Crispy 20-Minute Air Fryer Pretzel Bites You’ll Crave

Oh my gosh, you have to try these pretzel bites in the air fryer—they’re my new obsession! I first made them when my niece came over last weekend craving something salty and crunchy. We were both amazed at how quickly they came together. Seriously, from fridge to plate in under 20 minutes! That’s the magic of the air fryer—it gives you that perfect golden-brown crunch without the fuss of deep frying.

These little bites are dangerously snackable, especially when served warm with a side of cheese sauce. I love how the baking soda bath gives them that classic pretzel chewiness, just like the ones from the mall food court (but way cheaper!). Trust me, once you see how easy they are to whip up, you’ll be making them for every game night, movie marathon, or just because it’s Tuesday.

And the best part? No waiting for dough to rise or dealing with a sticky mess. Just grab some refrigerated pizza dough, and you’re halfway there. Let’s get frying—or should I say air frying?

Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer

Listen, I don’t blame you if you become obsessed—these pretzel bites check ALL the boxes:

• Crazy quick: Done in under 20 minutes (even faster than ordering takeout!)
• Perfectly crispy: That air fryer magic gives them golden edges with a chewy center
• No mess: One bowl, no oil splatters, and barely any cleanup
• Endless options: Sweet or savory? Garlic butter, cinnamon sugar, or classic salt—you pick!

Seriously, they disappear faster than I can make them. You’ve been warned!

Ingredients for Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer

Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these addictive little bites:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (the kind you find in the biscuit aisle – I like the classic brand, but any will work)
• 4 cups water (just regular tap water for our magic baking soda bath)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (this is the secret to that authentic pretzel taste and texture!)
• 1 large egg (beaten with a fork until it’s nice and smooth for that golden egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (to taste – I use the big flaky kind that gives that satisfying crunch)

See? Nothing fancy here! I love that I usually have everything except maybe the pizza dough in my pantry already. Pro tip: let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before unrolling – it makes it much easier to work with!

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Air fryer (any size works – just cook in batches if yours is small)
• Mixing bowl (for the baking soda bath – medium size is perfect)
• Pastry brush (a silicone one works great for the egg wash)
• Baking sheet (just to catch any stray salt – lazy cleanup is my jam)

That’s it! See why I love this recipe? No fancy gadgets required.

How to Make Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer

Alright, let’s turn that dough into golden nuggets of joy! Follow these simple steps for pretzel bite perfection:

Step 1: Prep the Dough

First, unroll your pizza dough on a clean surface – no need to flour it, trust me. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice it into 1-inch squares. They don’t need to be perfect (mine never are), but try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. I like to gently roll each piece between my hands to smooth the edges – this helps them puff up nice and round in the air fryer!

Step 2: Baking Soda Bath

Here’s where the magic happens! Mix your water and baking soda in a bowl (careful, it might fizz a bit). Working in batches, dunk those dough pieces for about 30 seconds each – just long enough to get them fully coated but not soggy. I use a slotted spoon to fish them out and let the excess drip off before transferring to a plate. This bath is what gives them that signature pretzel flavor and chewy texture!

Step 3: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 2 minutes should do it). Arrange your dipped dough bites in a single layer – no touching! Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re puffed and golden. I always check at 4 minutes – some air fryers run hot! Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through if yours doesn’t circulate air well.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

As soon as they come out of the fryer, brush each bite with that beaten egg (this helps the salt stick) and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. The heat will make everything glisten and set the crust. Let them cool for about a minute – if you can resist! – before serving. Warning: They disappear FAST once people get a whiff of that freshly-baked pretzel smell!

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer

After making these dozens of times (I may have a problem), here are my foolproof secrets:

• Peek early! Check at 4 minutes – some air fryers run hot and can turn golden to burnt fast.
• Salt wisely: Sprinkle salt while the egg wash is still wet – it sticks better and looks prettier.
• Parchment trick: Cut a round to fit your basket – prevents sticking without blocking crispiness.
• Double dip: For extra pretzel flavor, give the dough a quick second dip in the baking soda bath.

Remember – slightly underdone is better than overdone. They firm up as they cool!

Variations for Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer

Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists:

• Cinnamon sugar: Skip the salt and toss warm bites in cinnamon sugar for a churro-like treat (my kids beg for this version!)
• Everything bagel: Swap salt for everything bagel seasoning – so good with cream cheese dip
• Cheesy garlic: Brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan right after cooking

Honestly? I’ve even done a buffalo ranch version with hot sauce and dry ranch mix. Get creative!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the dipping possibilities! My absolute favorite is warm beer cheese sauce (so indulgent), but here are my go-tos:

• Classic yellow mustard (that tangy bite cuts through the richness perfectly)
• Marinara sauce (like pizza pretzel bites – genius!)
• Nacho cheese (the melty, gooey kind you get at baseball games)

Pro tip: Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy – they lose their magic if they sit too long!

Storage & Reheating

These pretzel bites are best fresh, but if you miraculously have leftovers (doubtful!), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to revive them, pop in the air fryer for just 1-2 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right back up! Just don’t microwave them unless you enjoy sad, soggy bites (learned that one the hard way).

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the general scoop on these pretzel bites (because I know someone’s going to ask!). Keep in mind these are rough estimates – your exact numbers will depend on the specific pizza dough brand you use and how generous you are with the salt and egg wash.

Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) has roughly:

• 180-220 calories
• 4-6g fat
• 30-35g carbs
• 4-6g protein

The baking soda bath adds some sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to go lighter on the topping or skip the egg wash. And hey – everything in moderation, right? These are perfect for when you need that salty-crunchy fix without going full fast-food pretzel calories!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about these pretzel bites since I started making them! Here are the most common ones – with all the answers I’ve discovered through trial and (lots of) delicious error:

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned pizza dough?
Absolutely! My grandma’s pizza dough recipe works great here (just roll it thinner than usual). The key is using a dough that’s not too wet – you want it to hold its shape after the baking soda bath. Let me know if you want my family recipe!

Why do we dip the dough in baking soda water?
This is the magic step! The alkaline solution (science alert!) helps create that signature pretzel crust – it gives that deep brown color and slightly chewy texture. Without it, you’d just have… well, baked dough bites. Still tasty, but not pretzel-y!

Can I make these without an egg wash?
You can, but the egg helps the salt stick and gives that gorgeous shine. For an egg-free version, brush with melted butter or skip it entirely – they’ll still taste great, just less “official” pretzel vibes.

Why are my pretzel bites sticking to the air fryer basket?
Ah, the number one frustration! Either your basket wasn’t quite hot enough when you added them (always preheat!), or you overcrowded it. Next time, try the parchment paper trick I mentioned – total game changer!

Can I freeze the unbaked dough bites for later?
Yes! After the baking soda dip, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. When ready, cook straight from frozen – just add 1-2 extra minutes. Perfect for last-minute snacks!

Did You Make These Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer?

I’d love to hear how your pretzel bites turned out! Leave a comment below telling me your favorite dipping sauce or any fun twists you tried. And if you snapped a photo of those golden beauties, tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your air fryer creations!

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