Introduction
If you’re craving a delicious snack that’s quick and easy to make, pretzel bites are the perfect choice. And with the help of an air fryer, you can achieve that crispy, golden brown exterior without the need for deep frying. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of making pretzel bites in an air fryer. Get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, soft pretzels that are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Dough:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Coarse salt for sprinkling
Baking Soda Bath:
– 8 cups water
– ½ cup baking soda
Dipping Sauce (optional):
– Mustard
– Cheese sauce
– Honey mustard
– Marinara sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the melted butter and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Shape the dough into a ball.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough ball in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir until it dissolves completely.
Step 6: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the rope into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in length.
Step 7: Boil the Pretzel Bites
Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath, a few at a time, for about 20 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a greased air fryer rack or basket, leaving some space between each piece.
Step 8: Air Fry the Pretzel Bites
Place the rack or basket in the preheated air fryer. Cook the pretzel bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pretzel bites are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle them with coarse salt. Serve them warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as mustard, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or marinara sauce.
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can easily make delicious pretzel bites in your air fryer. These crispy, golden brown treats are perfect for snacking, parties, or even as a side dish. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade pretzel bites!