Dessert

Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs Recipe

ByElena Hart February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Air fryer pretzel dogs are a fun twist on a classic snack, combining soft, chewy pretzel dough with savory hot dogs. This easy recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality pretzel dogs at home in less time and with less mess.

Three baked pigs in a blanket are placed on a white plate, each with one visible sausage wrapped in golden-brown dough twisted tightly around it. The dough has a shiny surface, sprinkled with coarse salt, and shows a soft texture with slight browning on the thighs. The sausages have a dark reddish-brown color with a slightly wrinkled texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with bowls of yellow mustard and red ketchup partly visible nearby, adding contrast with their smooth, creamy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
2 teaspoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups flour

1 tablespoon butter (melted)
1 teaspoon kosher salt

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Pretzel salt or kosher salt (to taste)
10 hot dogs

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the warm water and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture begins to foam.

Step 2: Add the flour, melted butter, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until well combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Add flour a spoonful at a time if the dough is too sticky, until it clears the bowl.
Step 3: Remove the dough and place it in a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 50 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a deep pot.

Step 5: While the water heats, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope using your hands.
Step 6: Wrap each dough rope around a hot dog, leaving a little of the hot dog visible at both ends. Press the dough ends together to seal.
Step 7: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Boil as many pretzel dogs as will fit in a single air fryer basket for 30 seconds each, carefully removing them with a slotted spoon.
Step 9: Place the boiled pretzel dogs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with the egg yolk and water mixture, then sprinkle with pretzel salt.
Step 10: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the pretzel dogs in the basket with space between them to allow air flow.

Step 11: Air fry for 6 to 7 minutes, or until they turn a dark golden brown.
Step 12: Remove pretzel dogs and transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving. Repeat the boiling and air frying steps with the remaining pretzel dogs.
Step 13: Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the pretzel dogs with melted butter after air frying and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Use your favorite type of sausage or vegetarian hot dogs if preferred.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the pretzel dogs at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough chewy.

How to Serve

A pile of golden brown pigs in a blanket, each with a pretzel-like dough wrapped spirally around a dark brown sausage, topped with coarse salt crystals that sparkle slightly. The dough is shiny and has a soft, lightly toasted texture with some darker browned spots on the edges. The sausages peek out at both ends of each piece. The stack rests on crumpled white parchment paper on a white marbled surface, surrounded by two small white bowls of bright yellow mustard and dark red ketchup. A white and gray striped cloth is partly visible under the wire rack holding the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe, though the texture might be slightly less chewy compared to bread flour.

Do I need to boil the pretzel dogs before air frying?

Yes, boiling the dough in a baking soda solution helps develop the classic pretzel crust and flavor. Skipping this step will result in a softer, less authentic texture.