There is nothing like biting into hot, fresh baked, chewy pretzel bites! These homemade pretzel bites can be made in the air fryer or baked in the oven, easy peasy either way! Using a no-rise pretzel dough, a quick baking soda bath and classic pretzel salt, make these the perfect fall afternoon snack!
Be sure to read the whole recipe before starting, but this is a super simple recipe, you can even make them ahead and keep them warm in the oven.
Step 1 | Make Pretzel Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or make by hand and get an arm workout), place the yeast, warm water and molasses. Blend for a second to combine, then allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom the yeast while you measure your other ingredients.
Add flour and salt together, then with mixer on low, add flour a little at a time, about ¼ cup. If dough is too sticky add a tablespoon of additional flour, if too dry, add a few teaspoons of water a little at a time.
Dough will look shaggy at first, slowly increase speed to medium low with the dough hook (J attachment) and knead in the mixture for 1 minute. Or remove to floured surface and knead by hand for 1 minute.
Step 2 | Preparing Pretzel Dough for Bites
Grab an 8th of the dough and on a floured surface, using both hands, roll the dough into ropes -- about 10 inches long. Repeat with each dough ball.
Using a bench scraper or floured knife, cut each rope into approximately 1 inch pieces and place on baking sheet for easier transport.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium or large pot, carefully add ⅓ cup of baking soda (it will boil violently, as you can see, mine boiled over making a huge mess) -- but the pretzel bites are worth it!
Next, using a slotted spoon or a spider, add between 10-12 pretzel dough bites to the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds, remove to prepared baking sheet. If baking, repeat with remaining pretzel bites, if air frying, continue to air frying instructions.
TFC PRO TIP | If desired, brush with melted butter (about 2 tablespoons should cover most of the bites) and sprinkle with pretzel salt, but you can bake them without butter and salt and add at the end.
AIR FRYER PRETZEL BITES BAKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat Air Fryer to 390 degrees F, be sure to do your baking soda bath just before adding to the air fryer.
Spray pretzel bites with a little spray oil or just spray the air fryer basket and carefully place air fryer bites so they aren't touching in basket. I was able to get about 8 in my smaller basket.
Close lid and set timer for 4-6 minutes, mine were done at 4 minutes, remove and if you haven't salted, brush with a little water or melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
Repeat with remaining pretzel bites, serve warm!
Oven Baked Soft Pretzel Bites Instructions
In batches, boil the pretzel bites in baking soda bath for 30 seconds - set a timer, you don't want them staying in too long!
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove from bath with slotted spoon or spider strainer, place on baking sheet and if desired, sprinkle with pretzel salt (can also do after baking).
Place boiled pretzel bites on baking sheet so they are not touching, but they can be close together. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed, dark brown and chewy and hot!
Brush with melted butter and top with favorite seasoning or pretzel salt.
Serve immediately!
Notes
Freezing Pretzel Bites | Allow them to cool completely, place on sheet pan so they aren't touching and flash freeze for 30-60 minutes (this will keep them from sticking together), transferring to airtight container after that for freezing up to 3 months. To reheat (pretzels are best served warm), place on sheet pan in preheated 300 degree oven and heat for 10-15 minutes. Remove and brush with butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt. You may also microwave pretzel bites, but they get a little soggy tasting.Do I need to do the Baking Soda Bath? Technically, no, but if you are okay with not having a classic, chewy, dark brown pretzel bite, then I am not going to stand in your way. But the baking soda actually increases the pH in the dough, creating a reaction that provides a rise along with the classic dark brown color of pretzels! It's so worth it!Storage | Pretzels are best eaten within about 2 hours (or less) from the time of making. They are best served warm, so they are chewy and fresh, however; if needed. Store pretzels in an airtight container, they tend to get soggy in the fridge or on the counter, so I recommend freezing. They will be fine for 3-5 days on the counter.Can I refrigerate and freeze pretzel bite dough | Of course, the dough will continue to rise in the fridge but at a much slower rate, be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before adding to the baking soda bath.Yes, just like a good pizza dough, you can easily freeze pretzel dough. To thaw simply remove from freezer and place in fridge overnight, or set on counter until thawed and proceed with rolling, making bites, soda bath and baking.My Pretzel Salt won't Stick | Your dough is too dry, you need something wet in order for the pretzel or any other topping to stick. To do this, sprinkle with a little water or brush with melted butter and then sprinkle pretzel salt on top. This may be done before or after baking.