Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Have you made homemade pretzel bites yet? They were fun and quick to make with my kids. Fluffy tastes of goodness softer than our Reeses pretzel bites and on the savory side of things, both delish!. One of our favorite easy air fryer recipes now.

I craved these air fryer snacks while I was pregnant. Didn’t have a hot air machine way back then but wish I did. My favorite place to get them is Auntie Annes in the mall, but we live in the middle of nowhere and there isn’t one. So I created them…

These are not only my favorite low fat snacks but my girls are now addicted to them. Right out of the oven in a cup they take them on the go all the time. And the sauces that are great for dipping are endless.

Are you obsessed with creating lots of easy air fryer recipes too?? Ever since I got mine I’ve used it almost daily and I cannot believe it took me this long to buy one!! (okay my husband bought it, he gets a bit of credit there). I actually have bought several over the years because I always want to test out to make sure the timing isn’t any different.

Ninja Foodi Pretzel Bites

I am here to say that it doesn’t matter what you have, or buy. My Foodi is great as a multi function pot but does have a smaller circular air fryer basket. The only difference with this machine is you use the lid that is attached. My Cosori is square so it typically fits more at a time which is great for more people or larger crowds.

Pretzel Bites with Active Dry Yeast

Our homemade pretzel dough is quite easy. There is only a 10 minute rest time necessary and no rising required. I will share our no yeast pretzel bites recipe below too. 😉

How to Activate Yeast

Active dry yeast is used to allow them to rise. You will want to activate it with a warm liquid like milk or water so it begins to bubble a little, letting you know it is ready. Give it a minute or two and it should not be too hot or it will “kill it”, just warmed.

Brown sugar is also added to “feed your yeast” as you need some sugar and I prefer this for a deeper flavor than white.

Can you use something other than all purpose flour?

All purpose flour is really the best base for this recipe added with the dry ingredients needed. I do have flour substitutions here if you need a different one but they may not be as fluffy and light..

You want to add some more flavor with some coarse salt or everything bagel seasoning for outside is what I prefer if I have it.

Melted butter coats the outside when done so the salt will stick, a dairy free alternative would be fine. Baking soda will keep it crispy on the outside.

You can serve these with our yellow mustard or you can make them sweet with cinnamon and sugar on the top instead of salt. One more idea…don’t cut them into pieces. Rather roll them into snakes and wrap around a few wieners to make pretzel dogs instead. All the possibilities are OH MY goodness excellent.

How Long to Cook Homemade Pretzel Bites in Air Fryer

You still want to boil them for a few minutes but then in your machine you will only need about 5 minutes until puffed up and the outside reaches a crispy golden brown color.

Can you make pretzel bites with canned biscuits?

You could but the texture will not be the same. You will get a fluffier result vs. chewy dough with yeast. Just cut into 4ths, roll into balls, dip into melted butter and then sea salt so it sticks. Spray basket once it is preheated to 380 F and lay in one layer for about 4-6 minutes until lightly browned.

Can you air fry frozen pretzels?

You can. There are 2 ways. You can microwave as directed and then crisp for 1 minute in your air fryer. Or put in and bake at 300 degrees F for 3 minutes. Don’t these just look amazing?? My kids and I just love them and never last long in our house.

We have used a version of our bread in a bag dough and made honey wheat homemade pretzel bites in the air fryer that way as well. There’s another “cheater” way of making pretzels with a package of refrigerated crescent rolls too. Here’s how you make those.

This is what you’ll need to make the SECOND version of our crescent roll air fryer pretzels. Note that they won’t have that same great chewy texture but a great fast snack kids love still.

1. Air fryer – we have the Ninja Foodi air fryer and pressure cooker
2. Container of crescent rolls or you could use this gluten free pretzel dough mix . Others have used pizza dough too.

Non stick spray is needed for just about everything cooked in this basket. I like olive oil spray specifically, some salt for the outside and melted butter will coat the outsides to add flavor.

Once you unroll the dough just roll it like snakes and twist into a pretzel shape. Spray basket, lay inside and preheat machine to 330 degrees F and air fry for about 5 minutes until they’re browned on top. Brush on melted butter and sprinkle on salt or cinnamon and sugar.

Want to make larger homemade soft pretzels? We have a recipe for that traditional dough too.

You will want to preheat your machine for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F. If you want to add salt sprinkle water on the top and dip so it sticks. Then air fry for 4-6 minutes or until middle is soft. Serve warm with mustard for best results.

Air fryer sticky buns sticky buns are incredible These air fryer breakfast stuffed peppers are low carb, keto friendly and a yummy breakfast too.