Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels! They’re everything you’d want in a snack or dessert – crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and just the right amount of sweetness from that delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Honestly, I can’t get enough of them! The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, even if you’re not a baking expert. Just a few simple ingredients and a little time, and you’ll have a batch of warm, golden pretzels that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for movie nights or a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels. I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you might already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!
- 1 cup warm water (not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (this helps feed the yeast and adds sweetness)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for that perfect chewy texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (brings out all the flavors)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (this is for boiling and gives pretzels their classic taste)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing on top; oh so good!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating, you can adjust to your taste)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (the star of the show for that sweet flavor)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making the best pretzels ever!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delightful air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, golden pretzels in no time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Start by combining the warm water and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then add the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy – this means your yeast is alive and kicking!
- Next, add the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it by hand or with a stand mixer until it’s smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is the magic moment!
- When the dough has risen, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, then twist them into pretzel shapes.
- In a separate pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil and add the 1/4 cup of baking soda. Drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove and place them on a parchment-lined plate.
- Brush each pretzel with the 1/4 cup of melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture (that’s 1/2 cup of sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon).
- Finally, place the pretzels into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell irresistible!
Tips for Success
To get the best air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your dough isn’t too sticky; if it’s sticking to your hands, sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s manageable. When shaping your pretzels, don’t stress too much about perfection; a little rustic charm adds to their appeal! For that golden finish, keep an eye on them as they cook; air fryers can vary, and you want them just right. Lastly, be sure to serve them warm – that’s when they’re at their absolute best! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels are a game changer for snack lovers like me! Here’s why you’re going to adore making them:
- Quick and Easy: With just a little prep time and minimal ingredients, you’ll have fresh pretzels ready in no time!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm, buttery pretzels and the sweet cinnamon sugar topping is simply irresistible.
- Crispy and Chewy: The air fryer gives them that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
- Versatile Snack: Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a treat, these pretzels fit the bill for any occasion.
- Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil and a lighter version of a classic favorite, so you can indulge without the guilt!
- Fun to Make: Get the kids involved! Shaping pretzels is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy together.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guide. For a single air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzel, you can expect approximately 180 calories, 7g of fat, 3g of protein, and 24g of carbohydrates. Enjoy these pretzels as a delightful treat, but be mindful of the portions if you’re watching your intake!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels are delicious on their own, but let’s take it up a notch with some fun pairings! I love serving them with a warm caramel or chocolate dipping sauce for that extra indulgence. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a side of cream cheese frosting or even a fruity yogurt dip works wonders, too! And don’t forget a nice cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider to wash it all down—heavenly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of these amazing air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels (which is rare in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delightful texture. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them back in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain that crispy goodness. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference in keeping them delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly denser, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
No worries! You can use instant yeast instead, and there’s no need to proof it. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients, and you’re good to go!
How do I store leftover pretzels?
Let your pretzels cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I make these pretzels vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the melted butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free milk for brushing if desired. They’ll still taste amazing!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: 7 Irresistible Steps
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and sweet air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons 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)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into pretzel shapes.
- Boil water and baking soda in a pot. Dip each pretzel for 30 seconds.
- Brush melted butter on each pretzel.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle on pretzels.
- Place pretzels in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzels, snack, dessert, easy recipe
