Auntie Anne’s pretzels are a fan favorite when it comes to mall snacks. Their signature soft pretzels are perfectly salty and chewy, making them an irresistible treat. However, sometimes you may not be able to finish your pretzel in one sitting and need to save some for later. Reheating pretzels can be tricky business. If done incorrectly, they can end up soggy or dried out. So what is the best way to reheat Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels to retain that delicious, fresh-from-the-oven texture and taste?
Can You Microwave Auntie Anne’s Pretzels?
The quick answer is yes, you can microwave Auntie Anne’s pretzels to reheat them. However, there are some tips and tricks to microwaving them correctly:
- Use a lower microwave power setting (50% or less). Full power can make the pretzel chewy or dried out.
- Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. Check and flip the pretzel in between bursts.
- Wrap the pretzel in a damp paper towel while microwaving. This prevents drying out.
- Allow to sit 1-2 minutes after microwaving. This lets the moisture redistribute.
With the right technique, the microwave can successfully reheat an Auntie Anne’s soft pretzel to taste freshly baked. But take care not to overdo it on microwave time or power level.
How to Reheat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels in the Oven
The oven is another excellent option for reheating Auntie Anne’s pretzels to crispy, bakery-fresh perfection. Here’s a simple process:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place pretzel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Heat pretzel in the oven for 4-6 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- For added fresh-from-the-oven flavor, brush the pretzel with butter or oil before reheating.
- Optional: Sprinkle pretzel with cinnamon-sugar or kosher salt before baking.
The oven’s dry, ambient heat crisps up the outside of the pretzel while warming the interior. Just be careful not to overbake, which can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on your pretzel while it reheats.
How to Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
An air fryer is a fast, convenient, and healthy way to reheat Auntie Anne’s pretzels. Here is a simple air fryer reheating method:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Place pretzel in air fryer basket.
- Reheat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush or spray pretzel with oil or butter for added crispness and flavor.
- Optional: Give pretzel a quick 30 second dip in cinnamon-sugar or salt before air frying.
The circulating hot air of the air fryer crisps up the outside of the pretzel for a fresh-baked taste and texture. The short cook time prevents the pretzel from drying out. Air frying is fast, easy, and makes pretzels taste like they just came from the oven.
How to Reheat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels on the Stovetop
You can also reheat Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels on your stovetop using this simple frying method:
- Add 1 tsp oil or butter to a skillet/frying pan over medium heat.
- Add pretzel and heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and lightly crisped.
- Optional: Brush on extra butter or oil while reheating for added flavor.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt, cinnamon-sugar, or other toppings after reheating.
The hot skillet gives you that crispy outer pretzel texture while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the pretzel. Frying on the stove is quick and easy for pretzel reheating satisfaction.
How to Reheat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Using a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven offers a small, fast version of a full-size oven for reheating pretzels. Follow these toaster oven steps:
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F.
- Place pretzel on tray and toast for 4-6 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Optional: Spritz or brush pretzel with butter or oil before toasting.
- After toasting, can top with cinnamon-sugar, salt, or other spices.
The direct heat from the toaster oven coils will recrisp the outer pretzel surface nicely. The smaller size means faster reheating than a full oven. Keep an eye on your pretzel as toaster ovens can overcook quickly.
Tips for the Best Reheated Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
To get the best results when reheating Auntie Anne’s pretzels, follow these useful tips:
- Use a lower heat setting and reheat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
- Brush or spritz pretzel with butter, oil, or water before reheating for extra moisture and flavor.
- Wrap pretzel in a damp paper towel if microwaving to prevent drying out.
- Flip or turn pretzel during the reheating process for even heating.
- Add fun toppings like cinnamon-sugar or salt right after reheating for a fresh finish.
- Allow to sit 1-2 minutes after reheating to let moisture redistribute through the pretzel.
Following these handy reheating guidelines will ensure your Auntie Anne’s pretzel emerges perfectly hot, chewy, and tasty every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about reheating Auntie Anne’s pretzels:
How long do reheated Auntie Anne’s pretzels last?
Properly stored, reheated Auntie Anne’s pretzels will stay fresh and tasty for 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, place cooled pretzels in a sealed container or bag in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Can you reheat Auntie Anne’s pretzels without drying them out?
Yes, with the right technique you can reheat pretzels without drying them out. Use lower heat, cook in short intervals, wrap in a damp towel if microwaving, and brush with butter or oil.
Do you need to reheat Auntie Anne’s frozen pretzels?
Frozen Auntie Anne’s pretzels will need to be reheated before eating. Thaw at room temp for 1-2 hours, then reheat using preferred method until hot and crispy on the outside.
Can Auntie Anne’s pretzels be reheated more than once?
It’s best to only reheat Auntie Anne’s pretzels once. Multiple reheats can make the pretzels too dried out or chewy. For best quality, reheat only what you plan to eat within 2-3 days.
Reheating Methods Comparison Table
| Method | Instructions | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave | Heat at 50% power in 10-15 sec intervals; wrap in damp towel. | 30-60 sec | Hot and chewy interior. |
| Oven | Bake at 350°F for 4-6 minutes per side. | 8-12 min | Hot, crispy exterior. |
| Air Fryer | Cook at 370°F for 3-5 minutes, flip halfway. | 6-10 min | Hot and crispy all over. |
| Skillet | Fry over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side. | 4-6 min | Crisp exterior, chewy interior. |
| Toaster Oven | Toast at 400°F for 4-6 minutes. | 4-6 min | Crisp, lightly toasted. |
As you can see, there are various quick and easy methods for reheating Auntie Anne’s pretzels to hot bakery-fresh perfection. Microwaving is fastest, while the oven or air fryer will recrisp the pretzel’s exterior best. Use your preferred appliance to give leftover pretzels new life.
Conclusion
Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels are an addictive snack, but leftover pretzels can lose their appeal when cold. Luckily, it’s easy to reheat Auntie Anne’s pretzels and restore that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture. The microwave provides fast reheating, while the oven, air fryer or toaster oven will recrisp the exterior. Brushing with butter or oil prevents drying out. With the proper reheating method for your appliance, you can enjoy delicious Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels again and again.