Soft Pretzel Nubs (Air Fryer Version)

 

Soft Pretzel Nubs (Air Fryer Version)

Golden, tender, and so easy—with sourdough discard for flavor and no oven needed!

There’s something comforting about soft pretzels—especially when they’re warm, slightly salty, and bite-sized. These soft pretzel nubs check all those boxes and then some. They use sourdough discard for an extra layer of flavor and come together effortlessly in the bread machine. No oven required—your air fryer does all the magic.

This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want a homemade snack without spending all day on it. They’re fun to make, even better to eat, and the perfect way to put that sourdough discard to work. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something salty and satisfying to snack on, these little nubs are it.

Soft Pretzel Nubs (Air Fryer Version)

These bite-sized soft pretzel nubs are a great way to use sourdough discard and come together beautifully in the bread machine and air fryer. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or game-day treat!

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🛒 Dough Ingredients:

• 255g water

• 100g sourdough discard

• 35g honey

• 500g bread flour

• 2 tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tsp sea salt

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🥣 Dough Instructions:

1. Bread Machine:
   Add all ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by your machine’s manufacturer. Set to the dough cycle and let it run until the dough is ready.

2. Shape the Pretzels:
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces to create “nubs.”

   
   
   

3. Rest:
   Cover the dough pieces with a clean towel and let them rest while you prepare the boiling water.

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💦 Boiling Water Bath:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.

• Add 2 tbsp sugar (this helps give that pretzel-y shine and texture).

• Working in batches, gently drop the pretzel nubs into the boiling water.

• Flip them after about 30 seconds for a total of about 1 minute.

• Remove with a slotted or draining spoon and let them drain well.

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🔥 Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

2. Spray the basket with olive oil or nonstick spray.

3. Place drained pretzel nubs into the basket, leaving space between.

4. Spritz the tops with oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.

5. Air fry for 8 minutes total, flipping them around the 4-minute mark using a flat spatula.

   • Tip: Be gentle when flipping—they may stick slightly, but they’ll release with a little patience.

6. Bake until just light golden brown. Too dark and they’ll be harder; light brown keeps them soft and tender.

   
   
   

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🧂 Serving Ideas:

• Serve warm with mustard, cheese dip, or honey butter.

• Great for freezing—just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the softness.

   Final Thoughts

  Soft pretzel nubs might seem like a treat you’d only grab at a ballgame or bakery, but with a little sourdough discard and a few pantry basics, you can whip up a batch right at home—no oven, no fuss. The air fryer keeps them light and golden with just the right amount of chew, and they’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or snacking straight off the tray.

  So don’t overthink it—make it simple, make it yours, and enjoy the process. Even little bites like these can bring joy to your day and remind you that homemade doesn’t have to mean hard.

  If you give these a try, let me know how they turned out in the comments! I’d love to hear your twist on them. Follow along for more real-life, feel-good recipes made with love.

  Find joy in your day, and live your best life. Catch you later!

Tortilla Mexican Pizza - Make It Better At Home Series - #1

Hello out there.

Been awhile, but I am going to try to get better at being more constant. Please if you would like bookmark me, you can check in on me and see what is up. I would love to see you. Welcome to My Kitchen. 

I thought maybe this would be an interesting series to start. With how much fast food is these days, even sitting in a restaurant for dining. Looking for a craving. Looking for a cleaner approach to that. Or just not wanting to leave or deliver. 

Now these are not exact tastes of these places, but I found them to be quite good. I found them to be filling and clean tasting. Found them even more affordable. This one in particular I had everything in the pantry. 

To start off this series, I will be doing -

"Tortilla Mexican Pizza " a play on the Taco Bell

"Tortilla Mexican Pizza"

Stuff To Gather:

~ Tortillas - 

*depending on the size you would like, you can use. I used my air fryer to make it quicker, but you can do it in the oven, just time consuming.

~ Refried Beans 

*If you want you can also just take a can of black, pinto and drain and smash, add some seasoning and you have the same thing. 

~ Enchilada Sauce

*Also here you can just take tomato sauce, and put in a little of your favorite sauce for tacos.

~ Shredded Cheese - 

*Use cheddar or pepper-jake

~ Tomato - diced small

*here you could just use some salsa. Mix it into your enchilada sauce or the tomato/hot sauce

~ Onion - diced small

~ Jalapeno's - if you like them

~ Of course you can finish after it cooks with shredded lettuce, and sour cream, that is up to you. 

The Putting Together:

1. Take two tortilla's and lay in the air fryer. 390 for around 2-3 minutes - check 

*I lay a piece of foil under mine 

*be sure to spray the fryer so they do not stick. Also they fly around in the Air Fryer and you will need to put something a little heavy to hold it down. I have a small rack from an Air Fryer I had years ago. What also works is a small canning ring on each one. 

