The Air Fryer: Craft Frozen Soft Pretzels into Delicious Delights

Air fryers give you a great option for cooking your favorite snacks and treats. Making soft pretzels in an air fryer is enjoyable, and the results are great. Imagine crispy, golden exteriors with soft, warm insides, all without the fuss of traditional baking or frying. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of creating soft pretzels that will tantalize your taste buds and make you an air fryer fan. 

How to Cook Soft Pretzels in an Air Fryer

Heating a soft pretzel in an air fryer is fast, easy, and delivers delicious results every time. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, place frozen pretzels in the basket, and cook them for about 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures a crisp, golden outside and soft, fluffy inside—perfect for a quick snack or tasty appetizer.

Whether you like a classic salty pretzel or want to experiment with sweet or spicy toppings, this quick method is perfect for a satisfying snack or appetizer any time.

The Air Fryer Advantage

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of baking frozen soft pretzels in an air fryer, let’s take a moment to delve into this helpful kitchen appliance. To understand how an air fryer works, we’ll take a look at the science of hot air circulation.

At its core, an air fryer is a countertop convection oven with a twist. It relies on the circulation of hot air to cook food, giving it that satisfyingly crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. Here’s how it works:

Heating Element: The air fryer is equipped with a powerful heating element that generates intense heat. This heat is distributed evenly throughout the cooking chamber.

Convection Fan: Positioned above the heating element, a high-speed convection fan whirs to circulate the hot air around the food.

Cooking Basket: Inside the air fryer, there’s a cooking basket where you place your food. The food is exposed to the hot, circulating air from all angles.

Maillard Reaction: As the hot air surrounds the food, it triggers the Maillard reaction. This is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs at high temperatures. It’s responsible for the browning and development of complex flavors in your pretzels.

Crispiness Without Excessive Oil: The hot air’s rapid circulation effectively dehydrates the food’s surface, creating that satisfying crispiness. This means you can achieve the texture and taste of deep-fried goodness without having to rely on oil.

Now that we’ve looked at the science, let’s grab your frozen soft pretzels and get to work!

Air Fryer Frozen Soft Pretzels

Turn frozen soft pretzels into golden, crispy snacks using your air fryer. Quick to make and easy to customize with your favorite toppings and dips!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 0 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 4 minutes mins

Servings: 4 pretzels

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen soft pretzels Plum Creek Soft Pretzels preferred
• 1 tsp Cooking spray optional

Dipping Sauces

• 3 tbsp cheese sauce
• 3 tbsp marinara
• 3 tbsp sweet cream cheese dip

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Cooking Spray

Method

 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the frozen soft pretzels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
3. Lightly spray the pretzels with cooking spray for extra crispiness, if desired.
4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
5. While pretzels cook, prepare dipping sauces like cheese, marinara, or sweet cream cheese.
6. Once golden brown, remove from air fryer and serve warm with your favorite sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Top with sea salt immediately after air frying using the included packet. Try other toppings like grated cheese, cinnamon sugar, or chili flakes. Reheat leftover pretzels at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. No need to thaw—cook straight from the freezer!

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The Fun Part: Toppings and Seasonings

Now, it’s time to add your unique twist to the pretzels. Make them your own by experimenting with toppings and seasonings:

Salted: Sprinkle some sea salt over the pretzels right after they come out of the air fryer for that classic, salty flavor. Every box of Plum Creek soft pretzels comes with a packet of salt that is perfect for pretzels! We’ve been mastering the art of making soft pretzels for years, click here to learn more about our process and history. 

Cheese: Apply grated Parmesan or cheddar for a cheese-lover’s delight.

Cinnamon Sugar: Create a sweet sensation by mixing cinnamon and sugar and sprinkling it generously over the pretzels after cooking.

Spicy Surprise: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your pretzels for a spicy kick.

Making frozen pretzels in the air fryer is an enjoyable culinary experience. With a dash of creativity and a touch of science, you can transform these frozen treats into a mouthwatering delight. 

FAQs About Air Frying Pretzels

Can you cook frozen pretzels in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook frozen pretzels. They create a crispy exterior and soft interior in just a few minutes.

Do I need to thaw frozen pretzels before air frying?

No, you don’t need to thaw frozen pretzels. They can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer.

How long do you cook frozen pretzels in an air fryer?

Cooking times vary slightly by model, but most frozen pretzels are ready in 4–5 minutes at 375°F.

Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking pretzels?

Yes, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Do I need to use oil or cooking spray?

While not necessary, a light mist of cooking spray can enhance crispiness and create a golden finish.

How do I keep pretzels from drying out in the air fryer?

Avoid overcooking and consider adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to maintain moisture.

Can I add toppings before air frying?

It’s best to add toppings like cheese, salt, or sugar immediately after cooking, as they’ll adhere better to the warm pretzels.

What dipping sauces pair best with air-fried pretzels?

Classic cheese sauce, marinara, mustard, or sweet cream cheese are all excellent choices. Experiment with flavors to suit your taste!

Can I reheat pretzels in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Reheat leftover pretzels at 350°F for 2–3 minutes for a fresh, warm snack.

Can I cook other snacks with pretzels in the air fryer?

Yes, but ensure enough space for even air circulation. Cooking multiple items at once may require adjusting times and temperatures.

Whether you’re creating a savory snack or a sweet dessert, the air fryer is a helpful companion. So, gather your frozen soft pretzels and unleash your culinary imagination. Visit our shop page today to have Plum Creek soft pretzels delivered straight to your door with free shipping!  

Happy air frying!