Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Corinne Schmitt
These Air Fryer Pretzels taste just like Auntie Anne’s, but you don’t have to leave the house or wait in line to get them. If you are a fan of soft pretzels, then you are going to love this homemade recipe.
If you love soft pretzels that are great for game days you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Soft Pretzel Bites recipe. No matter if you are getting ready for a party, a game day or just have a craving, this soft pretzel recipe is for you.
Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels were invented in the 1980s and quickly became a popular mall treat. Now, you can make your own version of these delicious pretzels at home with just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer!
Why I Love This Recipe
These delicious and mouthwatering snacks are the perfect way to enjoy the taste of Auntie Anne’s pretzels without having to leave your home or wait in line.
- Easy to make
- Always a hit at parties
- Fills the house with a delicious aroma
If you love air fryer snack recipes you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious snack recipe. All of these ingredients are pantry staples which can help you avoid a last minute trip to the grocery store.
- Water – You will need warm tap water to proof the yeast, not hot water but warm water about 110°F.
- Yeast – For this recipe you will need active dry yeast. You can use any brand that you prefer. I like to use Fleischman’s or Red Star.
- Flour – This recipe calls for all-purpose flour to make these pretzels. Any brand will work just fine.
- Salt – You will need table salt or sea salt for the pretzel dough and course kosher salt or pretzel salt for the top of the pretzels.
Substitutions
- Salt – Table salt or sea salt can be used in place of the kosher salt for the top of the pretzels.
- Flour – You can make gluten-free pretzels by using your favorite cup for cup gluten free flour.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Here are a few ways that you can personalize this homemade soft pretzel recipe.
- Sweet: Instead of topping these pretzels with salt, you could dust them with cinnamon sugar.
- Savory: If you are looking for something more savory, you could top these pretzels with Parmesan cheese and herbs like basil, oregano, parsley or garlic powder.
- Pizza: Once your pretzels have finished cooking, top them with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni and return to the air fryer for a couple minutes to melt the cheese. Then dip your pizza pretzels in pizza sauce for a super fun snack.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this tasty snack.
- air fryer – You can use any size air fryer, though you may need to make more batches.
- stand mixer – This is optional but really helps cut down on knead time.
How to Make Air Fryer Pretzels
This delicious recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, and the result is well worth it. Your house will smell amazing while these pretzels are cooking. Just follow these instructions to enjoy this appetizer.
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes before ready to bake.
Step 2: Proof the yeast
In a small bowl mix, together your water and yeast. Allow it to sit for five minutes to proof.
Step 3: Mix the dough
Add your yeast mixture to a large bowl after proofing. Add your salt and flour. If using a stand mixer, need with the dough hook attachment for 7 to 8 minutes. If using hands, need for 10 to 12 minutes on a lightly floured flat surface.
Step 4: Allow the dough to rise
Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit to rise for at least one hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Roll the dough into a log
Remove a portion of your dough, weighing it at 7 ounces. Roll it and stretch it out until it is 8 1/2 inches in diameter, resembling a rope.
Step 6: Twist the dough
Take each end of your “rope” in each hand. Keeping your left hand still, “lasso” the dough in your right hand to create a twist.
Step 7: Pinch the dough
Take the ends of your “rope” and pinch them as you bring them down to the bottom of the pretzel.
Step 8: Make the baking soda bath
Using a medium-size bowl that will fit the size of your pretzel, add in 2 cups of water and baking soda. Whisk. Place a clean kitchen towel, or paper towels next to your baking soda water.
Step 9: Soak the pretzels
Submerge your pretzel in the baking soda water and then immediately place your pretzel on your towel. This helps your pretzel to not be soaking wet before cooking.
Step 10: Prepare your air fryer basket
Line your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place your pretzel inside your basket.
Step 11: Salt the pretzel
Sprinkle salt on your pretzel.
Step 12: Air fry the pretzel
Cook the pretzel in your air fryer at 380°F for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown. While your pretzel is cooking, melt your butter in a microwave safe dish.
Step 13: Brush the pretzel with melted butter
Once your pretzel is done cooking, brush butter on your pretzel. Enjoy immediately!
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve these pretzels with other game day foods like these Taco Sausage Cups or these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. But, they are also great on their own as an after-school snack.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure that your pretzels turn out perfectly every time that you make them.
- Be sure to proof your yeast by mixing it with the water and allowing it to sit for five minutes before adding it to the bowl. This helps your pretzels rise better!
- When rolling out your dough, lightly flour a flat surface and roll your dough. Make sure you’re evenly rolling until it is 8 1/2 inch long.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath, this is what keeps the pretzels soft!
- Dip these pretzels in your favorite sauce like mustard, cheese sauce, or guacamole.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Once your pretzels are cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Yes, you can freeze these! Once cooked and cooled, place on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours. Place the pretzels into an airtight freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
To reheat your pretzels, place them on a baking sheet and cook in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes or until heated through. Or, place them in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350 degrees F.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like cooking in the air fryer, give these recipes a try:
Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.
Air Fryer Pretzels Copycat Auntie Annie’s Soft Pretzels
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- stand mixer – optional
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F
- 1 1/4 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Coarse kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes before ready to bake.
- In a small bowl mix, together your water and yeast. Allow it to sit for five minutes to proof.
- Add your yeast mixture to a large bowl after proofing. Add your salt and flour. If using a stand mixture, knead with the dough hook attachment for 7 to 8 minutes. If using hands, knead for 10 to 12 minutes on a lightly floured flat surface.
- Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit to rise for at least one hour or until doubled in size.
- Remove a portion of your dough, weighing it at 7 ounces. Roll it and stretch it out until it is 8 1/2 inches in diameter, resembling a rope.
- Take each end of your “rope” in each hand. Keeping your left hand still, “lasso” the dough in your right hand to create a twist.
- Take the ends of your “rope” and pinch them as you bring them down to the bottom of the pretzel.
- Using a medium-size bowl that will fit the size of your pretzel, add in your 2 cups of water and baking soda. Whisk. Place a clean kitchen towel, or paper towels next to your baking soda water.
- Submerge your pretzel in the baking soda water and then immediately place your pretzel on your towel. This helps your pretzel to not be soaking wet before cooking.
- Line your air fryer with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place your pretzel inside your basket.
- Sprinkle salt on your pretzel.
- Cook the pretzel in your air fryer at 380°F for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown.
- While your pretzel is cooking, melt butter in a microwave safe dish.
- Once your pretzel is done cooking, brush butter on your pretzel.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Be sure to proof your yeast by mixing it with the water and allowing it to sit for five minutes before adding it to the bowl. This helps your pretzels rise better!
- When rolling out your dough, lightly flour a flat surface and roll your dough. Make sure you’re evenly rolling until it is 8 1/2 inch long.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath, this is what keeps the pretzels soft!