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Easy Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

air fryer soft pretzel bites - featured image
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These air fryer soft pretzel bites are quick, easy, and perfect for game days or lazy weekends. Paired with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip, they’re an irresistible snack that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beer (pale ale or lager recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand for 5-6 minutes or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and preheat air fryer to 350°F.
  4. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces to make about 40-50 pretzel bites.
  5. Add baking soda to boiling water (it will bubble up). Boil pretzel bites in batches of 10-12 for exactly 30 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Brush boiled pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches). Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
  7. While pretzel bites cook, make the dip: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together cream cheese and beer until smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
  8. Serve pretzel bites immediately with warm beer cheese dip.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the pretzel texture and color. Work in batches in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth dip. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Flip pretzel bites halfway through cooking for even browning. For oven baking, bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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