Air Fryer Pretzel Bites start with biscuit dough! These semi-homemade pretzel bites are so easy to make – no boiling – and taste just like the ones you get at the mall – soft, chewy, with that pretzel flavor you love.
One of my favorite snacks to make for game day or parties are air fryer pretzel bites. They taste like classic soft pretzels, but they’re so easy to make because they’re semi-homemade! I use refrigerated biscuit dough, which cuts down the work and time. There never seems to be enough time to make homemade dough, so using premade dough means we can make them more often (like when I make my copycat beignets!)
So, they are semi-homemade but taste amazing. The key to getting that traditional pretzel crust and flavor is the baking soda bath, but I’ve even simplified that for you! These are even better than frozen pretzels – you’ll love this recipe and (almost) wish soft pretzel bites weren’t as easy to make as they are!
Ingredient Notes
- Biscuit Dough – you can also use pizza dough, but biscuits are even easier. Just cut them in to fourths like when you’re making monkey bread.
- Baking Soda – the baking soda bath is where that “pretzel” taste comes in. Usually you’d have to take the time to boil water and boil each pretzel bite, but instead were just going to soak them quick before baking.
- Pretzel Salt – you can use the specific salt for pretzels but honestly, that’s an expense no one needs. Kosher salt or sea salt will work just fine.
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How to Make Pretzel Bites in an Air Fryer
- I cut the biscuit pieces in fourths and then roll into balls.
- While you’re doing that, heat the water in the microwave, then add the baking soda.
- Give the bites a little soak and then remove them with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- I always give them a brush of egg wash so they get that nice golden brown pretzel color. Just whisk an egg and mix with a tiny bit of water, then use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the dough balls before baking.
- You can just salt these or you can brush the baked bites with melted butter.
- You may need to cook these in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
Storing Leftovers
- These are best within 24 hours of making – if you bake them with salt they’ll get a little weepy after a day.
- Store in an airtight container but don’t seal the container until the bites have totally cooled.
- You can freeze these too – just freeze in the container or a large bag.
Air Fryer Pretzel Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands Buttermilk Biscuits
- ¼ cup baking soda (divided)
- 4 cups water (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk egg and one tablespoon of water together. Set aside
- Open biscuits and cut each into 4 pieces. Roll each into a ball.
- You'll want to work in two batches. Heat 2 cups water in the microwave until boiling, then add 2 tablespoons baking soda. Soak 3-4 balls at a time, removing with a slotted spoon, and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the balls with egg wash and sprinkles with salt.
- Add balls into the air fryer. You want an even layer and you don’t want them touching. Depending on the size of the air fryer you should be able to do most of the first batch, if not all, but don't crowd the basket too much. Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes – check after 3 minutes to rotate the balls.
- Repeat process with the second half of the bites and remaining water and baking soda. (It's important to heat the water in batches so it doesn't cool off too much before you can dip all the bites).
- Serve warm with mustard or cheese sauce. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
Recipe Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. I just took some brown mustard and stirred in some honey. Quick and easy.
Recipe Nutrition
