Can Biscuits in Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, and it’s no surprise why—they’re fast, versatile, and can churn out crispy, delicious results with minimal effort. One question I get asked a lot is whether you can cook biscuits in an air fryer. The answer? Absolutely, and they turn out fantastic! Whether you’re using canned refrigerated biscuits, frozen biscuits, or whipping up a homemade batch, the air fryer can deliver golden-brown, flaky biscuits in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in an oven. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer biscuits, from choosing the right dough to troubleshooting common issues.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Biscuits?

I remember the first time I tried making biscuits in my air fryer. Dinner was minutes away, and I didn’t want to heat up the whole kitchen with the oven. I popped a few canned biscuits into my air fryer, and honestly, I was blown away by how fast they cooked and how crispy the tops got. The hot, circulating air in an air fryer creates a perfect environment for biscuits, giving them a golden, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the insides soft and fluffy. Plus, it’s a game-changer for small batches—you don’t need to fire up the oven for just a couple of biscuits.

Compared to traditional oven baking, air frying biscuits cuts the cooking time almost in half. While oven-baked biscuits might take 15-20 minutes (plus preheating), air fryer biscuits are often done in 6-10 minutes, depending on the type and size. It’s also a lifesaver when your oven is already occupied with a roast or casserole. Plated Cravings notes that air fryer biscuits rise beautifully due to the intense heat and air circulation, which caramelizes the milk solids in butter-based recipes for extra flavor.

Types of Biscuits You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

You’ve got options when it comes to air fryer biscuits, and each type has its own charm:

• Canned Refrigerated Biscuits: Think Pillsbury Grands! or store brands like Great Value. These are the go-to for quick, no-fuss biscuits. They come in varieties like buttermilk, flaky layers, or Southern-style, and they’re pre-portioned for convenience.
• Frozen Biscuits: Brands like Mary B’s or Pillsbury offer frozen biscuits that are great for small servings since you can cook just one or two at a time. They take a bit longer than refrigerated ones but still cook faster than in an oven.
• Homemade Biscuits: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own dough with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk. Homemade biscuits let you control the flavor and texture, but they require a bit more prep.

Each type works well in the air fryer, but the cooking times and temperatures vary slightly. I’ll break those down later so you can get it just right.

How to Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Canned biscuits are my go-to when I need something quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get them perfect every time:

1. Prep the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray like PAM or avocado oil to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper, but poke a few holes in it to allow air circulation. Front Range Fed suggests cutting parchment to fit your basket for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the Biscuits: Place the biscuits in a single layer in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between them for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd—most air fryers can fit 4-6 biscuits, depending on size. If the biscuits touch slightly, it’s okay, but they won’t brown as evenly on the sides.
3. Set the Temperature and Time: For most canned biscuits, set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. Larger biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands!, may need 8-10 minutes at 350°F for a crispier exterior.
4. Check for Doneness: The biscuits should be golden brown on top. If you’re unsure if they’re cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of at least 205°F (96°C). If the outsides are done but the insides seem doughy, leave them in the turned-off air fryer for 2-3 minutes to finish cooking with residual heat.
5. Serve Warm: Brush with melted butter for extra flavor and serve with jam, honey, or sausage gravy. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm biscuit slathered with butter!

Pro Tip: Every air fryer cooks differently. If it’s your first time, start with 1-2 biscuits to nail down the perfect time and temperature for your model.

Cooking Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Frozen biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands! or Mary B’s, are a fantastic option when you only need a couple. The process is similar to canned biscuits, but they require a slightly longer cooking time:

• Temperature: Set the air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
• Time: Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness, as some air fryers may need a minute or two more.
• Tip: Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to help the biscuits rise better, as the baking powder activates faster with heat.

I love frozen biscuits for quick snacks. One time, I had a craving for a breakfast sandwich but didn’t want to make a whole can. I tossed a single frozen biscuit in my air fryer, and in about 14 minutes, I had a perfectly fluffy base for my egg and bacon sandwich.

Making Homemade Biscuits in the Air Fryer

If you’ve got a bit more time, homemade biscuits are a treat. They’re surprisingly easy, and the air fryer makes them quick to cook. Here’s a simple recipe adapted for the air fryer:

Ingredients (Makes 6-8 Biscuits):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (White Lily works great for extra flakiness)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter (grated or cut into small cubes)
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Butter: Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with small butter pieces. These create those flaky layers!
3. Add Buttermilk: Stir in the buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a bit shaggy.
4. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, fold it 5-6 times, and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out rounds, or cut into squares to minimize handling.
5. Chill (Optional): For extra flakiness, chill the shaped biscuits in the fridge for 15 minutes before cooking.
6. Air Fry: Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no need for parchment if you spray the basket). Cook at 390°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Brush with melted butter after cooking.

Note: Cold ingredients are key for flaky biscuits. I pop my butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before starting, and it makes a huge difference. AllRecipes has a great buttermilk biscuit recipe that’s easy to adapt for the air fryer.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go awry. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Biscuits Are Burnt on the Outside but Raw Inside: The temperature is likely too high. Lower it by 10-15°F (try 320°F instead of 330°F) and extend the cooking time slightly. Flipping halfway also helps.
• Biscuits Don’t Rise: This could be due to overmixing the dough (which develops too much gluten) or not preheating the air fryer. For homemade biscuits, ensure your baking powder is fresh, and keep ingredients cold.
• Biscuits Stick to the Basket: Use nonstick spray or parchment paper with holes. If they’re still sticking, try a silicone mat designed for air fryers.
• Uneven Browning: Overcrowding is usually the culprit. Make sure there’s space between biscuits for air circulation. For oven-style air fryers, use the middle rack and avoid stacking trays.

I once made the mistake of cramming too many biscuits into my air fryer, and they came out lopsided with doughy centers. Lesson learned: give them room to breathe!

Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Biscuits

Biscuits are so versatile, and the air fryer makes them quick enough for any meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your biscuits:

• Breakfast Sandwiches: Split a biscuit and add a fried egg, bacon, and cheese for a hearty start to the day.
• Biscuits and Gravy: Smother them with creamy sausage gravy for a classic Southern breakfast.
• Sweet Treats: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with honey for a dessert-like snack.
• Biscuit Donuts: Cut a hole in the center of canned biscuits, air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, then coat with glaze or cinnamon sugar.

My kids go wild when I turn canned biscuits into donuts. It’s such a fun way to use up extras, and it feels like a special treat without much effort.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Biscuits

Leftover biscuits? No problem. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. If frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway. This keeps them crispy on the outside and soft inside, unlike the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Final Thoughts

Cooking biscuits in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, delicious results. Whether you’re using canned, frozen, or homemade dough, the air fryer delivers flaky, golden biscuits in minutes without heating up your whole kitchen. Experiment with temperatures and times to find what works best for your air fryer, and don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings or serving ideas. Next time you’re craving biscuits, skip the oven and give your air fryer a whirl—you won’t be disappointed!