Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels — Nothing beats the delicious, golden texture and sweet buttery taste of Auntie Anne’s famous pretzel! But who has the time (or money) to go to a mall in order to get one? Fortunately, you don’t have to–you can make your own yummy copycat version right in your very own kitchen with an air fryer.

Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels
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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!

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels has been around since 1988, and since then it has become the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise. It is known for its fresh, delicious snacks like pretzel dogs and signature Original or Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels which are all made from scratch with simple ingredients.

Customers love the unique flavor and texture of Auntie Anne’s pretzels, which are hand-rolled, twisted, and oven-baked for that special crunch. They also offer a variety of dipping sauces to complement their savory snacks. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an afternoon snack, Auntie Anne’s is the perfect choice for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful pretzel.

Today we are making a batch of homemade soft pretzels, in your air fryer, for a great delicious snack recipe!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

Turning Auntie Anne’s delicious pretzels into a homemade version is easier than you might think- because with an air fryer, it’s possible to make these delicious snacks without the fuss of a deep fryer! The soft, sweet, and buttery pretzel will become one of your favorite treats – and this recipe requires just six straightforward ingredients. As long as you have some hot water, yeast, flour, salt, and butter on hand (plus a few other pantry staples), you can whip up your own air fryer copycat Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzel at home with ease. Let’s get baking!

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Remember the step-by-step directions below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information, at the bottom of this post.

  • 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 Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Soft pretzels are a classic favorite for families and friends alike. But what if you could make them without all the time, mess, and hassle of boiling water in a pot? With this recipe for homemade soft pretzels in the air fryer, you can have delicious, perfectly-cooked soft pretzels ready to eat in no time! In just minutes you’ll be able to whip up your own hot and fluffy cinnamon sugar or traditional salted pretzels that taste like they were pulled fresh from the oven – with crunchy edges artfully dusted with seasoning. No more standing over a boiling pot or worrying about how long each batch should stay in – this easy step-by-step recipe will show you exactly how to make delicious soft pretzels right at home, fast and easy!

Here are the simple steps for making this air fryer soft pretzel recipe.

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Step One: Prepare The Yeast Mixture

Proof The Yeast: 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.

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Step Two: Prepare The Pretzel Dough

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.

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Step Three: Knead The Dough

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.

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Step Four: Make The Baking Soda Bath

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.

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Step Five: Air Fry The Pretzels

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: Serving

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.

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Pro Tips For The Best Copycat Air Fried Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

Indulge in a classic snack without the added calories and fat by making your own copycat recipe for Auntie Anne’s pretzels at home! Here are some pro tips to get the perfect, golden-brown pretzels every time:

  • 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

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!

How to Reheat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels In Air Fryer

Reheating Auntie Anne’s pretzels in an air fryer is a great way to get that freshly-baked taste without having to make them from scratch! Here’s how to do it:

Start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees, for 1-2 minutes, Then, place the pretzels in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out so that they cook evenly. For added flavor, brush with melted butter. Air Fry (Cook) for 3-5 minutes or until they are lightly crisp and warm. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings.

With this method, you can enjoy freshly baked Auntie Anne’s pretzels anytime!

Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels

How To Keep Your Pretzels Warm While Air Frying

Since most of us have air fryer baskets, you will need to cook these in batches. If you want preheat your traditional oven to 200 degrees F, and then place the cooked pretzel on a baking sheet, and then keep the homemade pretzels in a warm place, while air-frying the rest of the dough.

What To Serve With Soft Pretzels

Serving pretzels with a delicious dipping sauce is the perfect way to take your snack game up a notch. Here are some easy and delicious sauces to pair with your pretzels:

  • Honey Mustard Sauce – combine equal parts honey and mustard, and add in a pinch of garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Creamy Ranch – mix together some mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, dried dill weed, and fresh chives.
  • Beer Cheese Fondue – heat beer over medium heat in a pan until it starts to simmer; then whisk in shredded cheese until melted. Add in some extra seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, and paprika for extra flavor.
  • Caramelized Onion Dip – sauté onions in olive oil until caramelized and add them to a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream. Then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

No matter what dip you choose to serve with your pretzels, it’s sure to be an absolute hit!

How To Cook Pre-Made Frozen Pretzels In Air Fryer

Pre-made frozen pretzels are a great after-school snack any time! Here’s how to make them in an air fryer:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees f, using the air fryer setting.
  • Place the frozen pretzels in the basket, making sure they are spaced out so that they cook evenly.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings.

With this method, you can enjoy fresh, crunchy frozen pretzels in no time!

How To Cook Frozen Soft Pretzels

Frozen soft pretzels are a delicious treat that can easily be cooked in an air fryer. Here’s how to do it:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
  • Place the frozen pretzels in the basket, making sure they are spaced out so that they cook evenly.
  • Cook for 7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and warm on the inside.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings.

With this method, you can enjoy fresh, soft pretzels anytime!

More Air Fryer Recipes:

Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels

Cooking with an air fryer is a great way to get tasty, crunchy food in no time at all. This Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel recipe is a must-try for any fan of the popular mall snacks. It’s so delicious that you’ll think you’ve teleported yourself to the food court instead of standing in your own kitchen flipping pretzels. You won’t be disappointed with this ultra-crispy recipe, as even kids and picky eaters will love them.

And, who knew making traditional Auntie Anne’s pretzels can be so simple? The lighting fast prep time and ease of preparation mean you can make these copycat pretzels over and over again without ever getting tired of it! So, what else are you waiting for? Get out that air fryer and start prepping this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels

Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels — Nothing beats the delicious, golden texture and sweet buttery taste of Auntie Anne's famous pretzel! But who has the time (or money) to go to a mall in order to get one? Fortunately, you don't have to–you can make your own yummy copycat version right in your very own kitchen with an air fryer.

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.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
  • Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 10300mgPotassium: 81mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 3mg

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