There’s something so delightful about whipping up snacks in your own kitchen, don’t you think? It’s like you’re creating little bites of happiness that can make any day feel special. And let me tell you, these air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels are a game changer! They’re soft, warm, and coated in that irresistible sweet cinnamon sugar that makes you want to dive in for just one more. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become my go-to for quick treats.
What I love most about making these pretzels is how simple they are! You don’t need any fancy equipment, just your air fryer and a few pantry staples. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while they cook is pure magic. I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear so fast! Whether it’s movie night or just a cozy afternoon, these pretzels are the perfect snack to share (or keep all to yourself!). So, let’s get started and make some delicious memories in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C, not too hot to touch)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (this adds a touch of sweetness to the dough)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (usually about 2 1/4 teaspoons, it’s the magic that makes your pretzels rise!)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (this is what gives your pretzels that soft, chewy texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this, it balances the sweetness beautifully)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (this is for boiling, giving pretzels that classic texture)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing, it adds richness and flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating, trust me, this is where the magic happens)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for that warm, comforting flavor that makes these pretzels irresistible)
How to Prepare Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
First things first, let’s get that yeast working its magic! In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to foam up, which means it’s alive and ready to help your pretzels rise beautifully!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, it’s time to bring in the flour and salt! Add them to the bowl and mix until a dough starts to form. Don’t stress if it looks a little shaggy at first; that’s totally normal! Now, here’s where the fun begins: knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a floured surface. This will help develop that wonderful chewy texture we love in pretzels. You want it to be smooth and slightly elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Next up, let’s give the dough a little time to rise! Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. You’ll want to see it double in size, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
While your dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your pretzels cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden brown color. Just a few minutes while your dough rises will do the trick!
Step 5: Shape the Pretzels
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape those pretzels! Punch down the dough gently to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope—about 18 inches long—then shape it into a pretzel. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
Step 6: Boil the Pretzels
Now, let’s give our pretzels that classic texture! Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial—it gives them that chewy outer crust. Just be careful; the water can splatter a bit!
Step 7: Brush and Coat
After boiling, place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them generously with melted butter, which adds so much flavor! Now, let’s make that cinnamon sugar coating: mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. Then, coat each pretzel in this sweet mixture—get generous with it!
Step 8: Air Fry the Pretzels
Finally, it’s time to cook those beauties! Place the pretzels in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible! You might want to check on them halfway through to ensure they’re cooking evenly.
Nutritional Information
These air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels are not only delicious but also have a reasonable nutritional profile for a snack! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect when you indulge in one pretzel:
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
So, whether you’re enjoying these for a cozy movie night or just a little pick-me-up, you can feel good about treating yourself. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the air fryer for that perfect blend of soft dough and sweet cinnamon goodness!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make these delightful air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels, here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Check Your Air Fryer: Different air fryer models can vary in cooking time and temperature. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pretzels as they cook—if your air fryer runs hot, you might want to check them a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a big batch, you can keep the cooked pretzels warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish up the rest. This way, they’ll all be warm and ready to enjoy together!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around with the cinnamon sugar coating! You could add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice twist or even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top after they’ve cooled for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve with Dips: These pretzels are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a sweet dip—think cream cheese frosting or a warm caramel sauce for dunking. Yum!
- Storage Tips: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to warm them up before enjoying again!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of making perfect air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels. Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly with the flour and salt. This will save you a little time, and you’ll still get delicious pretzels!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these pretzels in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown. They’ll still be amazing!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the dough, let it rise, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and cooking.
What can I dip these pretzels in?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can serve them with a variety of dips like creamy cheese sauce, spicy mustard, or even a sweet chocolate sauce. They’re fantastic with just about anything!
How do I know when my pretzels are done?
Keep an eye on them as they cook! They should be golden brown and smell heavenly. If they seem a little pale, give them an extra minute or two in the air fryer, but be careful not to overdo it. Trust your nose!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just about 50 minutes!
- Delicious flavor with a perfect blend of sweet cinnamon and sugar
- Soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible
- Easy to customize with different toppings or dips
- Made right in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic snack
- Perfect for sharing, but you might not want to!
- Great for both kids and adults—everyone will love these pretzels!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels fresh and tasty! If you manage to have any leftovers (which is a feat in itself!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that deliciousness. Simply place the cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about 2 days. But trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
If you want to enjoy them later, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer for just a minute or two at 350°F (175°C). This will bring back that warm, soft texture and crispy exterior. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too brown! You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but they might lose a bit of that delightful crunch. So, if you want that perfect bite, the air fryer is the way to go!
So, whether you’re snacking throughout the week or saving some for a special treat, these tips will help keep your pretzels as delightful as the first bite. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: 8 Irresistible Delights
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels are a quick and delicious snack. They have a soft texture with a sweet cinnamon coating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a rope and shape into pretzels.
- Boil water and baking soda. Dip each pretzel for 30 seconds.
- Brush pretzels with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon. Coat pretzels in the mixture.
- Place pretzels in the air fryer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the air fryer model.
- Serve warm for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels, pretzel recipe, quick snack
