Go Back
To make Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites, you need the following: - 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon sugar - 4 cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded - 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped - Coarse sea salt for finishing - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use whole wheat flour for a healthier bite. - If you don’t have jalapeños, try green bell peppers. - Use a different cheese, like pepper jack, for a spicy twist. - For a vegan option, use a flax egg instead of the real egg. Quality makes a big difference in flavor. Here’s what to look for: - Choose fresh jalapeños; they should be firm and bright. - Select sharp cheddar for a bold taste; it enhances the bites. - Use active dry yeast that is not expired for best results. - Opt for unbleached all-purpose flour for better texture and taste. By focusing on these quality ingredients, you set the stage for delicious pretzel bites that impress. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in 1 ½ cups of warm water. The water should feel warm, like a cozy bath, around 110°F. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the water. This sugar feeds the yeast. Next, sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast over the top. Stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to become frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is activated and ready to work. Now, let’s mix the dough. Slowly add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until a rough dough forms. Then, it's time to add flavor! Fold in 1 cup of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 finely chopped jalapeños. Make sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough. This will give your bites that tasty kick! Once your dough is ready, it needs to rise. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Place it in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. You want it to double in size. After that, punch the dough down to release the air. Now, divide it into small pieces, about the size of a marble. Roll each piece into a small log shape or twist the ends together for classic pretzel shapes. For simpler bites, leave them as logs. Next, we prepare the baking soda solution. In a separate bowl, dissolve ½ cup of baking soda in a cup of hot water. Dip each pretzel bite in this solution for about 30 seconds. This step is key for that beautiful golden color. After soaking, place them on a lightly greased surface. Finally, brush each bite with a beaten egg for shine. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over them. Now they are ready to air fry! Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes. When they turn golden brown, they are done! Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites warm and fresh! To make great pretzel bites, the dough needs the right feel. It should be soft and slightly sticky. When mixing, add flour slowly to avoid a dry dough. If it's too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour while kneading. Knead the dough for about five minutes. This helps develop gluten, giving your bites that chewy texture we love. Air frying is fast and fun! Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step makes sure your bites cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the basket. Give them space to puff up. Cook in batches if needed. Keep an eye on them; they usually take 8-10 minutes. Look for that golden brown color! Serving can be part of the fun! Place your pretzel bites on a rustic board. A basket lined with parchment paper makes for a nice touch too. Pair them with zesty mustard or spicy cheese sauce. These dips enhance the flavor and add a tasty kick. Enjoy them warm for the best experience! {{image_4}} If you love heat, add more jalapeños! Try using a mix of fresh and pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick. You can also add diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the dough. This adds fire and flavor, making your pretzel bites even more exciting. Want a twist on the cheese? Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or gouda. You can also mix in fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme. These herbs add a great aroma and taste. For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses, such as cream cheese or feta. To make these pretzel bites gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum; it helps the dough rise. For a vegan version, replace the egg wash with plant milk. You can also use vegan cheese instead of cheddar. These swaps keep the taste fantastic while catering to different diets. To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. This keeps them from getting soggy. If you have leftover pretzel bites, place a paper towel on the bottom of the container. This helps absorb any moisture. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing. Reheat pretzel bites for the best taste. Use your air fryer to bring back their crunch. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This will keep them warm and crisp. If you don’t have an air fryer, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes. Freezing is a great way to save pretzel bites. After shaping and egg washing, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, no need to thaw. Just air fry them straight from the freezer for about 10-12 minutes. Enjoy freshly made bites again! You can tell if the yeast is activated when it becomes frothy. After mixing the warm water and sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top. Wait about five minutes. If the mixture bubbles up, your yeast is ready. This means it can help your dough rise well. If it doesn’t froth, your yeast may be old. Try with fresh yeast for best results. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After mixing the dough, let it rise as usual. Once it has doubled in size, cover it and place it in the fridge. This keeps the dough fresh for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out, shape the bites, and let them rest. This saves time on busy days. Most air fryers work well for this recipe. I recommend models with adjustable temperature settings. Look for a basket style that allows air to flow around the pretzel bites. This helps them cook evenly. Brands like Philips, Cosori, and Ninja are great choices. Always check the size of your air fryer. Make sure it fits all the pretzel bites in a single layer for best results. In this article, we explored how to make delicious pretzel bites from scratch. We covered essential ingredients, tips for selecting quality items, and substitutions. I detailed each step of the process, from activating yeast to shaping the dough. You learned key techniques for air frying and serving your pretzel bites. With variations for spice lovers and those needing gluten-free options, there's something for everyone. Remember, storing and reheating your pretzels correctly ensures you enjoy them longer. Dive into this fun recipe, and enjoy your tasty creation!

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites

Indulge in the ultimate snack with these Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites! This easy recipe blends soft pretzel dough with sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños, creating a mouthwatering treat in just one hour. Perfect for game day or any gathering, these bites are sure to impress. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and elevate your snacking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped

Coarse sea salt for finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Stir gently to mix, and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

    Mix the Dough: Slowly add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix together until a rough dough forms. Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.

      Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: While the dough is rising, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for the pretzel bites.

          Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small pieces, roughly the size of a marble. Roll each piece into a small log shape, then twist the ends together to form classic pretzel shapes; for simpler bites, you can leave them as logs.

            Prepare the Baking Soda Solution: In a separate large bowl, dissolve the baking soda in a cup of hot water. Dip each pretzel bite in this solution for about 30 seconds, allowing them to soak before transferring them to a lightly greased surface for resting.

              Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite generously with the beaten egg, then sprinkle them with coarse sea salt for that signature crunch and flavor.

                Air Fry to Perfection: Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded; you may need to work in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.

                  Cool and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the pretzel bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful bites on a rustic wooden board or in a playful basket lined with parchment paper. Pair with a zesty mustard dip or a spicy cheese sauce for an extra treat!