Next time you want to make a batch of buttery biscuits, make them in the air fryer! Just pop a can of Pilsbury biscuits open and let the air fryer do its thing. These air fryer biscuits turn out perfect and delicious every single time! I’m a sucker for a good biscuit, whether it’s for breakfast or for dinner… sometimes I just like to eat them as a snack with a bit of butter and homemade orange marmalade! While making biscuits from scratch may taste amazing, it can be a lot of work and we just don’t always have the time! Plus, who wants to clean up a mess like that after a long day? That’s when I usually turn to canned biscuits. My favorite brand to use is Pilsbury but you can use whatever you have on hand or find at your local grocery store! Baking them in the air fryer will make your whole kitchen smell so good and the biscuits turn out so flaky and delicious!
Let’s dive into the world of air fryer biscuits, where convenience meets golden, flaky perfection. Whether you’re using canned biscuits like Pillsbury Grands or whipping up a homemade batch, the air fryer is a game-changer for quick, delicious results. This article will walk you through everything you need to know—how to cook both canned and homemade biscuits, tips for getting that perfect texture, and creative ways to serve them. We’ll also address common pitfalls and how to avoid them, so you can achieve bakery-quality biscuits without heating up your entire kitchen.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Biscuits?
Air fryers are essentially small convection ovens, using rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. This makes them ideal for biscuits, as the circulating air creates a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Unlike a traditional oven, an air fryer doesn’t require preheating for long, if at all, saving you time and keeping your kitchen cool. Plus, it’s perfect for small batches, so you’re not stuck with a dozen biscuits when you only want a few. For busy weeknights or lazy weekend breakfasts, this method is a lifesaver.
Cooking Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer
Canned biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands or Flaky Layers, are a fantastic shortcut when you’re short on time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting them just right:
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, such as canola or avocado oil, to prevent sticking. While parchment paper is an option, it’s not necessary—just make sure to poke a few holes in it if you use it to allow proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket; most air fryers can fit 4-6 biscuits at a time, depending on their size. Arrange them in a single layer with about an inch of space between each for even cooking.
Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time
For regular-sized canned biscuits (about 2 ¼ inches wide), set the air fryer to 330°F and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. For larger biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands (about 3 inches wide), increase the temperature to 350°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, again flipping halfway. Every air fryer is different, so check for a golden-brown top and adjust the time if needed. A quick peek after 5 minutes can help you gauge progress.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
Once done, brush the biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings—think butter and honey, jam, or even sausage gravy for a hearty breakfast. If you’re using a brand like Trader Joe’s or Immaculate Baking, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Making Homemade Biscuits in the Air Fryer
If you’ve got a bit more time, homemade biscuits are worth the effort for their unbeatable flavor and texture. Here’s a simple recipe adapted for the air fryer, inspired by Allrecipes:
Ingredients (Makes 8 Biscuits):
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (White Lily for extra flakiness)
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1 tsp sugar
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup cold butter (grated or cubed)
– ¾ cup buttermilk (full-fat for best results)
Instructions:
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits
– Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk are key to flaky biscuits. Freeze the butter for 15 minutes before use, and keep the buttermilk refrigerated until you’re ready to mix.
– Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, dense biscuits. Mix just until the dough holds together, and handle it gently when shaping.
– Flip for Even Cooking: Flipping halfway through ensures both sides brown evenly. If the tops brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
– Test Your Air Fryer: Since air fryers vary, do a test batch with 1-2 biscuits to nail down the perfect time and temperature for your model.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One frequent issue is biscuits that are burnt on the outside but undercooked inside. This usually happens when the temperature is too high. Start at 330-350°F for canned biscuits or 390°F for homemade, and adjust as needed. Another mistake is overcrowding the basket, which prevents proper air circulation and leads to uneven cooking. If your biscuits stick, ensure you’re using enough cooking spray or consider a silicone liner. For homemade biscuits, using a food processor or stand mixer can overmix the dough, so stick to manual methods like a pastry cutter or fork.
Creative Serving Ideas
Air fryer biscuits are incredibly versatile. For breakfast, split them open and layer with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a quick sandwich. For dinner, serve alongside Instant Pot Sausage Gravy or air fryer fried chicken for a Southern-inspired meal. Sweet tooth? Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with honey for a dessert-like treat. You can even transform canned biscuits into donuts by cutting out the centers and topping with a glaze, as suggested by Front Range Fed.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes for refrigerated biscuits or 10-12 minutes for frozen ones, flipping halfway. This keeps them crispy on the outside and soft inside, unlike a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can You Cook Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer?
Yes, frozen biscuits like Pillsbury Grands work beautifully in the air fryer. Preheat to 325°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The lower temperature ensures the inside cooks through without burning the outside. Check for doneness, as brands like Mary B’s or Mason Dixie may require slight adjustments.
I remember the first time I made these biscuits in the air fryer. Dinner was supposed to be done in 10 minutes and my oven was not even on. I eyed up my air fryer, shrugged, and said to myself “It’ll work.” What I didn’t realize is just how fast they would cook and the extra bits of crispiness the tops would get on them when air fried. My husband Ben even asked me if I made different biscuits than usual because they tasted so different, in a good way. I have not cooked them in the oven since because why preheat the entire thing when I can have my biscuits air fried in half the time. And they taste better anyway? If you love a good air fryer side dish, try my recipes for air fryer carrots, an air fryer baked potato, air fryer garlic bread, and air fryer french fries. I prefer using the air fryer over the oven whenever possible because it’s faster and doesn’t heat up my whole kitchen.
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