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Crispy Air Fryer Football Pretzel Bites: Easy Game Day Snack

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These crispy air fryer football pretzel bites are bite-sized, perfectly crisp, and shaped like footballs for a fun game day snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda
  • 4 cups (960ml) water (for baking soda bath)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), 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. Gradually add remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let it rest: Place dough back in bowl, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Roll dough into a 12-inch log. Cut into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then gently elongate into a football shape.
  6. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add baking soda carefully (it will bubble up). Stir until dissolved, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  7. Bath the pretzels: Working in batches of 6-8, drop shaped pretzel bites into simmering water for 20 seconds, flip, and simmer another 20 seconds. Remove and place on parchment-lined surface.
  8. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Brush pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  9. Air fry the pretzel bites: Place in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until deep golden brown and crispy.
  10. Finish and serve: Transfer to a plate and brush with more melted butter immediately. Serve warm with your favorite dip.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for pretzel flavor and color. Watch water temperature for yeast (110°F). Don’t overwork the dough. Cook in batches if needed. Salt right before air frying. For oven baking, bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pretzel bites, football pretzel bites, game day snack, easy pretzel recipe, crispy pretzel bites

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/crispy-air-fryer-football-pretzel-bites-easy-game-day-snack/