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Easy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

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These easy air fryer pretzel bites are chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and paired with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip. Ready in about 35 minutes, they’re the perfect game-day snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ¾ cup lager or pale ale
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dip)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dip)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bloom the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 1 cup flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 1 ¼ cups flour. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let it rest: Place dough back in bowl, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Shape the bites: Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces (about 24-28 total).
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Carefully add ¼ cup baking soda (it will fizz). Reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Boil the bites: Drop pretzel bites into simmering water in batches (8-10 at a time). Boil for 20-25 seconds, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
  7. Dry and brush: Pat boiled bites dry with paper towel. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  8. Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place bites in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden brown and slightly puffed.
  9. Make the beer cheese dip: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beer, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
  10. Finish the dip: Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar, a handful at a time, whisking until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve immediately: Transfer warm pretzel bites to a platter and pour beer cheese dip into a small bowl. Serve while dip is warm and gooey.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature dark crust and flavor. Grate your own cheese for the smoothest dip. Work in batches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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