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To make Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites, gather these items: - 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1-2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat) - 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling) - Sea salt, for sprinkling on top - 1 egg (for egg wash, optional) If you don’t have an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar. - Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for extra fiber. - If you can’t find jalapeños, use banana peppers for a milder taste. - Replace the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for extra spice. Cheese plays a big role in flavor. Here are some great choices: - Mozzarella offers a gooey, stretchy texture. - Gouda adds a sweet, nutty taste. - Cream cheese can create a rich, creamy filling. - Mix different cheeses for a unique blend of flavors. These ingredients and options make your pretzel bites tasty and fun to make! To start, gather your ingredients. You need warm water, yeast, brown sugar, flour, and salt. In a big bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to look frothy. This shows the yeast is ready. Next, add flour and salt to the bowl. Stir until a dough forms. Now, knead in the cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños. The dough should feel soft and a little sticky. Transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Once the dough rises, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, boil 8 cups of water. Add the baking soda carefully. Divide your dough into small pieces, about 1 inch wide. Roll each piece into a ball. Boil these pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds. Do not crowd the pot. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. If you want a shiny finish, beat an egg and brush it on each bite. Sprinkle sea salt on top. Now, place the pretzel bites in your air fryer basket. Cook them for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown. Once your pretzel bites are ready, take them out of the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute. For a great touch, serve them warm with mustard or cheese dip. You can also add fresh jalapeño slices for color. Enjoy your delightful snack! To get the best texture for your pretzel bites, use warm water. The water should be between 110°F to 115°F. This helps the yeast grow well. Kneading is key. Knead the dough until it feels soft and slightly sticky. Don't rush the rising step. Let it rise until it doubles in size. This makes the bites light and fluffy. If you have leftover pretzel bites, store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing. This prevents moisture buildup. The right dip can make these pretzel bites even better. Mustard is a classic choice. I also love a sharp cheese dip. For a zestier twist, try a spicy aioli. You can mix sour cream with jalapeño for a creamy kick. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite sauces. {{image_2}} You can make these pretzel bites even spicier. Just add your favorite spices. Try cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Mix them into the dough with the cheese and jalapeños. This will give your bites a nice kick. Want a cheesy twist? Swap out the sharp cheddar for other cheeses. Pepper jack adds heat and creaminess. You could also use mozzarella for a milder taste. Mixing cheeses can create a fun flavor profile. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well in this recipe. Just make sure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum. This will help your pretzel bites hold their shape. Follow the same steps, and you’ll have tasty bites everyone can enjoy. To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting dry. They will last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing. When you want to enjoy your pretzel bites again, reheating them is key. The best way is to use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the bites for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may make them soft. If using the microwave, heat for about 20-30 seconds at a time until warm. If you want to store them for a long time, freezing is a great option. First, let the pretzel bites cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat straight from the freezer. Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing, let it rise. Then, shape the bites and freeze them. When you are ready, boil and air fry them straight from the freezer. This way, you can enjoy fresh pretzel bites anytime. Most air fryers work well for these pretzel bites. I recommend using models with adjustable temperature settings. Brands like Philips, Ninja, or Cosori give great results. Ensure your air fryer has enough space to avoid crowding the bites. You can bake them in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the boiled pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven! This post covered all you need to know for great pretzel bites. We discussed ingredients, like helpful substitutes and cheese choices. The step-by-step guide showed you how to prepare and cook them perfectly. Tips included storage and tasty dips to enjoy with your bites. You can even try variations like spicy or gluten-free options. In the end, making pretzel bites can be fun and simple. With these tips, your next snack can be a hit!

Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites

Craving a delicious snack? Try these Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites! This easy recipe combines warm, soft pretzel dough with spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese for a mouthwatering treat. Perfect for game days or movie nights, these bites are quick to make and cook in your air fryer. Don't miss out on this tasty delight—click through for the full recipe and make these pretzel bites a hit at your next gathering!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)

1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1-2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)

1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)

Sea salt, for sprinkling on top

1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

    Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then mix until a dough starts to form.

      Knead in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños until well incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

        Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

          Once risen, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

            In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.

              Divide the dough into small pieces (about 1 inch in size), then roll each piece into a ball.

                Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds each, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a parchment-lined tray.

                  If desired, beat the egg and brush a thin layer over each pretzel bite for a golden finish. Sprinkle sea salt on top.

                    Carefully arrange the boiled pretzel bites in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

                      Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

                        Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a side of mustard or cheese dip in a small bowl for that gourmet flair, and garnish with fresh jalapeño slices for an additional pop of color!