How Long To Cook Frozen Pretzels

air fryer frozen pretzels

This easy method for Air Fryer Frozen Soft Pretzels turns a premade frozen soft pretzel into a snack that's soft and pillowy on the inside and has a salty crunchy crust on the outside in 5 minutes or less. Great to use with any air fryer or Ninja Foodi!

Cooking frozen foods in the air fryer has been a game-changer for me in the kitchen. Not only do I save tons of time, but cleanup is way less making it a great option for my busy family.

When we're looking for a quick snack that's warm and comforting, I just pop some frozen soft pretzels straight into the air fryer and cook until they are golden brown and soft on the inside. Sprinkle with salt and dip into your favorite sauces for a treat that feels special right at home.

Shouldn't I just use the directions on the packaging?

Frozen soft pretzels cook quickly so the directions on the packaging will likely burn them. Since the air fryer is a small convection oven, it uses dry heat to circulate air around the food making it cook fast.

Why make frozen pretzels in the air fryer?

Easy Cleanup. You won't need to get out a baking sheet to clean for this method. All you'll need is the air fryer basket.

Better texture. Dry heat means that the outside of the pretzels gets nice and crispy all the way around.

Cooks faster. Unlike a traditional oven, soft pretzels air fry straight from frozen in 5 minutes or less!

Less electricity. No need to warm up the oven, especially during the summer months. The air fryer takes much less energy and electricity.

No babysitting. Set the time and let them cook while you do other things around the kitchen saving you time.

🥨 What You'll Need To Air Fry Frozen Pretzels

Frozen Soft Pretzels - You can purchase frozen soft pretzels in most grocery stores in the frozen section. We buy the big pretzel twists, but you can also purchase pretzel bites that will have a different cooking time. Most people love buying the Super Pretzel brand or Auntie Anne's. We love getting ours at Aldi during German week!

Air Fryer – There are so many air fryer options to choose from with great quality. In my opinion, the absolute best air fryer is the Ninja Foodi. I enjoy using my all-in-one air fryer and pressure cooker or Ninja grill because it saves time and there saves valuable counter space.

🥣How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Soft Pretzels

1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 325F. This can take up to 3-5 minutes depending on your air fryer.

2️⃣ While the air fryer is preheating, brush the pretzels with water and sprinkle salt on top. This usually comes in the box of pretzels but you can also use your own coarse salt if desired.

3️⃣ Place salted pretzels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes. Check your pretzels at the 3-minute mark to see if they are golden brown. If not, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

4️⃣ Remove from air fryer basket with tongs and serve hot with your favorite dips and sauces.

⌛ How Long To Air Fry Pretzels

The amount of time it takes to air fry a frozen soft pretzel depends on how big and thick it is. These are general recommendations. The average soft pretzel needs about 3-5 minutes to cook at a temperature 325F. Always check regularly to ensure they don't burn or overcook as every air fryer is different!

Large Frozen Soft Pretzels – 3-5 minutes at 325F
Frozen Soft Pretzel Rods – 2-4 minutes at 325F
Frozen Soft Pretzel Bites - 2-4 minutes at 325F
Frozen Pretzel Dogs - 8-10 minutes at 375F
Frozen Cheese Filled Pretzels - 8-10 minutes at 350F

How To Serve Soft Pretzels

There are so many ways to serve a soft pretzel. Try out these fun ideas for flavors and sauce ideas.

For a smoky flavor, top with Smoked salt before air frying.
Make it sweet by dusting the pretzel with cinnamon and sugar then drizzling with icing.
Add a unique twist and dip pretzels in Creamy Sesame Dressing.
Serve with a cup of creamy nacho cheese sauce.
Goes great with a side of Homemade Thousand Island Dressing.
Give it some curry flavor by dusting on your favorite curry powder before air frying.
Serve with some red marinara sauce for an Italian flair.
Add a kick of spice by sprinkling on a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Dip it in some homemade Honey Mustard Dressing.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Air fried soft pretzels can be stored on the countertop or fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days though they will lose their crispy texture and softness if not reheated properly.

Reheating: Add the already cooked air fried pretzel back to the air fryer at 300F for 2-3 minutes or until the pretzel is warmed through and crispy.

More Air Fryer Recipes Cooked From Frozen

Air Fryer Frozen Breakfast Sausage Patties
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers
Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

air fryer frozen pretzels

Air Fryer Frozen Soft Pretzels

Print Pin Rate

Servings: 2

Calories: 389 kcal

Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi

2 Soft Pretzels frozen
2 tbsp Water
1 tbsp Kosher Salt

Preheat your air fryer to 325F. This can take up to 3-5 minutes depending on your air fryer.
While the air fryer is preheating, brush the pretzels with water and sprinkle salt on top. This usually comes in the box of pretzels but you can also use your own coarse salt if desired.
Place salted pretzels in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes. Check your pretzels at the 3-minute mark to see if they are golden brown. If not, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
Remove from air fryer basket with tongs and serve hot with your favorite dips and sauces.

Time & Temperature For Frozen Soft Pretzels

Large Frozen Soft Pretzels – 3-5 minutes at 325F
Frozen Soft Pretzel Rods – 2-4 minutes at 325F
Frozen Soft Pretzel Bites - 2-4 minutes at 325F
Frozen Pretzel Dogs - 8-10 minutes at 375F
Frozen Cheese Filled Pretzels - 8-10 minutes at 350F

How long do you cook frozen soft pretzels in the air fryer?

This depends on the size and shape of the frozen pretzel. See the table above for recommendations.

Should I add additional oil to the pretzels when using my air fryer?

No need! This method doesn't require any extra oil as the pretzel cooks in dry circulating heat.

What temperature do you air fry frozen air fryer pretzels?

I always start with 325F as they cook very quickly. Any higher cause the pretzels to burn.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Some recipes require preheating and some don't. For this recipe, you'll need to preheat your air fryer because there is such a small window of cooking time.

Can I add aluminum foil to my air fryer?

You can, but you don't need to for this recipe because there is very little mess involved. When I'm cooking a messy recipe that drips, I usually put foil at the bottom of the air fryer UNDER the basket if it allows. This keeps it from flying up into the heating element when the dry air is circulating.