Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites are a perfect dessert for fall and winter seasons. These warm and cozy bites are easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes. This recipe uses an air fryer to make the pretzel bites crispy and crunchy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside.
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Check out my Low Calorie Key Lime Pie and my Healthier Banana Cream Pie for more dessert ideas!
This recipe for air fryer cinnamon pretzel bites is a healthier twist on a classic snack. Made with self-rising flour, pure pumpkin, and cinnamon, these pretzel bites are a guilt-free indulgence.
The air fryer helps to create a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to make!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- The combination of cinnamon and pumpkin gives these pretzel bites a delicious, warm flavor that is perfect for fall and winter seasons.
- The quick dip in the baking soda solution before air frying gives these pretzel bites a classic pretzel texture and flavor - crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
More easy tasty treats: Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bites
Ingredients You'll Need
- Self-Rising Flour: This type of flour is a mixture of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. It gives the pretzel bites their fluffy texture and helps them rise.
- Sugar: This recipe uses a small amount of sugar to add sweetness to the pretzel bites. You can use any type of sweetener you prefer, such as granulated sugar, brown sugar, or honey.
- Cinnamon: A popular spice that adds warmth and flavor to many baked goods. It pairs well with pumpkin and gives these pretzel bites their delicious, cozy flavor.
- Pure Pumpkin: Used in this recipe to add moisture and flavor to the pretzel bites. It also adds a subtle pumpkin flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon.
- Baking Soda: Used in the boiling water solution to give the pretzel bites their classic pretzel texture and flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sweetener, and cinnamon. Mix well. Add pumpkin. Mix until dough forms.
Step 2: Evenly form dough into 8 balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
Step 3: In a medium pot, combine 3 cups water with baking soda. Mix well. Bring to a low boil.
Step 4: Once boiling, remove pot from heat. Carefully transfer the liquid to a medium-large bowl. Place pretzel bites on a large spatula, and submerge in the liquid for 30 seconds. Carefully remove the pretzel bites with the spatula, and transfer to a plate.
Step 5: Spray an air fryer with nonstick spray. Place pretzel bites in the air fryer, and spray them with nonstick spray.
Step 6: Set air fryer to 370 °F. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 12 minutes.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Use self-rising flour. It's important to use self-rising flour in this recipe as it contains the right amount of baking powder and salt to make the pretzel bites fluffy and rise properly.
- Dip the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution. This step is crucial to getting the classic pretzel texture and flavor. Make sure to dip the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution for only 30 seconds, as leaving them in longer can cause them to taste bitter.
- Use an air fryer. An air fryer is the best tool for making these pretzel bites as it helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
- Spray the air fryer and pretzel bites with nonstick spray. This will help prevent the pretzel bites from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Serve warm. These pretzel bites are best served warm, straight out of the air fryer. If you need to reheat them, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Variations
- Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a little bit of coarse salt on top of the pretzel bites before air frying to add a sweet and salty flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips in the microwave or on a stovetop, and drizzle over the top of the pretzel bites once they're done cooking.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the dough mixture to enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- Caramel Dip: Serve the pretzel bites with a side of caramel dipping sauce for a sweet and indulgent treat.
- Savory: Omit the cinnamon and sugar and instead add shredded cheese, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme to make a savory pretzel bite.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Let the pretzel bites cool completely before storing them. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Place the cooled pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the pretzel bites for 1-2 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer the frozen pretzel bites to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen pretzel bites, preheat your air fryer to 370 °F and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 425 °F and bake the pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
No. Self-rising flour has leavening agents and salt added to it, which are essential for the pretzel bites to rise properly and have the right texture.
Yes, you can. If you're using fresh pumpkin, make sure to drain it well before using.
Yes, you can. You can use honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the pretzel bites may vary depending on the sweetener you use.
More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
Air Fryer Cinnamon Pretzel Bites
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup pure pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sweetener, and cinnamon. Mix well. Add pumpkin. Mix until dough forms.
- Evenly form dough into 8 balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
- In a medium pot, combine 3 cups water with baking soda. Mix well. Bring to a low boil.
- Once boiling, remove pot from heat. Carefully transfer the liquid to a medium-large bowl. Place pretzel bites on a large spatula, and submerge in the liquid for 30 seconds. Carefully remove the pretzel bites with the spatula, and transfer to a plate.
- Spray an air fryer with nonstick spray. Place pretzel bites in the air fryer, and spray them with nonstick spray.
- Set air fryer to 370° F. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 12 minutes.
Notes
- It's important to use self-rising flour in this recipe as it contains the right amount of baking powder and salt to make the pretzel bites fluffy and rise properly.
- Dip the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution. This step is crucial to getting the classic pretzel texture and flavor. Make sure to dip the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution for only 30 seconds, as leaving them in longer can cause them to taste bitter.
- An air fryer is the best tool for making these pretzel bites as it helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
- Spray the air fryer and pretzel bites with nonstick spray. This will help prevent the pretzel bites from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- These pretzel bites are best served warm, straight out of the air fryer. If you need to reheat them, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
- Storing: Let the pretzel bites cool completely before storing them. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the pretzel bites for 1-2 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer the frozen pretzel bites to an airtight container or freezer safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen pretzel bites, preheat your air fryer to 370 °F and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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