Frozen Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Who doesn’t love a warm, soft pretzel fresh out of the air fryer? These frozen soft pretzels are quick and easy to make, turning a simple snack into a gourmet treat. With just one ingredient and your trusty air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly soft and flavorful pretzels in minutes. They’re perfect for an after-school snack, game-day appetizer, or a cozy treat paired with your favorite dips.

You will love how easy it is to make these frozen pretzels in your air fryer! Just put frozen soft pretzels in the air fryer and it will cook them perfectly.

Frozen Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

Imagine biting into these mouthwatering soft pretzels – so delicious!

They are so soft and flavorful, your whole house will smell amazing! The air fryer is a great way to cook frozen soft pretzels in no time at home.

You can use any brand you find in your store. For this recipe I used the Trader Joes brand of soft, large pretzel.

You can cook as many as fit in your air fryer in a single layer for best results. I cooked 1 at a time because that is how many fit comfortably in my air fryer. I would recommend doing batches if you want more.

Why You’ll Love Frozen Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

• Quick and Easy: In just 4 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, soft pretzel with no prep work needed. This recipe is ideal for busy days or last-minute snack cravings.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer gives the pretzels a perfectly soft and chewy texture, just like fresh-baked ones. You’ll feel like they’re straight out of a bakery!
• Minimal Cleanup: With only one piece of equipment required, cleaning up is a breeze. No baking sheets, no extra utensils – just your air fryer!
• Customizable: Top with salt, cinnamon sugar, or even melted cheese to suit your taste. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces for an endless variety of flavors.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this fun and easy snack. Keep some frozen pretzels in your freezer, and you’ll always have a quick treat on hand.

History of the Pretzel

A pretzel is a type of baked dough that is traditionally shaped into a knot. There are a variety of stories as to the origin of pretzels, which haven’t been confirmed or denied. One story is that Italian monks in the 600s may have introduced them to children as a reward for learning their prayers, as the shape resembles a child crossing their arms in prayer.

However, we do know that pretzels popularly became the symbol of German bakeries in the early 1100s and by the 1400s were considered a sign of good luck. The pretzel plays a special role on holidays in Germany, including New Year’s Day, Christmas, and Easter. In Switzerland, the pretzel shape was even traditionally used during weddings as a knot and couples pulled apart the pretzel as they were married for prosperity.

Immigrants from southern Germany brought the pretzel with them to North America and the baked good quickly became popular among bakeries in Dutch Pennsylvania and beyond. By the 20th century, big cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York became famous for their large, soft pretzels that were sold first by street vendors and eventually at convenience stores and large events.

Ingredients For Frozen Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

• Frozen Soft Pretzels – The star of the recipe, any brand of frozen soft pretzels will work. I used Trader Joe’s soft, large pretzels for this recipe.
• Optional Toppings – Add coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
• Dipping Sauces – Mustard, cheese dip, or even a honey glaze pair perfectly with pretzels.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Frozen Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the pretzels to perfection with a soft center and slightly crisp exterior.
• Measuring Spoons (Optional): If adding toppings like cinnamon sugar or coarse salt, measuring spoons will help with even distribution.

How to Prepare Frozen Soft Pretzels In The Air Fryer

This is quite easy to make – all you need is a frozen soft pretzel! I like to keep these in my freezer and just pull it out when I need a snack or my kids are hungry!

Remove the pretzel from the packaging and place in the air fryer basket.

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 360F for 4 minutes. That’s it!

When done, remove and serve right away. Don’t forget the mustard or other condiment!

What to Serve with Air Fried Soft Pretzel

Since pretzels are a traditional German food, why not serve your soft air fried pretzel with some sausages and sauerkraut or pickles to make it a full meal? I would also recommend serving the pretzel with some mustard or cheese dip for more flavor.

