Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites (Printer-friendly)

Golden air fryer pretzel bites with creamy zesty cheese dip

# What You'll Need:

→ Pretzel Bread Bites

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→ Zesty Cheese Dip

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# Directions:

01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
05 - Bring 4 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a medium saucepan.
06 - Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 6 pieces, roll each into a ½-inch thick rope, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined tray.
08 - Brush pretzel bites with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
09 - Arrange bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway, until deep golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining bites.
10 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
11 - Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
12 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
13 - Serve pretzel bites warm with zesty cheese dip.

# Expert Advice:

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  • The air fryer creates that perfect crunch without the oil of deep frying
  • The dough comes together fast, and most of the time is hands-off rising
  • That baking soda bath is what gives restaurant pretzels their signature chewy crust
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  • The water temperature matters too cold and the yeast wont wake up, too hot and youll kill it completely
  • That baking soda bath will make the water foam up, so use a bigger pan than you think you need
  • Dont skip shaking the air fryer basket halfway through or youll get uneven browning
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  • If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add just a tablespoon of flour at a time
  • Let the bites cool for just 2 minutes before serving so the cheese dip stays thick and creamy

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