Print

Crispy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Homemade Beer Cheese Dip

crispy air fryer pretzel bites - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer pretzel bites feature a crackling crust and soft inside, paired with a smooth, rich homemade beer cheese dip. Perfect as a quick snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28 g)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda (60 g)
  • 4 cups water (960 ml) for baking soda bath
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (225 g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g)
  • 1/2 cup beer (lager or pale ale) (120 ml)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water (110°F / 43°C), sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). In a large pot, bring 4 cups water and baking soda to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
  6. Punch down dough and roll into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Boil pretzel bites in baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then remove with slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
  8. Place pretzel bites in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until deep golden and crisp.
  9. While pretzel bites cook, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and beer in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth.
  10. Add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the dip. Adjust seasoning and keep warm.
  11. Serve pretzel bites warm with beer cheese dip. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt on bites before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath to achieve the classic pretzel crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Keep heat low when making the beer cheese dip to prevent clumping. Fresh yeast and proper water temperature are key for dough rise. Leftover pretzel bites can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, air fryer, beer cheese dip, snack, appetizer, easy recipe, homemade pretzels, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-pretzel-bites-recipe-with-easy-homemade-beer-cheese-dip/