2. Air Fry until they get nice and crunchy and brown.

3. Take one tortilla and place back where you cooked it on. 

*make sure you spray what you are making it on to put back in

4. Start with the refried beans. Smear a nice layer onto one of the tortilla's.

5. Sprinkle a little cheese, and if you like a little onion.

6.  Place second tortilla on top. 

7. Take your enchilada, or the sauce you made and smear on top, like a pizza sauce.

8. Put your toppings you like, the onion, the salsa, or tomatoes. 

9. Finish with your cheese on top.

10. Put back in air fryer and cook at 390 for around 6 minutes (you check and see if it is melting)

Please be careful when you get it out, it is a little hot.

Put a little sour cream, hot sauce, what ever you like.

This was my lunch today.  I was craving a Mexican pizza. So I thought maybe I share it with you.

If you try this always feel free to drop a comment, I would love to have your feedback.

Also if you have a craving, send it in a comment and I will see what I can figure out for us to try.

Thanks again for being part of my community.

Be the Light in Someone's Day

From My Kitchen to Yours.

Much Love

Louise 

I have a Ninja 6 in 1 Air Fryer / Grill

 

The exact definition of mine. Ninja 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer Roast Bake Dehydrate Broil and Leave-in Thermometer, with Extra Large Capacity, and a Stainless Steel Finish

I need to tell you that this is the best one that I have ever bought. I love the finish in it. It really is wipeable if you take care of it. It has a very thick non-stick coating. I am very careful when I was it and wipe it. Also use plastic utensils so as not to scratch it.

I have made so many things in it and it has proved it's self over and over. There are no screens, or wire racks, no moving racks to get an even cook. This is just a flat base, the the flat base pan, and then a basket (where you can do fries and stuff) I spray it an do everything in it. It also comes with a grill insert that sits on top of the base pan. I have just recently discovered cooking in the base pan and it is really convenient. I have done vegetables atleast 2 cups. I do potatoes, and today I even did an omlet, yes an omelet.

This contraption is a little large for the counter, and looks to me like a space ship. We had a place to keep it, but we have not stopped using it, so it stays right near the stove. I have not used anything but it and an instant pot for the last 4 months to feed my family of 5. 

It has a thermometer probe also. When I try it I will get back to you.

I love how this one just opens up and you lay it in there. The element and fan up top have a removable washable screen over it. 

I just thought maybe you would love to hear a review from someone who just got one. I am not being paid or even given one. I paid 250 dollars for this on Amazon and worth every penny.

Living your best life and doing what feels good for you is the secret.

Keep it simple, Stay well and safe. 

welcome to my journey

Louise

Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Peppers

 

Me, again, twice in one day. Still looking and trying use up and waste nothing. Prices are going through the roof. 

This time is The Sweet Peppers that I found hanging in the fridge. They have been used for all kinds of good things this week, but I have about 8 left and I plan on using them up.

This time I take them and split in half. Taking off the top and removing the seeds. 

I look in my fridge and the dip of the day. Really I have a few. I found a cheddar cheese spread my daughter bought for crackers. They used it once and then It became forgotten and I know it was a little pricey.

I took 4 peppers cut in half which gave me 8 halves to fill. I filled with them with the cheddar, a healthy, not over the top smear. I then took the real bacon bits ( I keep a large bag in fridge, they are super handy) and sprinkled them.

They went into a preheated air fryer, 400 for 5 minutes and then check.

The other 4 / 8 halves I filled with the spinach dip and some parmesan sprinkled on top. These also go in air fryer same way as the others.

When you remove them remember they are like lava, the cheese is melty. Let them rest.

I found that I loved the cheddar more than the spinach, but they both were good.

I also left them to share with my husband when he gets home. I left in a container on the counter. They are even more delicious a little cooler. I could have eaten them all, but I need him to try them so I can make them again.

WW BLUE NOTES

This too can be as many points as you put into them. I got away with eating 6 of them and accumulated 4 points for all. They were really good. I can see them as an appetizer or a healthy snack.

I know that Sams Club makes a really friendly buffalo chicken dip. That is for easy. Or just do your own with a can of chicken, buffalo sauce, and a little cream cheese or save points and use a few laughing cows. 

Living your best life and doing what feels good for you is the secret.

