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Easy Air Fryer Football Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

air fryer football pretzel bites - featured image
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These Easy Air Fryer Football Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese are the ultimate game day snack. Soft, pillowy pretzel bites with a chewy, dark-brown crust, served with a creamy, tangy, slightly hoppy beer cheese dip. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup lager beer (e.g., Coors, Budweiser, or pale ale)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes until puffy.
  4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add ¼ cup baking soda (it will bubble vigorously). Reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-14 inch rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces (about 10-12 bites per rope).
  6. The Baking Soda Bath: Working in batches of 6-8 bites, drop them into the simmering baking soda water. Cook for 20-30 seconds until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Egg Wash and Salt: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
  8. Air Fry: Place pretzel bites in air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches). Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Flip halfway through if needed.
  9. Make the Beer Cheese: While pretzel bites cook, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk and beer, whisking continuously until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
  10. Serve Immediately: Transfer hot pretzel bites to a serving platter. Pour warm beer cheese dip into a small bowl and place in the center. Serve right away.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the chewy pretzel crust. Shred your own cheese for a smooth beer cheese dip. Work in batches in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pretzel bites, football pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day snack, easy appetizer, homemade pretzel bites

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-air-fryer-football-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese/