Vegan Air Fryer Crunchy Mini Pretzel Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good pretzel? Mini pretzels are a fun and satisfying snack, and when you make them at home, you can enjoy their crisp, golden crust with a soft yet chewy interior without any of the unnecessary preservatives. With this Vegan Air Fryer Crunchy Mini Pretzel Recipe, you’ll recreate that irresistible crunch and flavor using simple, plant-based ingredients. Not only is this recipe vegan-friendly, but it’s also incredibly easy and quick to make, thanks to the air fryer.

Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat, these pretzels come with an option to add coarse salt, garlic powder, or your favorite seasoning for that extra flavor kick. In addition to being vegan, the air fryer method reduces the oil content, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pretzels. Let’s dive into the details of this guilt-free, crunchy delight!

---

Recipe Details

• Cuisines: American, German
• Course: Snack, Appetizer
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~180 calories per serving

---

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ⅓ cup warm water (100°F/38°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

For Topping:

• 1-2 teaspoons coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
• Optional: Garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning, or nutritional yeast

For Brushing:

• 1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted

---

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet or plate (for resting)
• Medium saucepan (for the baking soda bath)

---

Prep Time

15 minutes

Active Time

15 minutes

Resting Time

30 minutes (for dough proofing)

Total Time

1 hour

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil while mixing until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes, allowing it to double in size.

2. Shape the Pretzels

1. After the dough has rested, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a thin rope (about 6-8 inches long).
3. Shape the ropes into pretzel shapes or simple twists, pressing the ends gently to seal.

3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
2. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Drop the shaped pretzels into the baking soda bath one at a time, letting them cook for about 20-30 seconds each. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate or baking sheet to cool slightly.

4. Air Fry the Pretzels

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly brush the pretzels with melted vegan butter and sprinkle them with coarse salt or your desired toppings.
3. Place the pretzels in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
4. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the pretzels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
2. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as vegan cheese sauce, mustard, or hummus.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg (varies with salt topping)

---

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step is essential for the traditional pretzel flavor and chewy texture.
2. Shape Creativity: If the classic pretzel shape feels too challenging, you can make sticks, twists, or even mini bites.
3. Storage: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crunch.