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Air Fryer Pretzel Bites: The Ultimate Game Day Snack

As the excitement of game day approaches, the age-old question arises: what food will you serve to keep your fellow fans fuelled for the action? Look no further than air fryer pretzel bites! These delightful little morsels are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them the perfect addition to your game day spread. With their golden brown exterior, soft chewy centre, and buttery flavour, these pretzel bites are sure to be a hit with everyone in the room.

Why Choose Air Fryer Pretzel Bites?

Using an air fryer to make pretzel bites has several advantages. For one, it significantly reduces the amount of oil used, resulting in a lighter snack that doesn’t compromise on taste. The air fryer also ensures an even cooking process, allowing for that perfect soft interior and crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. Additionally, the air fryer heats up quickly and cooks faster than a conventional oven, making it ideal for those last-minute preparations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up a batch of air fryer pretzel bites, you’ll require the following ingredients:

• For the Dough:

  • 250g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 150ml warm water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• For the Baking Soda Bath:

  • 500ml water
  • 1 tbsp baking soda
• For Topping:
  • Coarse sea salt
  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 30-40 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Pretzel Bites

After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into small pieces, rolling each piece into a rope about 2.5 cm thick. Cut each rope into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2.5cm long. Shape each piece into a knot or simply leave them as bites, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Make the Baking Soda Bath

In a saucepan, bring the 500ml of water to a gentle boil. Add the baking soda carefully (it may bubble up), then reduce the heat to a simmer. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and set them on a drying rack to drain any excess liquid.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pretzel Bites

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the boiled pretzel bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the pretzel bites from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt while they are still hot for that irresistible finish. Serve the pretzel bites warm with your choice of dipping sauces—think spicy mustard, creamy cheese sauce, or even a sweet chocolate dip for a fun twist.

Game Day Gold

Air fryer pretzel bites not only deliver on flavour and satisfaction but are also a fun food to make with friends or family. As you cheer for your team, these warm, salty treats will keep spirits high and bellies full. So, get your air fryer ready, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a game day experience that’s utterly unforgettable. Enjoy!