Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: Sweet & Chewy Treats from Frozen Pizza Dough
Craving a delightful sweet treat that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these sensational Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites! Crafted effortlessly from humble frozen pizza dough, these soft, chewy, and perfectly sweetened bites are destined to become your go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you need a speedy snack, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or just a little something special to curb your sweet tooth, these homemade pretzel bites deliver every time.
Imagine warm, pillowy pretzel dough coated in a shimmering blend of cinnamon and sugar – all ready in less than 30 minutes! This recipe yields approximately 40 delectable bites, making it ideal for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying throughout the week. Get ready to impress everyone, and most importantly, yourself, with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious air fryer creation.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Pretzel Bites?
Using an air fryer for baking and cooking has revolutionized kitchen routines for many, and it’s particularly brilliant for sweet treats like these cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites. I’ve found that making desserts in the Air Fryer, such as Air Fryer Doughnuts or Chocolate Chip Cookies, offers a fun and efficient way to enjoy classic favorites without heating up your entire kitchen with the main oven. The air fryer circulates hot air, cooking food quickly and evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden exterior and a wonderfully soft, chewy interior.
For pretzel bites, this method is truly unparalleled. The precise temperature control and rapid air circulation ensure that each bite achieves that characteristic pretzel texture and delightful golden-brown hue in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking. You’ll be amazed at how easily the frozen pizza dough transforms into authentic-tasting pretzel bites with the air fryer’s magic. It’s an efficient and smart choice that yields fantastic results every time.
If the idea of a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated treat has captured your heart, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other beloved cinnamon-infused recipes. Be sure to try my Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll recipe for a truly indulgent breakfast, the comforting Cinnamon Roll Apple Upside Down Cake, our playfully crispy Churro Ritz Bites, and the irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix. Each offers a unique way to enjoy that classic sweet spice!
Ingredients for Sweet Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
This section provides detailed ingredient notes, highlighting their importance and offering potential substitution options. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Frozen pizza dough (16 ounces)— This is your secret weapon for quick and easy pretzel bites! Ensure it’s fully thawed and at room temperature before you begin. This makes the dough pliable and much easier to roll and cut, preventing cracking and ensuring a smooth, even texture for your pretzel bites.
- Baking soda (½ cup)— Crucial for achieving that signature, slightly chewy pretzel texture and distinct flavor. The alkaline bath helps the dough develop a beautiful, dark golden-brown crust during air frying. Always use fresh baking soda for best results, ideally opened within the last 6 months.
- Water (4 cups plus 1 teaspoon)— Used for both the essential baking soda bath and for creating the egg wash.
- Large egg (1)— Beaten with a touch of water to create the egg wash. This magical mixture is brushed onto the dough before air frying, giving the pretzel bites their irresistible golden-brown color and a subtle sheen. It also acts as an adhesive for the cinnamon sugar.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted)— Melted butter is essential for the final coating. It allows the cinnamon sugar mixture to adhere beautifully to the warm pretzel bites, creating that perfect sweet crust. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup)— The primary sweet component of our delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. It provides a delightful crunch and classic sweetness that complements the soft pretzel.
- Ground cinnamon (1 Tablespoon)— The star spice of this recipe! For an elevated flavor, I highly recommend using high-quality cinnamon, like a fragrant Korintje cinnamon. It brings warmth, depth, and that unmistakable cozy aroma to your sweet pretzel bites.
Essential Supplies for Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
To whip up these amazing Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites, you’ll need a few common kitchen tools. Having these on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Air Fryer – The star of the show for quick, perfectly cooked bites.
- Saucepan – A small to medium-sized saucepan is needed for preparing the crucial baking soda bath.
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Slotted spoon – Essential for safely transferring the dough pieces from the baking soda bath.
- Small bowls – For the egg wash, melted butter, and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Pastry brush – For evenly applying the egg wash to your pretzel bites.
- Pizza cutter – While a knife works, a pizza cutter is incredibly helpful for quickly and neatly cutting the dough into uniform pieces.
- Parchment paper – For easy cleanup and preventing sticking when handling the dough.
- Non-stick cooking spray – To prevent the pretzel bites from sticking to your air fryer basket.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites: Step-by-Step Guide
This detailed section provides clear, step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos to guide you through the process of making these delicious air fryer pretzel bites. For the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll down to the end of this post.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath. In a small saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until the baking soda is completely dissolved. It’s important to keep this pot over low heat throughout the dough preparation process to maintain its warmth and effectiveness. This alkaline bath is crucial for giving the pretzel bites their distinctive flavor and texture.
