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Air Fryer Soft Pretzels - Warm, Chewy, and Ready Fast

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour (3 to 3 1/2 cups)
  • Warm water (1 cup, about 105–110°F)
  • Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, one packet)
  • Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon for dough)
  • Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted) + extra for brushing
  • Baking soda (1/3 cup) for the dip
  • Water for the dip (6 cups)
  • Coarse pretzel salt or kosher salt
  • Optional toppings: Cinnamon sugar, everything bagel seasoning, garlic butter
  • Optional dips: Yellow mustard, honey mustard, cheese sauce, marinara

Method
 

  1. Bloom the yeast. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired or the water too hot or too cold.
  2. Make the dough. Stir in melted butter and salt. Add 3 cups of flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. Knead until smooth. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth. It should spring back when gently pressed.
  4. Rest briefly. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes shaping easier, even without a long rise.
  5. Divide. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces for standard pretzels, 12 for minis, or 4 for jumbo pretzels. Keep pieces covered with a towel while you work.
  6. Shape the ropes. Roll each piece into a 20–24 inch rope. If the dough snaps back, let it rest for 2–3 minutes and try again.
  7. Form the pretzel. Make a U shape, cross the ends twice, and fold them down to the bottom of the U, pressing lightly to seal. You can also shape sticks or bites if you prefer.
  8. Prepare the baking soda dip. In a wide saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a gentle simmer. Slowly add baking soda. Stir to dissolve. The dip gives pretzels their classic chew and color.
  9. Dip the pretzels. Using a slotted spatula, lower pretzels into the solution for 20–30 seconds. Remove and place on a parchment-lined tray. Don’t skip this step.
  10. Salt and prep. Brush lightly with water if needed to help salt stick. Sprinkle with coarse salt or desired topping. For cinnamon sugar, wait until after air frying and brush with butter first.
  11. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 380°F for 3 minutes. Lightly oil the basket or use parchment made for air fryers with holes. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches.
  12. Air fry. Cook pretzels at 380°F for 6–9 minutes until deep golden brown. Rotate or flip halfway if your air fryer browns unevenly. Thicker pretzels may need up to 10 minutes.
  13. Finish. Brush hot pretzels with melted butter for shine and flavor. For sweet pretzels, toss with cinnamon sugar right away.
  14. Serve. Enjoy warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip. They’re best fresh but still great reheated.