Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Pretzel Bites are made with pizza dough, a baking soda bath, and coarse salt; air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes until deep golden with a chewy crust.
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Method
- 1
Roll pizza dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
- 2
Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Dip each piece in the solution for 30 seconds (this creates the pretzel flavor and color).
- 3
Place on a towel to dry briefly. Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- 4
Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 5
Brush with melted butter and serve with warm cheese sauce and honey mustard.
Pro tip. The baking soda bath is what makes them taste like real pretzels — don't skip it. It creates the signature brown, chewy crust. Use coarse salt, not fine salt. Brush with melted butter right after cooking for extra flavor and shine.
Why the air fryer wins here
- Ready in 8 minutes. The same dish takes about 13 in a conventional oven, plus preheating.
- Fast-moving hot air browns the outside before the inside dries out, so you get color without babysitting.
- Cleanup is a basket, not a sheet pan and a splattered stovetop.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) throughout, measured with a food thermometer. USDA leftover safety guidance.
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes rather than the microwave so the outside crisps back up. See the reheat guide for exact times by food.
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