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Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Bites (Party Batch)

A yeasted dough boiled in a baking-soda bath and air fried into golden, chewy pretzel bites, sized for a crowd.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water about 110°F
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4-4.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp kosher salt plus more for topping
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup baking soda for the bath
  • 8 cups water for boiling
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Stir the yeast and brown sugar into the warm water, rest 5 minutes until foamy, then add the flour, salt, and melted butter and knead into a smooth dough. Rest 20 minutes.
  2. Roll the dough into ropes and cut into 1-inch bites.
  3. Bring the water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil the bites 20 to 30 seconds in batches, then drain.
  4. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Air fry at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until deep golden. Toss the hot bites with melted butter and flaky salt, or everything seasoning.

Notes

The baking-soda bath gives the colour and chew — don't skip it.
Boil in small batches so they don't fuse.
Serve warm with mustard or cheese dip.