Can I Make Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Can You Make Biscuits in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Perfectly Golden Biscuits

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, thanks to their ability to cook food quickly with less oil. But when it comes to baking, a common question pops up: can you make biscuits in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Whether you’re working with canned biscuits, frozen biscuits, or a homemade batch, an air fryer can deliver golden, flaky biscuits with a tender interior in a fraction of the time it takes to preheat a traditional oven. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious biscuits in your air fryer, including tips, tricks, and a few recipes to get you started.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Biscuits?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist—perfect for biscuits. Unlike an oven, which can take 10-15 minutes to preheat, most air fryers are ready to go in just a couple of minutes. This makes them ideal for quick breakfasts or last-minute dinner sides. Plus, air fryers are energy-efficient and don’t heat up your kitchen, which is a bonus during warm weather.

Another perk? Air fryer biscuits are less likely to dry out compared to oven-baked ones, as the rapid air circulation cooks them evenly. Whether you’re using store-bought canned biscuits like Pillsbury Grands or whipping up a homemade buttermilk batch, the air fryer can yield impressive results with minimal effort.

Making Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Canned biscuits, like those from Pillsbury, are a popular choice because they’re convenient and foolproof. Here’s how to make them in your air fryer:

• Prep the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C). Preheating ensures even cooking, though some air fryer models don’t require it—check your manual. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or line it with a small piece of parchment paper cut to fit the basket.
• Arrange the Biscuits: Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. For example, a standard 5-quart air fryer can typically fit 4-5 biscuits at a time.
• Cook Time: Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping the biscuits halfway through to ensure even browning. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. Check for a golden-brown top and a fluffy interior. If they’re not done, add 1-2 minutes.
• Serve: Brush with melted butter for extra flavor and serve warm with honey, jam, or gravy.

A great resource for perfecting canned biscuits is Mindy’s Cooking Obsession, which offers detailed instructions and tips for getting that perfect flaky texture.

Cooking Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer

If you’ve got frozen biscuits in the freezer, the air fryer is a game-changer. The process is similar to canned biscuits but requires a slightly longer cooking time due to the frozen state.

• Preheat: Set your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
• Arrange: Place frozen biscuits in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. No need to thaw them first.
• Cook: Air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
• Tip: Frozen biscuits can sometimes be denser, so if they’re browning too quickly but not cooked inside, lower the temperature to 300°F and add a couple of minutes.

For more on cooking frozen biscuits, check out Foodtastic Mom for practical advice and timing adjustments based on air fryer models.

Homemade Air Fryer Biscuits: A Step-by-Step Recipe

If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade biscuits in the air fryer are surprisingly easy and yield a fresher, more customizable result. Here’s a simple buttermilk biscuit recipe tailored for the air fryer:

Ingredients (Makes 6-8 Biscuits):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be slightly shaggy.
4. Shape Biscuits: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a ¾-inch thick rectangle. Fold it in half and pat again. Repeat this folding process twice to create layers. Cut out 6-8 biscuits using a 2-inch round cutter.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
6. Cook: Place biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches.
7. Serve: Brush with melted butter and enjoy warm.

This recipe is inspired by techniques from Olives + Thyme, which emphasizes the importance of cold ingredients for flaky, tender biscuits.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits

• Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers rely on hot air circulation, so leave space between biscuits for even cooking.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Air fryer models vary. Basket-style air fryers may cook faster than oven-style ones, so start checking for doneness a minute or two early.
• Altitude Matters: If you live at a higher altitude, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly or adjust the temperature. Experiment to find what works best.
• Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs to the dough for savory biscuits, or brush with a honey-butter glaze for a sweet twist.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Biscuits

Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer? Yes, but cut it to fit the basket and ensure it’s weighed down by the biscuits to prevent it from flying around.

Do I need to flip the biscuits? Flipping halfway through ensures even browning, especially for thicker or frozen biscuits. If your air fryer cooks evenly, you might skip this step for homemade ones.

Can I make drop biscuits in the air fryer? Absolutely! Drop biscuits don’t require shaping, so just scoop the dough into portions and air fry as directed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Biscuits are too dense: This usually happens with homemade biscuits if the dough is overworked or the butter isn’t cold enough. Keep ingredients cold and mix just until combined.

Biscuits are browning too fast: Lower the temperature by 10-15°F and extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the inside cooks through.

Biscuits stick to the basket: Always use a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Why Air Fryer Biscuits Are Worth Trying

Making biscuits in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, delicious results without the hassle of a full oven. Whether you’re popping open a can of Pillsbury Grands, cooking frozen biscuits, or crafting your own buttermilk version, the air fryer delivers consistent, golden results in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy mornings, small households, or when you just want a warm biscuit to pair with your coffee or soup.

So, next time you’re craving biscuits, skip the oven and give your air fryer a try. With a little practice, you’ll be churning out bakery-worthy biscuits that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.