Crispy-On-The-Outside, Soft-On-The-Inside Air Fryer Pretzels

This is the simplest recipe for air fryer soft pretzels you’ll ever try. Once you make them in the air fryer, you’ll want to make them again and again.

I’ve made this pretzel dough for years, so I had to adapt it for the air fryer. The results were quick and delicious: perfectly golden, soft pretzels in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

This version is faster and easier because there’s no boiling or conventional oven baking. The warm, soft dough dipped in melted cheddar is a classic snack that reminds me of mall pretzels—only now you can make them at home without fuss.

The ingredients are pantry staples I usually have on hand, so I can satisfy a pretzel craving any time. Even though the dough uses yeast, the method avoids complicated steps so it’s approachable for beginners.

If you enjoy homemade bread-like snacks, try adapting this dough for air fryer rolls, air fryer bread, or pretzel dogs.

INGREDIENTS

Besides an air fryer, you will need the following:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Dry yeast
• Warm water
• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the egg wash to help the pretzels turn golden:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon water

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
Prepare the air fryer basket by lightly coating it with olive oil or lining it with an air fryer parchment paper liner. Set aside.

STEP 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast.

STEP 3
Add the warm water and melted butter, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together and looks flaky.

STEP 4
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Shape into a ball.

STEP 5
Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12–14 inches long, then form into a pretzel: make a U-shape, cross the ends, twist once or twice and press the ends down onto the bottom curve.

STEP 6
Place the shaped pretzels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for them to puff slightly.

STEP 7
Whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water and brush the tops of each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.

STEP 8
Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the pretzels are cooked through and the tops are golden brown.

RECIPE TIPS

Roll each rope to a consistent thickness so the pretzels bake evenly. If you want larger pretzels, divide the dough into four portions instead of eight and increase air-fry time slightly. Avoid over-mixing the dough to prevent a tough, dense texture.

VARIATIONS

This dough adapts well for pretzel bites, breadsticks, or classic pretzels with different toppings. A few easy ideas:

• Cinnamon sugar: Brush with melted butter when done and toss in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Pizza pretzels: Top with shredded cheese and pepperoni during the last minute or two of air frying and serve with marinara.
• Cheesy pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before cooking or fold cheese into the dough.
• Toppings: Use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning instead of coarse salt.
• Frozen option: If short on time, you can cook frozen soft pretzels in the air fryer following manufacturer instructions.

STORING

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they’re best fresh. To reheat, microwave for about 15 seconds or refresh in the air fryer for a minute or two until warm.

FAQ’s ABOUT AIR FRYER SOFT PRETZELS

I love making these soft pretzels in the air fryer—they’re an easy, satisfying snack that pairs perfectly with melted cheese.

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES

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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

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Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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Air Fryer BBQ Little Smokies

4.66 from 23 votes

Servings: 8

Air Fryer Soft Pretzels

By Becky

These soft pretzels are tender inside and golden outside, and they’re easy to make in the air fryer.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 12 mins

Total: 22 mins

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour Plus 1/4 cup for rolling
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 packet dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp water

Instructions

• Coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or place a parchment liner and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
• Add warm water and melted butter; stir until the dough starts to come together.
• Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, then form a ball.
• Cut into 8 pieces and roll each into a 12–14″ rope.
• Shape each rope into a pretzel and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Whisk egg with water and brush over each pretzel.
• Air fry at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Notes

Keep ropes uniform in thickness for even cooking. For exact uniform pieces, weigh the dough into equal portions. If making larger pretzels, divide into fewer pieces and increase cook time as needed. Avoid over-mixing the dough to prevent a tough texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 166 kcal, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 4 g, Sodium: 592 mg

Nutrition information is an approximation.

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