• Instant Pot Sausage With Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Sausage And Peppers
• Instant Pot Cabbage And Sausage Recipe
• Easy Homemade Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe
• Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

Tips For Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook the pretzels in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Adjust Cooking Time if Needed: Air fryers can vary, so check your pretzel at the 3-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Add an extra minute if necessary for larger pretzels.
• Customize the Flavor: Brush your pretzel with a little water or melted butter before cooking if you plan to add toppings like salt, cheese, or cinnamon sugar.
• Use Dipping Sauces: Mustard, cheese sauce, or a sweet glaze can elevate the pretzel to a whole new level.
• Serve Immediately: Pretzels taste best when warm. If serving later, pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to refresh their texture.
• Experiment with Brands: Each brand of frozen soft pretzel has a slightly different texture and flavor. Try different ones to find your favorite!
• Keep Extras Warm: If making multiple batches, use your oven at a low temperature to keep cooked pretzels warm while finishing the rest.

Variations And Substitutions

• Toppings: Sprinkle coarse sea salt for the classic pretzel flavor, or go sweet with cinnamon sugar. Try shredded cheese or even everything bagel seasoning for a creative twist.
• Dips: Pair your pretzels with spicy mustard, nacho cheese, marinara, or a sweet cream cheese glaze for variety.
• Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free frozen pretzels if needed, as they are becoming increasingly available at grocery stores.
• Shapes and Sizes: Use pretzel bites or sticks instead of traditional knots for a fun and bite-sized option. Adjust cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Stuffed Pretzels: Look for frozen stuffed pretzels with cheese or jalapeños for a heartier snack. They cook similarly in the air fryer, but you may need to add a minute or two.
• Homemade Option: If you have more time, you can make soft pretzels from scratch and use the air fryer for baking them quickly.
• Vegan-Friendly: Most plain frozen pretzels are vegan, but double-check the label if you want to ensure there are no animal-based ingredients. Pair with vegan dips like hummus or dairy-free cheese sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover pretzels, let them cool completely before storing. Wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: Place the pretzel in the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to refresh its texture and warmth.
• Microwave Option: For a quicker reheating method, microwave the pretzel for 20-30 seconds. Keep in mind, this may result in a softer exterior compared to air frying.
• Freezing Leftovers: If you have leftover cooked pretzels, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
• Avoid Overheating: Reheat only until warm to prevent the pretzel from becoming tough or dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook multiple pretzels at once?

Yes, as long as your air fryer basket allows the pretzels to lay flat in a single layer without overlapping. If cooking in batches, keep the cooked ones warm in a low-temperature oven while you finish the rest.

What if my pretzel isn’t cooked through in 4 minutes?

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the size of the pretzel. If it’s not heated through after 4 minutes, add another minute or two, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No preheating is required for this recipe. The air fryer will cook the pretzels perfectly without preheating.

Can I add toppings before air frying?

Absolutely! Brush the pretzel lightly with water or melted butter, then sprinkle on your desired toppings like salt, cinnamon sugar, or shredded cheese before cooking.

What dips go best with soft pretzels?

Mustard and cheese dips are the classic choices. You can also try marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a sweet icing glaze for a dessert option.

Can I use homemade pretzels in the air fryer?

Yes, homemade pretzels work great in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your dough, typically starting with 6-8 minutes at 360°F.

More Air Fryer Recipes

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for soft pretzels in the air fryer! If you are like me and love using your air fryer to bake or cook, check out some of my other favorite recipes. These recipes are great for after-school snacks or party appetizers! Here are some to whet your appetite:

• Air Fryer Frozen Naan Bread
• Air Fryer Frozen Breadsticks
• Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Rolls
• Frozen Samosas In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Hot Pockets

See also:

• Cooking Eggs In Air Fryer
• Cooking Bacon In Air Fryer
• Baking Brownies In Air Fryer
• Baking Muffins In Air Fryer
• Reheating Frozen Pancakes In Air Fryer
• Reheating Frozen Waffles In Air Fryer