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Crispy Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

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These crispy air fryer soft pretzel bites with beer cheese dip are quick and easy, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for gatherings. The air fryer cuts cooking time in half, delivering a chewy-yet-crispy texture without turning your kitchen into a steam room.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water (for the bath)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for beer cheese dip)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for beer cheese dip)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (pale ale or lager)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups of flour. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let it rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  5. Prepare baking soda bath: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add ¼ cup baking soda (it will bubble up). Reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Shape the bites: Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12-inch log. Cut into 1-inch pieces to get about 24-30 bites.
  7. Boil the bites: Working in batches of 6-8, drop dough pieces into simmering baking soda water for 30 seconds, flipping halfway. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  8. Air fry: Place boiled bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until deep golden brown.
  9. Butter and salt: Immediately brush cooked bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  10. Make beer cheese dip: While pretzels cook, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and beer, stirring constantly until thickened (2-3 minutes). Reduce heat to low, add grated cheddar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  11. Serve immediately: Arrange pretzel bites on a plate with warm beer cheese dip on the side.

Notes

Brush butter after cooking, not before, to keep pretzels crispy. Use freshly grated cheese for smooth dip. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. The baking soda bath is essential for chewy texture and dark crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pretzel bites, soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day snack, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://milacook.com/crispy-air-fryer-soft-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese-dip/