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Crispy Air Fryer Football Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

air fryer football pretzel bites - featured image
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These crispy air fryer football pretzel bites with beer cheese are the perfect game day snack. They’re quick, easy, and deliver big flavor without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for beer cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup beer (IPA or pale ale)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep the dough: Take your pizza dough out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. Room temperature dough is much easier to work with.
  2. Set up your stations: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill a small bowl with the beaten egg and water mixture. Have your coarse salt, melted butter, and pastry brush ready.
  3. Cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut it into 1-inch squares (about 40 to 50 pieces).
  4. Make the baking soda bath: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the baking soda (it will foam). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  5. Boil the pretzel bites: Drop dough squares into the simmering water in batches of 10 to 12. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Apply the egg wash: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with the beaten egg mixture.
  7. Sprinkle with salt: While the egg wash is still wet, sprinkle each piece with coarse salt.
  8. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
  9. Air fry the pretzel bites: Place pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until deep golden brown.
  10. Butter them up: As soon as they come out, brush generously with melted butter.
  11. Make the beer cheese sauce: While pretzel bites cook, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  12. Add the liquids: Slowly pour in milk while whisking, then add beer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
  13. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar a handful at a time, whisking until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper.
  14. Keep warm: Transfer cheese sauce to a small slow cooker on warm setting, or serve immediately.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for authentic pretzel flavor. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer for best results. Freshly shredded cheese is key for smooth beer cheese sauce. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pretzel bites, football pretzel bites, beer cheese, game day snack, crispy pretzel bites

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