Step 2: Divide and Shape the Dough. Once your room-temperature frozen pizza dough is ready, divide the entire dough portion into 4 equal sections. On a lightly floured surface (if your dough is sticky, a little extra flour helps immensely!), roll each section into long, even ropes, aiming for a diameter of about 1 ½ inches. Next, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut each rope into uniform 1-inch pieces. Consistency in size will ensure even cooking.
Pro Tip: If your pizza dough feels particularly sticky or difficult to handle, don’t hesitate to lightly dust your work surface and your hands with a small amount of flour. This will make rolling and cutting the dough much easier to manage.
Step 3: The Essential Baking Soda Dip. Carefully drop several pieces of the cut dough into the warm baking soda bath. Allow them to soak for precisely 10-15 seconds; this short dip is all that’s needed to achieve that classic pretzel flavor and helps with browning. Using a slotted spoon, quickly remove the dough pieces, allowing excess liquid to drain. Place them in a single layer on a plate or a sheet of parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Egg Wash. Preheat your Air Fryer to 390° F (199°C). While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg with 1 teaspoon of water until well combined. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over each of the dough pieces you just removed from the baking soda bath. This wash will give your pretzel bites a beautiful golden color and help the cinnamon sugar adhere.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the egg-washed dough pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there’s a little space between each one for even cooking. Overcrowding the basket will result in unevenly cooked pretzel bites. Air fry for 5-6 minutes at 390° F (199°C), or until they are beautifully golden brown and lightly puffed on top. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model and size, so keep an eye on them. You will likely need to cook the pretzel bites in a few batches.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating. While your pretzel bites are cooking in batches, prepare the irresistible cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a shallow bowl, simply stir together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon of ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. Set this aside, ready for the warm pretzel bites.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar. As soon as each batch of pretzel bites is finished air frying, immediately transfer them to a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup). Working quickly while they are still warm, dip each bite entirely into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess butter, then immediately roll the buttered bite into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a generous, even coating.
Pro Tip: When melting butter in the microwave, cover the bowl with a paper towel. This simple step will help prevent any messy splatters and keep your microwave clean.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! These homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are best served warm, allowing the butter and cinnamon sugar to really shine. They are absolutely perfect on their own, but for an extra treat, consider serving them with your favorite dipping sauce. They make an excellent snack, a delightful dessert, or even a fun breakfast treat!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Pretzel Bites
Ensuring your delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites stay fresh and tasty is easy with these simple storage and reheating guidelines.
Room temperature. If you happen to have any leftover bites (which is a rare feat!), they can be stored for 1-2 days. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable baggie to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Freezer. For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze these pretzel bites, but here’s a crucial tip: do so before you coat them in the cinnamon sugar. After cooking them in the air fryer, allow the pretzel bites to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed below before coating them in the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture.
Reheating. To bring your already-coated cinnamon sugar pretzel bites back to their warm, soft glory, simply pop them back into your Air Fryer. Set the temperature to 300° F (150°C) and air fry for just 2 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through. This quick reheat method will restore their delicious texture and aroma.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pretzel Bites
Achieving the perfect batch of Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites is simple when you follow these expert tips:
- Room temperature dough works best. For effortless handling and shaping, it’s absolutely essential that your frozen pizza dough is completely thawed and at room temperature. Cold dough will be stiff and prone to cracking, making it difficult to roll into smooth ropes and cut evenly. Plan ahead and let it sit out for a few hours.
- Make the bites similar sizes. While you can certainly roll your dough pieces into small balls or leave them as cut bites for that traditional pretzel bite shape, the key to even cooking is consistency in size. Uniform pieces ensure that every single pretzel bite bakes through at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath step! This step might seem a little unusual if you’re not familiar with pretzel making, but it’s fundamentally necessary. The baking soda bath is what reacts with the dough to create that characteristic chewy interior and slightly crisp, mahogany-brown exterior that is the hallmark of a true pretzel. Without it, your bites will lack the authentic pretzel texture.
- Don’t be afraid to check on the bites as they cook. Air fryers can vary in their cooking intensity, so it’s always wise to keep an eye on your pretzel bites, especially towards the end of their cook time. You want them to be lightly browned and puffed, not burnt. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking to promote even browning, and feel free to pull them out a minute early or add a minute if needed.
