Just 7 ingredients and 7 minutes in the air fryer, and you’ll be enjoying these amazing little air fryer pretzel bites! Great for snacking, parties, and football games.

Bowl of Air Fryer Pretzel Bites with more pretzel bites on a platter in the background

Why this recipe works

This is a really fun recipe to make with your kids. It teaches a bit of science too! We love snacking on these pretzel bites, though we definitely have debates on whether cheese sauce or mustard is the better dip!

These are ideal for family movie nights or when friends come over to watch the big game.

RELATED: Don’t miss our delicious air fryer chicken nuggets!

Since you’ll be using an air fryer to bake these little bite-sized pretzels, there’s no heating up your kitchen with the oven!

Air Fryer Pretzel Bite being dipping into cheese sauce

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

YEAST – You can use instant yeast (quick rise) for this recipe. Simply watch the rise, you want the dough to about double in size.

FLOUR – Bread flour may be used in place of all-purpose flour.

WATER – Water can be hot from the tap or heated in the microwave. Just be sure to stir microwaved water to make sure the heat is evenly distributed. Use a thermometer to check the temp, you want it about 110 degrees F.

How to Make Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Add the flour, salt, and sugar to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Add the yeast to the hot water and stir.
Once the yeast has fully dissolved, pour the water and yeast into the bowl of flour. Mix with your hands, combining all of the ingredients well. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes.
Cover with a towel and allow the dough to rise and set for about 15-30 minutes.
Grab a cookie sheet or cover your work surface with a dusting of flour.
Tear the dough into 6 equal sized balls and place them onto the work surface.
Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees. While the Air Fryer is preheating, take each ball and tear off a chunk of dough. Roll it in between your hands to create a rope of dough, about 1 inch thick in diameter.
Cut the dough into 1 1⁄2- 2 inch strips.
Place the dough bites onto the prepared air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough room in between each bite.
Cook the bites for about 6-7 minutes (**depending on your brand of air fryer. I cooked them for about 6 – 6 1⁄2 minutes.)
Carefully remove the pretzel bites from the air fryer basket and immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt. (Use kosher salt if you can’t find pretzel salt.)

Serve warm with a side of your favorite cheese sauce or mustard.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do you store leftover Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

Store leftover bites in a container and pop into the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I reheat Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and crispy. Pro Tip: Brush with melted butter before reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture!

Plate of Air Fryer Pretzel Bites with more in a bowl in the background

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tasty little bites with cheese sauce, honey mustard, or even marinara. If craving something sweet, serve with cream cheese glaze or chocolate sauce!

Be sure to try my Air Fryer French Toast too!

More Pretzel Recipes

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This post was originally published here on August 27, 2020.