These homemade air fryer pretzel dogs bring the beloved ballpark flavors right to your kitchen in just 22 minutes. Wrapped in perfectly golden-brown pretzel dough, each bite delivers that irresistible combination of soft, chewy exterior and juicy hot dog center.
With only 212 calories per serving, this fun twist on a classic satisfies your comfort food cravings while being lighter than deep-fried versions. The air fryer works its magic to create that signature pretzel shine and texture, making these the perfect crowd-pleasing snack for game days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
- Warm Water: ½ cup, temperature should be lukewarm
- Active Dry Yeast: ¾ teaspoon, ensures proper dough rising
- All-purpose Flour: 1⅓ cup, creates perfect pretzel texture
- Sea Salt: ¼ teaspoon, enhances flavor
- Hot Dogs: 8 pieces, regular-sized
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for brushing
- Pretzel Salt: For topping
- Cooking Spray: For air fryer basket
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: Combine warm water and yeast, let rest for 5 minutes until foamy
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and sea salt
- Make Dough: Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients, knead for one minute until it forms a ball
- Portion Dough: On a floured surface, divide dough into 8 equal sections
- Shape Dough: Roll each section into 15-20 inch ropes, depending on hot dog length
- Wrap Hot Dogs: Twist dough rope around each hot dog 4 times, pinching ends to secure
- Prepare Air Fryer: Coat basket with cooking spray, arrange pretzel dogs without overcrowding
- Air Fry: Cook at 390°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, spraying lightly with cooking spray first
- Finish: Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with pretzel salt while warm
- Serve: Pair with mustard, ketchup, or cheese sauce for dipping
Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Pretzel Dogs
Want that golden-brown pretzel finish? Space your pretzel dogs about 1 inch apart in your air fryer basket. This lets the hot air flow freely around each one. If your air fryer runs hot, check them at 4 minutes – you’re looking for a light brown color. A quick spritz of cooking spray helps create that beautiful pretzel crust we all love!
Tasty Variations
Make these pretzel dogs your own! Try mini versions with cocktail wieners for party snacks. Love cheese? Wrap a slice of cheese around the hot dog before covering it with pretzel dough. For extra flavor, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning instead of pretzel salt. Want them spicy? Add a dash of cayenne to your pretzel dough!
Dips and Sides
These pretzel dogs love to be dipped! Mix up a quick cheese sauce, or try honey mustard for a sweet-tangy kick. Set up a dipping station with regular mustard, spicy brown mustard, and ketchup. Add some pickle spears on the side for that true ballpark feel. Having a party? Put out small bowls of different dips and let everyone mix and match!
Storage and Reheating
Keep your leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll taste almost like fresh! Want to make them ahead? Shape and freeze them uncooked, then add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to eat.
Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3/4 tspn Active Dry Yeast
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tspn Sea Salt
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- pretzel salt
- cooking spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Mix together the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the flour, sea salt and sugar. After 5 minutes, add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
- Using your hands or a dough hook, knead the dough for one minute until it forms a ball. Transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured flat surface, such as a clean kitchen counter or cutting board. Divide the ball into 8 sections. Take each section and roll the dough into a long rope from 15 to 20 inches, depending on the size of your hotdog.
- Twist the rope of dough around your hotdog four times. Pinch the ends of the rope to another piece of the pretzel rope so that your pretzel rope stays secure on the dog. Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Add your pretzel dog to the basket of your air fryer. It depends on the size of your air fryer how many pretzel dogs you can fit at once, just make sure not to overcrowd the basket as the pretzel dough will expand.
- Spray each pretzel dog lightly with cooking spray. Cook your pretzel dogs for 5 to 7 minutes at 390F/200C, or until lightly browned on top.
- Once done cooking, brush with melted butter and add pretzel salt. Remove from the air fryer basket onto a serving plate. Best served with mustard, ketchup, cheese dipping sauce, or spicy mustard. Enjoy!
