Yeast and I have a love hate sort of relationship. So, when it comes to pretzels, I tend to shy away from making my own. Thanks to these frozen pretzels in the air fryer though, I don’t need to feel like I’m missing out!
Starting with frozen pretzels takes out all the time, work, and the battle with yeast required to create perfect soft pretzels.
Instead, pop this premade version into your air fryer and they’ll come out warm, soft, golden brown, and delicious in under 5 minutes! That’s way faster than baking! Then, serve them up warm with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces.
If you want to enjoy a bite sized version instead of a whole soft pretzel, check out my recipe for Frozen Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer for those directions!
What You’ll Need
Frozen soft pretzels, any brand
Toppings as desired (optional)
Dipping sauces (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
Any brand of frozen full-sized soft pretzels works great! I have Appetitos (Aldi) brand here, but I’ve used SuperPretzel, Auntie Anne’s, Sam’s, and PretzelHaus frozen pretzels as well
Most frozen pretzels come with sea salt for topping. However, if yours doesn’t you’ll want some salt. Alternatively, skip the salt and opt for a brush of butter and some cinnamon sugar, or go savory with shredded cheese, pepperoni, or jalapenos
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has) and remove frozen pretzels from all packaging
Brush the frozen pretzels with water and sprinkle sea salt to taste over top of them (optional)
Place the pretzels into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them (cook in batches if needed)
Cook frozen pretzels on the air fry setting for 3-5 minutes at 325°F, or until they are warmed through and golden brown
If you would like to add cheese, pepperoni, or jalapenos, add them to the top of the pretzel and heat for another 1 minute, just to warm them or melt the cheese (optional)
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces
Yes, you can cook a frozen pretzel in the air fryer.
They should be cooked right from a frozen state and do not require defrosting in advance.
How Long to Cook Frozen Pretzels in the Air Fryer?
On average, how long is needed to cook frozen pretzels in the air fryer is about 3-5 minutes. Times may vary slightly based on pretzel thickness and your specific air fryer.
You’ll know the pretzels are done when the browning on the exterior deepens and the pretzel gives easily when pushed on, indicating that it is heated through.
Can You Reheat Pretzels in an Air Fryer?
You can reheat pretzels in an air fryer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes at 325°F, or just until warmed through.
This method works with leftover restaurant pretzels, as well as cooked previously frozen pretzels. It should be noted that pretzels will lose additional moisture with each reheat, so it’s best to only do so once.
Are Frozen Pretzels Good in the Air Fryer?
Yes, frozen pretzels are good in the air fryer. The outside gets browned while the inside stays soft. They cook very quickly and are best enjoyed warm.
You’ll get a texture similar to baking in the oven, but in far less time.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Air Fried Frozen Pretzels?
Air fried frozen pretzels go wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic options include mustard, cheese sauce, and marinara.
Get creative with honey mustard, sriracha mayo, vanilla frosting, or even a sweet chocolate sauce.
Are There Any Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Frozen Pretzels?
Common mistakes to avoid include overcooking the pretzels, not preheating the air fryer, and overcrowding the basket.
Ensure the pretzels are well-spaced for even cooking and crisping around the outside edges. Preheating helps ensure there are no wet spots on the bottom, since you won’t flip the pretzels during cooking.
Recipe Pro Tips
You do not need to flip the pretzels during cooking. This would only result in knocking off the salt or other toppings (but this is why a single layer is extra important)
If you don’t have a pastry brush for the water, you can also use a mister, or just run your hands under water and then pat the top of the pretzels with your wet hands
I can fit two pretzels in each basket of my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer for a total of 4 at a time. Other sizes of air fryer may vary. You can cook as many as you want at a time with no cooking time change, so long as you maintain the single layer
As pictured, the slightly lighter pretzels were cooked for 3 minutes, and the darker ones were 4 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your personal pretzel preference. I wouldn’t go beyond 5 minutes total, or your soft pretzel won’t be so soft anymore!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Do not refreeze after cooking once, as the pretzels will dry out
While soft pretzels are delicious at room temperature, if you would like to reheat them, air fry for 1-2 minutes at 325°F, or microwave for about 30 seconds on high. Note that they’ll lose a little crispiness in the microwave
Making frozen pretzels in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a soft pretzel anytime! We like them as a snack, especially on movie night, but they’re perfect as an appetizer, on a charcuterie board, and for game day too!
I like to set out a few different dipping sauces and let everyone pick their favorites. For a heartier option, serve your pretzels alongside some brats and kraut for a German inspired meal!
No matter which way you enjoy them, these soft pretzels take all the hard work out of making them and are ready in only about 5 minutes of cooking. That means you can get to the best part, the eating, all the sooner!
Make frozen pretzels in your air fryer and they’ll come out browned, warm, soft, and delicious. They’re a perfect snack or appetizer ready in less than 5 minutes!
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has) and remove frozen pretzels from all packaging
2 Frozen soft pretzels
Brush the frozen pretzels with water and sprinkle sea salt to taste over top of them (optional)
½ Tsp sea salt
Place the pretzels into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them (cook in batches if needed)
Cook frozen pretzels on the air fry setting for 3-5 minutes at 325°F, or until they are warmed through and golden brown
If you would like to add cheese, pepperoni, or jalapenos, add them to the top of the pretzel and heat for another 1 minute, just to warm them or melt the cheese (optional)
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces
2 Tbsp dipping sauce
Notes
Any brand of frozen full-sized soft pretzels works great! I have Appetitos (Aldi) brand here, but I’ve used SuperPretzel, Auntie Anne’s, and PretzelHaus frozen pretzels as well
Most frozen pretzels come with sea salt for topping. However, if yours doesn’t you’ll likely want some salt. Alternatively, skip the salt and opt for a brush of butter and some cinnamon sugar, or go savory with shredded cheese, pepperoni, or jalapenos
You do not need to flip the pretzels during cooking. This would only result in knocking off the salt or other toppings (but this is why a single layer is extra important)
If you don’t have a pastry brush for the water, you can also use a mister, or just run your hands under water and then pat the top of the pretzels with your wet hands
I can fit two pretzels in each basket of my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer for a total of 4 at a time. Other sizes of air fryer may vary
As pictured, the slightly lighter pretzels were cooked for 3 minutes, and the darker ones were 4 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your personal pretzel preference. I wouldn’t go beyond 5 minutes total, or your soft pretzel won’t be so soft anymore!
You can cook more or less quantity of pretzels with no change to the cooking time, as long as you maintain the single layer placement
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, amount of salt added, and any dipping sauces or toppings, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
