Ingredients
1/2 cups water {110F}
1/4 tsp quick rise yeast {see notes for active dry yeast}
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp sugar {or honey}
pretzel salt {optional}
{Opt} Baking Soda Bath 4 cups water 1/3 cup baking soda
{Opt} Egg Wash 1 egg {beaten} 1 tbsp water
{Opt} Butter topping 3 tbsp butter {melted}
Equipment Air Fryer
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl combine the water and yeast.
Stir.
Add the flour, sugar, and sea salt and stir until it is mostly combined.
Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough by hand for 1 minute, bringing it into a ball.
Divide the dough into eighths.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes.
With a floured knife, slice the dough into 1-inch pieces.
Lightly brush the basket of the air fryer with olive oil.
Place pretzel bites into the basket, giving them enough room to expand.
Cook for 6 minutes at 390F, or until lightly browned on top.
{Opt}If using the butter method, brush melted butter on top of hot pretzel bites and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
Notes If you only have active yeast and not instant/quick-rise, allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes before rolling.
{Opt} Egg wash - beat 1 egg and 1 tbsp of water in a small bowl. Brush on top of pretzel bites and sprinkle with pretzel salt BEFORE baking in the air fryer.
{Opt} Baking soda bath - In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add baking soda (you may get some foaming action) and carefully place 10 pretzel bites at a time into the water for 30 seconds.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the dough balls from the water and place on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle with pretzel salt.
Repeat with the rest of the bites until they have all been boiled.
Then bake in the air fryer for 6 mins at 390F.
Oven-baking - bake at 425F on a parchment-lined sheet for 10-12 minutes.