Keep it simple,

 Stay well and safe. 

welcome to my journey

Louise

Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

 

Lately in my home, I am trying to waste very little. I love having fresh vegetables, but if you don't keep track of them and use them, they go very fast. There a few options that I use to try to save them. Depending on the vegetable I cut them up and baggy them into little bags and then into a gallon with the label of what they can be used for. I have one gallon bag for omlets-breakfast / one for pizzas / one for soups / one for broth making (scraps of everything) one for making meatloaves (this is leftovers of anything to be pureed into a mix for the meatloaf meat)

This week I was planning my menu, and as usual I first list what I have fresh, and in the fridge. Then I can check the freezer and pantry and make menus from what I have. With maybe a few things I need from the store. 

This week I had a bag of sweet peppers and mushrooms lingering in my fridge. I also noticed, like everyone else. We love a good dip. Dip with crackers, pitas, chips, vegetables any way we can get it. I am also sure if you are like us, we use 1/2 and put the rest up for another day. Those usually get filed away into the back of the refrigerator. 

Not today.

I had in mine a small container of spinach dip, and I also found a wheel of wedges of laughing cow pepper jack cheese. hmmmmm

I took 12 mushrooms. Six of them I filled with the spinach dip, and little dash of salt/pepper/ and parmesan cheese on top.

They other six I took a laughing cow wedge of pepper jack,  and filled each one. It took one wedge for 2 mushrooms. A little salt/ pepper.

I placed these down into a pre heated sprayed air fryer. I hit 400 for 6 minutes and then check. Get them to the color you like.

These were very good and very quick to make. No traditional bread crumbs. 

Be sure to let cool, mushrooms can be very, very hot.

WW BLUE NOTES

As for the dips. 

This can be a very low point snack or even a meal. I make my own dips, but there are some out there that are really WW friendly. The spinach one today was the spinach tzikia from Aldi's. it was 1 point for 2 tbsp. and for 6 mushrooms that fills it. Then a slight sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Makes 1 point for 6.

The laughing cow, was 1 point for 1 wedge and I could do all 6 mushrooms with three or maybe even two it puffs up. Be sure to season. Makes 3 points for 6.

Living your best life and doing what feels good for you is the secret.

Keep it simple, Stay well and safe. 

welcome to my journey

Louise

Fried Green Tomatoes - Air Fryer

 Let's first talk Air Fryer

Now first.. the airfryer basket, shelf, whatever has to be squirted with a non-stick spray. I use a non aerosol one so it doesnt blow off the breading. When I used up all the non aerosol, in the bottle I put avocado oil. So that is my squirter.

Now let's talk tomatoes

Get nice firm green tomatoes. I cut them about 1/4 ish or 1/2. I get about 4 nice slices from one tomato.

What you need:

1 box of jif cornbread mix (I like this because it has a light mix of flour and cornmeal and a little sweet)

3 tsp of seasoning salt

Pepper

1 Cup of water

What I do:

Take the air fryer and spray where you are going to put the tomatoes. Now you are only going to flip once. So you need to give it atleast 4 minutes before you flip. If you have a sticking problem the put in some parchment paper.

Take 1/4 of the box of jiff mix add the seasoning salt and pepper.

Take 1 slice of tomato, dip in the water, shake.

Dip in the breading mix, just coating, quickly, then lay in fryer.

Now, take a small spoon and get a bit of your mix and put on top of each tomatoe, push it down on it.

Take your spray and give everyone a little squirt (makes the breading stick and this is where you build up a crunchy outer side of the tomato)

Air Fry 400 for about 4-5 minutes. Open and flip.

Now take your crumbs again and do a little layer on this side. Squirt and close.

Air fry 400 again for maybe 2-3 ,minutes, now you are going for a good crispy color.

When about 8 minutes remove completely from the Air Fryer, so it stops them cooking or they get a soggy taste.

We thought they were pretty darn good, for not having to get out an egg, get out the oil and all the mess is kinda a cleanup friendly.

Remember this isn't cooked in oil. But with the non aerosol spray, especially since mine has avocado oil in it, it did give it a little frying taste with the crunch from the air fryer.

If you try it let me know.

*you could use a combo of flour 1/4 to cornmeal 1/4, and 1 tsp of cornstarch, with the seasonings. Also you could dip in egg.

Served this with a ranch dip

*easy ranch / one container of sour cream to one package hidden valley ranch.

WW BLUE NOTES
this was a 1 point for 2 slices. 

Please subscribe above if you like to see more of my hacks and recipes. 

Living your best life and doing what feels good for you is the secret.

Keep it simple, Stay well and safe. 

welcome to my journey

Louise

Air Fryer Wings Re-take

 

Air Fryer Wings

The journey to find the perfect wing. Wings are a sinful pleasure here at my house. They can be somewhat expensive at take out. We have a family of 5 and that is atleast 10 wings a pieces. So usually we order the 50. Runs any where from 45-65 dollars. Quick easy, saucy and fried, crispy, yummy....But.

