Start by mixing together the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let the yeast rest for around five minutes until it starts to bubble and foam.

When the yeast is ready, pour it into a large bowl and add the salt and flour. Use the dough hook attachment on your stand mixture to combine the ingredients, mixing the dough for 7 to 8 minutes until a large ball begins to form.

Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot and allow it to rise for at least one hour, until it has doubled in size.

After giving the dough time to rise, you can start forming your pretzels. Remove a piece of the dough, weighing it at seven ounces. Roll the dough piece into a log, then continue rolling it until it’s around 8 ½ inches long and resembles a long rope. Take one end of the rope in each hand. Keeping your left hand still, lasso the piece of dough in your right and to create a twist. After that, take the ends of your rope and pinch them between your fingers. Bring the ends down to the bottom of the pretzel and lightly press them into place.

When all your pretzels are formed, prepare a baking soda bath by whisking together baking soda and warm water in a large bowl. Lay a clean kitchen towel or paper towels next to the bowl. Then, submerge each pretzel in the baking soda water and immediately transfer it to the towel. Lightly dry the pretzel to keep it from being too wet for baking.

Five minutes before you’re ready to start cooking, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place the pretzels in the basket. Sprinkle salt over the top of the pretzel and cook for five to six minutes, until the pretzels are golden brown. ***Depending on the size of your air fryer, these may need to be cooked in several batches.***

While the pretzels are cooking in the air fryer, prepare the butter topping by melting your butter in a microwave safe dish. When the pretzels are finished cooking, brush each one with butter before serving. Enjoy the warm pretzels immediately for the best flavor.