- Coat while warm for best adherence. The moment your pretzel bites come out of the air fryer, they should immediately be dipped in melted butter and then rolled in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The warmth of the pretzel helps the butter absorb slightly, and the butter, in turn, helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly, creating that glorious sweet crust.
Cinnamon Air Fryer Pretzel Bites: Frequently Asked Questions
I personally used a 4.2-quart air fryer to prepare my soft pretzel bites. Due to its size, I found that cooking them in three separate batches yielded the best results for even browning and texture. Please remember that air fryer models can vary significantly in their capacity and cooking power. You may need to adjust your batch size and slightly tweak the cook time depending on the specific size, make, and model of your own air fryer.
While frozen pizza dough is incredibly convenient and works wonderfully for these pretzel bites, you do have other options! If you don’t want to use frozen pizza dough, you can certainly try ready-made crescent roll dough or even pie crust dough. Keep in mind that these doughs have different consistencies and fat content, so the final texture might vary slightly (crescent rolls tend to be flakier, pie crust crispier). Importantly, you will almost certainly need to adjust the cook time and possibly the temperature in the air fryer, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites are incredibly delicious and satisfying all by themselves – no sauce necessary! However, if you’re looking to elevate the experience, they pair beautifully with a variety of sweet dipping sauces. A tangy cream cheese frosting or a simple yogurt dip can add a delightful contrast. For a truly decadent treat, consider serving them with a rich caramel sauce or even a light, sweet glaze made from a mixture of melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!
Absolutely not! While the cinnamon-sugar coating is a fan favorite, the versatility of these pretzel bites means you can customize them to your liking. You can certainly leave your pretzels plain after cooking for a simpler taste, or for a classic savory twist, sprinkle them with a bit of coarse pretzel salt or kosher salt instead of the sweet coating. For other sweet variations, consider a simple powdered sugar glaze, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a different spice blend like pumpkin spice.
Yes, you can prepare the pretzel bites ahead of time, especially if you plan to freeze them (see storage tips above). If you want to prepare them a few hours in advance for an event, you can air fry them, allow them to cool, and then coat them in the cinnamon sugar closer to serving time for the freshest taste. Reheating quickly in the air fryer is also a great option to serve them warm and fresh even if made slightly in advance.
Don’t wait any longer to experience the joy of homemade pretzels! Grab your ingredients and make a batch of these incredibly easy and delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites. Watch as both kids and adults go absolutely crazy for these sweet, chewy treats every single time you make them – they’re truly irresistible!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites
Author: Jaclyn
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
6 servings
Saved!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen pizza dough at room temperature
- ½ cup baking soda
- 4 cups water plus 1 teaspoon water
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Add 4 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a small saucepan. Heat on low, stirring until the baking soda dissolves completely. Keep the pot over low heat while you prepare the dough.
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Divide the room-temperature pizza dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into long ropes, about 1 ½ inches in diameter, then cut into 1-inch pieces using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
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Carefully drop several pieces of dough into the warm baking soda bath. Remove with a slotted spoon after 10-15 seconds, allowing excess liquid to drain. Place them on parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch.
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Preheat your Air Fryer to 390° F (199°C). While it heats, prepare an egg wash by beating 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Brush this egg wash evenly onto the dough pieces.
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Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the dough pieces into the basket in a single layer, ensuring some space between each. Air fry for 5-6 minutes at 390° F (199°C), until lightly browned and puffed. Cook in batches if necessary.
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While the pretzels are air frying, prepare your cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a shallow bowl, stir together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.
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Once cooked, immediately transfer the warm pretzel bites to a sheet of parchment paper for easy cleanup. Dip each bite thoroughly in the ¼ cup melted butter, shake off any excess, then roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
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Serve your Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them plain, or with your favorite sweet dipping sauce for an extra treat!
Notes
For the best results, whether you choose to roll your dough pieces into small, uniform balls or simply leave them as cut bites, ensure they are all roughly the same size. This consistency is crucial for promoting even cooking and achieving that perfect texture throughout every single pretzel bite.
Any leftover pretzel bites can be stored effectively at room temperature for up to two days. Simply place them in an airtight container or a sealed bag to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, they are delicious at room temperature, or you can quickly reheat them in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C) for approximately 2 minutes, or until they are warmed through to your liking. This brings back their delightful warmth and soft texture.
Nutrition
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