I can save a bit more, by buying my own and cutting them myself. I have read that you can de-skin them and save calories and such, but by the time I do not fry them in oil, I figure how could they be that bad, or just I can except half bad for me I guess.

This time I have bought a new Air Fryer combo. The ninja 6 in 1. So far I love the air fryer part and the grill. It has a base that comes out with a thick nice coating of nonstick on it, I line it with foil for easier clean up. Then it comes with a grill plate you just sit in the base and same thick nice coating, I just have to spritz with my non- aerosol pam spray, I like the non- aresol so I can direct the spray. It also comes with an air fryer basket. Which I have been wearing out. It can hold about 15-16 wings at a time.

The Menu

Air Fryer Wings

The players:

50-60 wings pieces (that is one wing cut down into the pieces)

3 tablespoons of baking powder

3 tablespoons of Autrey chicken seasoned coatings

Spices, adobe, pepper, salt, garlic, onion (whatever you would like)

Non-stick spray (I use the non-aerosol pam spray)

The game:

Cut your chicken wing into pieces, the drum, the wingette and the tip. (the tips I save up and when I make bone broth I add them in)

Lay the pieces on a sheet tray and sprinkle with the baking powder and take your hand and just rub everyone, then lay out again and sprinkle your spice and the seasoned flour coating.

Mix everyone together, kind look gooky..

Spray the fryer basket and lay in about 15 of them, a little squirt of spray on top.

Air fry for 20 minutes at 390, flipping once and spray a bit on top again. 

At the end of 20 minutes you can up to 400 and get them as crispy as you like 

These were so totally delicious. Tasted exactly like they were fried. I missed nothing. We ate them all up. I paid 9.99 for a package of 15 wings / cut in half made 30. So for 20 dollars and the miscellaneous spices and spray.. I saved quite a bit of money.

Now in time, it is a labor of love, but you can cut one day and leave in fridge the next. Sometimes if I get them on sale I will do a big batch and precut and freeze for those lazy days. 

If you like this and any others, please feel free to comment.

I am just trying to share with the world a bit. I feel that for us to be the change in the world we have to be out in it. So welcome me to the internet world. I am here.

WW Notes
There was really no way I could make them too friendly, but I do know that air frying takes about 70 percent of the fat away. Sometimes I think it is kinda high in points for a fat in the skin. But it is what it is. A serving is usually 3-5 and that is what I eat. I just eat and go on. 

Please subscribe above if you like to see more of my hacks and recipes. 

Living your best life and doing what feels good for you is the secret.

Keep it simple, Stay well and safe. 

welcome to my journey

Louise

Chili Cheese Fries WW blue 10

Menu: Chili Cheese Fries    (ww blue - 10 ) (please remember you can reduce points)

The Players:

1 Medium Potato with Skin (ww blue 5 points)

1 cup of Turkey Chili ( I used Hormel Turkey Chili (ww blue 4 points ) you could have also used a 1/2                                     cup for 3  because it was really filling and satisfying)

                                    

                                    - next time to reduce points I will make my own 0 point chili - which I will share                                      with you in a few more posts)

1/8 of a cup of Velvetta Shreds (ww blue 1 point)

Diced Onion (ww blue -0)

The Game:

*Take the potato and cut it thin, with skin on, into long strips, like fries. Put into a baggie. Spray with a bit of non-stick spray and season. Shake up in bag coating everything.

 

*Spray your Air Fryer and drop in fries and set 400 for 15 minutes and shake half way.

* Remove fries and Place in a heat safe container. I use a mini meatloaf pan, that I lined with foil so that I could lift them out and put on my plate. you could also take foil and make a nest out of it, bit enough to hold the fries and the stuff you are going to put on top.

*Fries first, then layer on chili, and the cheese. Pop back into air fryer for about 5 minutes to warm up the chili and melt the cheese.

* Pull out ( I pulled up my foil and layed in my dish) at this point put your toppings on. I used diced raw onion.

You could put queso, jalapenos, sour cream

Any way you like to eat this, This was so filling and so yummy. You could also pre prep these and just heat and eat they would hold up really well.

I took a picture with my hand so you can see how much it made.

This was a great lunch idea, and like I mentioned could be a premeal for a weekly idea.

If you give this a try, let me know.

WW Blue Notes

This was a really satisfying meal. I could have even cut back on the chili and it still would have been plenty. The choice of the potato was a personal preference for cleaner, healthier options, but the fast fries are the same points and would have been yummy too. So you do you.

Living your best life and doing what feels good for you is the secret.

Keep it simple, Stay well and safe. 

Louise