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Super Easy Air Fryer Football Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

air fryer football pretzel bites with beer cheese dip - featured image
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These air fryer football pretzel bites are the perfect game day snack, featuring a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior, served with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will save any last-minute party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining ½ cup flour, mixing until dough pulls away from sides.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Line air fryer basket with parchment paper. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into a 12-inch rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces and shape each into a mini football.
  5. In a small bowl, combine baking soda with ½ cup warm water. Brush each pretzel bite generously with the baking soda solution. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange pretzel bites in a single layer in the basket. Brush tops with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  7. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 2-4 minutes until deeply golden brown. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if making multiple batches.
  8. While pretzel bites cook, make the dip: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine beer and cream cheese. Whisk until melted and smooth (2-3 minutes).
  9. Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking continuously until each addition is melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  10. Transfer dip to a serving bowl and serve warm alongside the pretzel bites.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the pretzel crust. Shred your own cheese for a smooth dip. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a non-alcoholic dip, use non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, pretzel bites, football, game day, beer cheese dip, super bowl, snack

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/super-easy-air-fryer-football-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese-dip/