soft pretzels, coarse salt gives that perfect crunch and salty kick that we all crave in a classic pretzel. Don’t skip this part—it’s what makes them so delicious!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
How to Make Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then stir to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This gives the dough time to develop that fluffy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then twist it into the shape of a pretzel. Place the formed pretzels on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
Bring a large pot of water to a simmer on the stove, then add the baking soda. Carefully dip each pretzel into the bath for about 30 seconds, ensuring both sides are coated. This step helps create that signature pretzel crust.
Step 6: Air Fry the Pretzels
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 7: Add Butter and Salt
Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter while they’re still hot. Sprinkle them generously with coarse salt to complete the pretzel experience.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Warm water is key: Make sure the water is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. If it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise, and if it’s too hot, the yeast will be deactivated.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath: This step is crucial for achieving the pretzel’s signature golden-brown color and slightly chewy texture. Don’t rush it!
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your pretzels! You can add cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or sprinkle some garlic powder for a savory option.
- Use parchment paper: If you’re worried about sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the pretzels.
- Serve fresh: These pretzels are best enjoyed immediately after air frying. If you have leftovers, reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough the night before, let it rise, and then store it in the fridge. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I freeze the pretzels?
Absolutely! After shaping the pretzels, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, simply air fry from frozen for about 10-12 minutes.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
Can I make these without butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply skip the butter or use a dairy-free alternative like olive oil.