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Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs are a quick and easy snack that are so simple to make! These juicy hot dogs wrapped in a warm soft pretzel make a delicious meal or after school snack that everyone will love!
These pretzel dogs are an easy comfort food, made with simple ingredients. The dough air fries into soft pretzel bread that turns golden brown after being wrapped around your favorite hot dog. What’s not to love about an easy and tasty pretzel dog?
Table of Contents
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE
Our air fryer soft pretzel recipe is really simple. Skip the baking soda bath to save time, but you still get golden brown, melt in your mouth pretzel dogs. I love this recipe because the air fryer does all of the hard work for you! No need to boil or bake, or even wait a long time for your snack to be done.
Making these pretzel dogs is not just easy, but you can customize them to each person’s taste! They are kid friendly, and are great for busy weeknight dinners or when you need a meal on the go!
If you love simple hot dog recipes, try these air fryer bacon wrapped corn dogs, air fryer corn dogs, air fryer hot dogs, or air fryer bacon wrapped smokies.
INGREDIENTS
- beef hot dogs
- all purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- kosher salt
- dry yeast
- warm water
- melted butter
- egg wash– 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare the air fryer basket by using air fryer parchment paper, or lightly coat the basket with olive oil.
STEP 2
To make the pretzel dough, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
STEP 3
Add the warm water and melted butter to the flour and yeast mixture. Use the dough hook of your stand mixer, or stir together with a fork, until the dough becomes flaky. Then remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until a smooth ball of dough forms.
STEP 4
Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough ball into eight even pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a 12-14 inch rope.
STEP 5
Wrap each hot dog with a piece of the dough, and then place in the air fryer basket in a single layer or on a baking sheet if you have a tray air fryer. Once the hot dogs are all wrapped, brush the tops of each uncooked pretzel dog with the egg wash, and then sprinkle your favorite topping onto pretzels, like pretzel salt, bagel seasoning, or sesame seeds.
STEP 6
Air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, until they are golden brown. Serve as a meal, or just as a quick snack.
EXPERT TIPS
Brushing the tops with the egg wash helps the pretzels have a shiny golden brown finish. Because we are skipping the boiling in hot water process, the egg wash will help give it that finished look and taste!
Be sure to leave enough space in between the pretzel dogs without stacking or having them touch in the air fryer. This will help ensure they cook evenly.
I use a Cosori air fryer. Depending on the size and wattage, you may need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Also, for a more even cooking, do not over fill the basket. Work in batches, cooking 3-4 pretzels at a time.
To check for doneness, they should be golden brown and crispy.
Here are a few of our FAVORITE recommendations.
Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer – Digital Meat Thermometer – Air Fryer All Day
VARIATIONS
You can also serve these with chili and cheese on the side and make them pretzel versions of these air fryer chili cheese dogs.
If you are in a hurry, you can substitute pre-made refrigerated dough rolled out and cut into strips. Obviously the bread won’t have the same flavor as pretzel dough, but you will still have delicious breaded hot dogs.
Rather than salt, top them with pepperoni and shredded cheese for pizza dogs. Air fry for an additional minute to have it settle into the pretzel before serving.
Make yummy cheesy pretzel dogs by wrapping each hot dog with a slice of cheese before wrapping them with pretzel dough.
While they are delicious with basic ketchup and mustard, you can add your favorite dipping sauce. Serve these pretzel dogs with cheese sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, mustard or brown mustard. The choice is really up to you. My favorite dipping sauce for pretzels is a creamy nacho cheese sauce.
Although traditional hot dogs are classic, alternatively, you can wrap sausage, brats, or even flavored hot dogs, like Nathan’s Famous Cheese Stuffed hot dogs!
STORING AND REHEATING
Generally, these are best when freshly made. However, if you do have leftover pretzel dogs, store them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat them when you are ready to finish them. Just return them to the air fryer and air fry at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the pretzel is crispy.
FAQ’s
Absolutely! Store-bought pretzel dough or biscuit dough works well and saves you some prep time.
That is a great party idea! Adjust the size of the pretzel dough to create bite-sized pretzel dogs perfect for entertaining. Another great idea is to use little smokies or mini sausages.
Absolutely! Explore various sausages—bratwurst, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian options for a unique twist.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES
Dinner
Air Fryer Pierogies
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Appetizers
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Dinner
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Making these air fryer pretzel dogs are so fun and delicious! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
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Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Hot Dogs
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 tbsp dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer basket by using air fryer parchment paper, or lightly coat the basket with olive oil.
- To make the pretzel dough, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the warm water and melted butter to the flour and yeast mixture. Use the dough hook of your stand mixer, or stir together with a fork, until the dough becomes flaky. Then remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until a smooth ball of dough forms.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough ball into eight even pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a 12-14 inch rope.
- Wrap each hot dog with a piece of the dough, and then place in the air fryer basket in a single layer or on a baking sheet if you have a tray air fryer. Once the hot dogs are all wrapped, brush the tops of each uncooked pretzel dog with the egg wash, and then sprinkle your favorite topping onto pretzels, like pretzel salt, bagel seasoning, or sesame seeds.
- Air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, until they are golden brown. Serve as a meal, or just as a quick snack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I know who your friend is!???? I can’t wait to make these.
They are SO good! There is something about the pretzel bread with the hot dog together that makes them perfect!