Discover how to make soft pretzels just like the ones from the mall! This recipe is a true copycat of Auntie Anne’s or Pretzel Maker’s famous pretzels. These buttery, soft treats are irresistible, especially when dipped in a rich cheese sauce! What’s not to love?
Making this childhood classic is easier than ever, and even more fun since you can choose from a variety of toppings, this is one of my favorite air fryer snacks, and it’s amazing!
So, if you are a fan of soft pretzels, try this recipe for homemade pretzel dough!
If you love easy dessert recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pillsbury Cookies, Air Fryer Easy Brownie Chocolate Pudding, Air Fryer Homemade Cherry Pie, or Ninja Foodi Rum Raisin Rice Pudding.
Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
If you have been looking for an easy air fryer soft pretzel recipe, this is one of the best! I make these almost every week for the family.
Making a batch of homemade soft pretzels, in your air fryer, for a great delicious snack recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe!
- It’s a perfect copycat of the famous mall pretzels.
- The pretzels are soft, buttery, and deliciously chewy.
- They’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
- They pair perfectly with cheese or sweet dips for extra flavor.
- They’re great for sharing at parties or as a snack any time!
Ingredients Needed
- Warm Water: You can also use warm beer
- Instant Dry Yeast: Another option is active dry yeast
- Granulated Sugar: You can also use brown sugar, for a sweeter pretzel
- All-Purpose Flour: You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour, for gluten-free air fryer pretzels
- Kosher Salt
- Baking Soda
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Salt: Use Pretzel Salt or Coarse Salt
How To Make Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
Here are the simple steps for making this air fryer soft pretzel recipe.
Step One: In the body of a stand mixer, add the beer (or water), yeast, and granulated sugar, and stir a little just to combine. Let sit for 5-7 minutes, or until bubbly.
Step Two: Add the flour, and salt to the bowl, and with the dough hook attachment, stir until the mixture starts to come together. Place the speed on medium and knead the pretzel dough for about 5 minutes, or until a dough ball forms. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add a very small amount of flour at a time until lit doesn’t stick (1 tablespoon at a time). If it sticks to the very bottom, that’s okay.
Step Three: On a lightly floured, clean work surface, knead the dough a few times to bring it together and form a ball. Cut the dough into four equal pieces. Roll the dough into a long rope shaper about 12 inches long. Form into pretzel shapes, continue with the remaining dough, and set aside.
Step Four: Whisk together the warm water and baking soda in a large bowl. Place dough into the mixture until fully submerged. Be careful so the pretzels keep its shape. Spray the basket of the air fryer well with cooking spray, or line the basket with parchment paper. or aluminum foil.
Step Five: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 6-8 minutes, in a single layer, flipping halfway through. Pretzels should be a dark golden brown when done. Be careful not to overcook, and take a little peek into the air fryer during the cooking process.
Step Six: As soon as they are done cooking, brush them with butter and sprinkle on your desired amount of salt. Repeat with the remaining uncooked dough. If you want to make cinnamon pretzel bites, in s small bowl, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and mix well. Then dip your pretzels into the butter, and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top.
Recipe Tips
- Start by melting butter and brushing it onto the dough before folding it into a pretzel shape. This will add flavor and help keep the pretzel soft on the inside.
- After folding, sprinkle with coarse salt, use kosher salt, or pretzel salt, This will give your pretzels that classic Auntie Anne looks (and taste!)
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the pretzels—this helps them cook more evenly for a prettier final product.
- When air frying, keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly if left in too long.
- Enjoy warm with a side of mustard, cheese sauce, or cheese dip!
Air Fryer Soft Pretzels Recipe Faqs
How To Store
Whether you’ve made too many pretzels or just have some leftovers, here are some tips for storing them so that they stay fresh and delicious:
- Storing: Keep the pretzels in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to prevent them from getting stale, they will last on the counter for 2-3 days.
- How To Freeze: Freeze leftover pretzels for up to three months for a quick snack anytime!
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Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annies Pretzels)
Description
Ingredients
- 6 ounces beer, warm beer or warm water
- 1 1/8 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted, and room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pretzel salt, or coarse salt
Baking Soda Bath:
- 3 cups warm water, about 110 degrees F
- 1 cup baking soda
Instructions
- In the body of a stand mixer, add the beer (or water), yeast, and granulated sugar, and stir a little just to combine. Let sit for 5-7 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Add the flour, and salt to the bowl, and with the dough hook attachment, stir until the mixture starts to come together. Place the speed on medium and knead the pretzel dough for about 5 minutes, or until a dough ball forms. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add a very small amount of flour at a time until lit doesn't stick (1 tablespoon at a time). If it sticks to the very bottom, that's okay.
- On a lightly floured, clean work surface, knead the dough a few times to bring it together and form a ball. Cut the dough into four equal pieces. Roll the dough into a long rope shaper about 12 inches long. Form into pretzel shapes, continue with the remaining dough, and set aside.
- Make the Baking Soda Water: Whisk together the warm water and baking soda in a large bowl. Place dough into the mixture until fully submerged. Be careful so the pretzels keep its shape. Spray the basket of the air fryer well with cooking spray, or line the basket with parchment paper. or aluminum foil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 6-8 minutes, in a single layer, flipping halfway through. Pretzels should be a dark golden brown when done. Be careful not to overcook, and take a little peek into the air fryer during the cooking process.
- As soon as they are done cooking, brush them with butter and sprinkle on your desired amount of salt. Repeat with the remaining uncooked dough. If you want to make cinnamon pretzel bites, in s small bowl, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and mix well. Then dip your pretzels into the butter, and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
- Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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