There’s something magical about making Air Fryer Keto Pretzel Bites at home — they’re tender, chewy, and full of that authentic taste you’d expect from a traditional pretzel, but without the extra carbs. The fathead-style dough made with coconut flour and melted mozzarella gives them a perfect texture that’s both soft and crisp. I love how they puff beautifully in just a few minutes inside the air fryer, turning golden and ready to indulge in. Lightly brushed with butter and sprinkled with coarse salt, each bite captures that classic chew of a bakery pretzel while staying completely low-carb and guilt-free.
They’re ideal snacks for party platters, lunchboxes, or even a cozy comfort food craving. You can prepare and cook them quick, and they’re satisfying enough for any net carb-watching serving. If you don’t have an air fryer, just pop them in a preheated oven at 375F, rotating the pan halfway to ensure even browning. Whether served warm or packed to go, these bites deliver the joy of pretzels without compromise — light, flavorful, and perfectly keto.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Air Fryer Keto Pretzel Bites with Spicy Mustard Dip
Make the Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp coconut flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp xanthan gum. This creates the gluten-free, low-carb “structure” that gives the pretzel bites their chewy texture.
- Add 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. It should look thick, stretchy, and gooey—like classic fathead dough used in many healthy keto recipes.
- Pour the melted mozzarella into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 1 large egg. Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything together until a soft, sticky dough forms. It may look messy at first, but keep folding and pressing until the mixture comes together.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp coconut flour onto a clean work surface to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out and gently knead it for 1–2 minutes, just until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky. If it’s very sticky, dust with a tiny bit more coconut flour—but don’t overdo it or the pretzel bites may turn dry.
Shape & Cook the Pretzel Bites
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2–3/4 inch thick.
- Slice each rope into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch long, and place the pieces on a parchment-lined plate or tray. These will be your pretzel bites.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. If your basket tends to stick, lightly brush or spray it with oil.
- Arrange the pretzel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so they can puff and crisp up.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and lightly puffed. Check around the 5-minute mark since every air fryer cooks a bit differently.
💡 No Air Fryer?
Bake the pretzel bites in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. They’ll still be a delicious, healthy, low-carb option.
- While the pretzel bites are still warm, brush them with 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Immediately sprinkle with coarse salt to get that classic soft pretzel flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning for extra savory goodness.
Make the Mustard Dip & Serve
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust: add more mayo for a milder, richer dip, or more mustard for extra heat and tang.
- Serve the warm keto pretzel bites with the spicy mustard dipping sauce on the side. They’re perfect for party platters, game day, lunchboxes, or even as a fun, easy Thanksgiving appetizer on a snack board. These bites are keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb, but still taste like classic comfort food.
Nutrition Facts:
Approximate values based on 3 servings for the full batch.
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Protein: ~10 g
- Total Carbs: ~9 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~4 g
- Net Carbs: ~5 g
- Total Fat: ~14–15 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
Air Fryer Keto Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Gather and prep ingredients before you begin. Make sure everything is measured and ready to go for a smooth process.
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and xanthan gum until fully blended. This forms the dry base for your dough.
- Place mozzarella in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in short bursts until completely melted and easy to stir. Add the flour mixture and egg, then stir with a spatula or fork, working it all together until a solid dough forms.
- When the cheese dough is cool enough to handle, dust the work surface with coconut flour and knead with your hands until it comes together completely and smooth.
- Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into a log, then cut into bite-size pieces. Brush with melted butter and place aside. Arrange the pretzel bites on the rack of the air fryer, sprinkle with coarse salt, and gently press it into the dough.
- Air fry at 350F for 5–7 minutes until puffed, golden, and brown. Mix mayonnaise and mustard for a dipping sauce, then serve hot and enjoy the irresistible texture and flavor.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make these keto pretzel bites without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these healthy pretzel bites. Simply place the shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. They’ll come out golden and delicious, making them a great low-carb alternative to regular soft pretzels.
2. Are these pretzel bites really gluten-free and keto-friendly?
They are. This recipe uses coconut flour, mozzarella, egg, and xanthan gum instead of wheat flour, so it’s naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. Just double-check your baking powder, mayonnaise, and mustard to make sure they’re gluten-free and don’t contain hidden sugars if you’re closely watching carbs.
3. Can I substitute almond flour for coconut flour in this recipe?
Coconut flour and almond flour behave very differently, so they can’t be swapped 1:1. Coconut flour is much more absorbent. If you try almond flour, you’ll usually need 3–4 times more almond flour and possibly another egg to get a similar dough. For the best chewy, pretzel-like texture and reliable keto macros, it’s recommended to stick with coconut flour in this recipe.
4. How should I store and reheat leftover keto pretzel bites?
Let the pretzel bites cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or warm them in the oven until heated through. They re-crisp beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep, snack boxes, or quick after-school bites.
5. Can I freeze these air fryer pretzel bites for later?
Yes, these freeze very well. Arrange the cooked pretzel bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer or oven until hot and golden. This makes them an easy make-ahead keto snack for parties, holidays, and game days.
6. Are these a good option for parties or holiday spreads?
Definitely! These air fryer keto pretzel bites are ideal for party platters, game day spreads, and holiday appetizer boards. Serve them with the mustard dip, a keto cheese sauce, or ranch for a variety of flavors. They’re bite-sized, fun, and satisfying—perfect as a healthy, low-carb, gluten-free snack that even non-keto guests will enjoy. They also work beautifully as part of an easy Thanksgiving appetizer or snack board alongside veggies, cheeses, and meats.
