Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
Ready in about 99 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Chewy, golden soft pretzels with a glossy, salty crust made right in the air fryer. A quick baking-soda bath gives that classic mall-pretzel colour and bite without heating a full oven.
Ingredients
- 350 g plain flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 240 ml warm water
- 60 g bicarbonate of soda for the bath
- 1 litre hot water for the bath
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Method
- 1Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt and warm water into a dough, knead 5 minutes, then prove 1 hour until doubled.
- 2Divide into 6, roll into ropes and twist into pretzel shapes.
- 3Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the hot water and dip each pretzel for 30 seconds.
- 4Brush with beaten egg and scatter with coarse salt. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
- 5Cook in batches for 8-10 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 6Serve warm with mustard or cheese dip.
Tips for the best results
- The baking-soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature colour and flavour, so do not skip it.
- Line the basket with perforated paper to stop sticking during the first minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer soft pretzels?+
Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 8-10 min.