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Air Fryer Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

A pile of golden brown Air Fryer Pretzel Bites sprinkled with coarse salt next to a small bowl of bright yellow beer cheese dip.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel bites cooked quickly in your air fryer, served with a rich, homemade beer cheese dipping sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup water (for boiling solution)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping
  • For the Dip: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • For the Dip: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • For the Dip: 1 cup milk
  • For the Dip: 1/2 cup dark beer (like a stout or amber ale)
  • For the Dip: 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • For the Dip: 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • For the Dip: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • For the Dip: Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Stir in 3 1/2 cups of the flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Add the remaining flour if the dough is too sticky. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
  3. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the bites.
  4. Prepare the boiling bath: In a wide, shallow dish, mix the 1/2 cup of water and the baking soda. This will foam up.
  5. Boil the bites: Working in batches, dip the pretzel bites into the baking soda solution for 30 seconds, turning them once. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  6. Prepare for air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dipped bites lightly with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle immediately with coarse pretzel salt.
  7. Air fry: Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Make the dip: While the bites cook, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and beer until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3 minutes).
  9. Finish the dip: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheeses, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  10. Serve immediately with the hot pretzel bites.

Notes

  • For the best texture, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • If you do not have dark beer, use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute the coarse salt with everything bagel seasoning after the egg wash.

Nutrition

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