Lots of folks ask me if you can air fry canned biscuits? The answer is a resounding YES! Refrigerated biscuits are a great side dish for any meal and making them in the air fryer saves time (and is great for reheating as well!). Quick! Air fryer biscuits are done in less than half the time – the cooking time is quicker and you have no pre-heating an oven! Easy! This side dish is a quick go-to any night of the week. No Cleaning! The biscuits leave nothing behind in your air fryer basket – especially if you slip a parchment paper sheet in!
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, and for good reason—they’re fast, versatile, and can churn out crispy, delicious results without the hassle of heating up the whole oven. If you’re wondering how to make canned biscuits in an air fryer, you’re in for a treat. This method is not only quick but also delivers biscuits that are golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to nail this simple yet satisfying side dish, from picking the right biscuits to troubleshooting common issues.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Canned Biscuits?
Using an air fryer to cook canned biscuits has some serious advantages over the traditional oven method. First, it’s faster—most biscuits are ready in under 10 minutes, and you don’t need to preheat the air fryer in most cases. The circulating hot air in an air fryer ensures even cooking, giving you that perfect golden crust without drying out the interior. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for small households or when you only need a few biscuits, as you can cook just what you need without wasting oven space. It’s also a great way to keep your kitchen cool, especially during hot summer months. For more on how air fryers work their magic, check out The Kitchn’s guide to air fryers.
Choosing the Right Canned Biscuits
Not all canned biscuits are created equal, and the type you choose can impact your results. Popular brands like Pillsbury Grands, Immaculate Baking, or store brands like Great Value all work well, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Opt for buttermilk or “flaky layers” varieties for the best texture—these tend to puff up nicely and develop a crisp exterior. Pillsbury Grands, for instance, come in jumbo (3-inch) and regular ( sizes, which will affect cooking times slightly. If you’re aiming for gluten-free options, some brands offer canned gluten-free biscuit dough, but always check the packaging for air fryer compatibility. Smaller biscuits cook faster, so note the size before you start.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Here’s a foolproof method to get those biscuits just right:
the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray (like PAM or olive oil spray) to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper with holes poked in it to allow air circulation, but it’s not mandatory. Avoid using parchment without holes, as it can lead to soggy bottoms.
the Biscuits: Pop open the can and place the biscuits in a single layer in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between each one. This ensures proper air circulation for even cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might fit 4-6 biscuits at a time. Don’t stack them—this can result in uneven cooking or doughy centers.
the Temperature and Time: For most air fryers, set the temperature to 330°F (165°C). Cook regular-sized biscuits for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. For jumbo biscuits like Pillsbury Grands, cook for 8-10 minutes, also flipping halfway. If you’re unsure, start checking at the 5-minute mark, as air fryer models vary.
for Doneness: The biscuits should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure the insides are fully cooked, break one open—if it’s doughy, lower the temperature slightly and add 1-2 minutes. Some air fryers may not require flipping, especially oven-style models with racks, but it’s a good habit for basket-style fryers.
Immediately: Remove the biscuits carefully with tongs and serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite topping. For a decadent touch, try brushing the hot biscuits with melted butter or whipped honey butter, as suggested by Black People’s Recipes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits
Getting those biscuits just right might take a little trial and error, but these tips will set you up for success:
- Test a Small Batch First: Air fryers vary in heat intensity, so cook 1-2 biscuits initially to dial in the perfect time and temperature for your model.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Space is key for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid squishing the biscuits together.
- Adjust for Size: Smaller biscuits (like ones) cook faster than jumbo ones. Check smaller biscuits at 4-5 minutes and jumbo ones at 7-8 minutes.
- Prevent Burning: If the tops brown too quickly, lower the temperature to 320°F and extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the insides cook through.
- Reheating Leftovers: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Biscuits
Canned biscuits are incredibly versatile, and the air fryer makes them even more fun to experiment with. Here are some ideas to elevate your biscuits:
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Split a jumbo biscuit and stuff it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a quick, hearty breakfast.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Top with sausage or cream gravy for a classic Southern comfort dish.
- Sweet Treats: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a dessert-like twist. Or, cut a hole in the center before cooking to make air fryer biscuit donuts, then glaze or coat with powdered sugar.
- Biscuit Bombs: Stuff the dough with cheese, bacon, or jelly before air frying for a fun, gooey surprise.
- Pairings: Serve alongside pot roast, soups, or holiday meals for a crowd-pleasing side. For inspiration, try pairing with Serious Eats’ sausage gravy recipe.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Running into problems? Here’s how to fix the most common air fryer biscuit mishaps:
- Burnt Outside, Raw Inside: This happens when the temperature is too high. Lower it to 320°F and extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Always check the middle of a biscuit to confirm it’s cooked through.
- Biscuits Sticking: Use a light spray of cooking oil or parchment paper with holes. Avoid over-oiling, as it can make the bottoms soggy.
- Uneven Cooking: Flip the biscuits halfway through and ensure they’re not touching. If using an oven-style air fryer, place biscuits on the middle rack and rotate racks if cooking multiple batches.
- Biscuits Too Dense: This can happen with frozen biscuits or if the dough is overhandled. Stick to refrigerated canned biscuits for fluffier results, and handle the dough gently when placing in the basket.
Frozen vs. Refrigerated Biscuits
While this guide focuses on refrigerated canned biscuits, you can absolutely cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer. The process is similar, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes (typically 10-12 minutes total at 330°F). Frozen biscuits may turn out slightly denser, so refrigerated ones are often preferred for that classic flaky texture. If using frozen, check the package for air fryer instructions, as some brands like Mary B’s provide specific guidance.
Why This Method Stands Out
Compared to the oven, the air fryer method is a game-changer for its speed and consistency. Many online recipes, like those from Melanie Cooks or Air Fryer World, emphasize the ease and crispy results, but they sometimes lack detailed troubleshooting or serving ideas. This guide fills those gaps by offering precise steps, creative serving suggestions, and solutions to common pitfalls, ensuring you get perfect biscuits every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an air fryer pro, this method is approachable and delivers results that rival homemade biscuits without the extra work.
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?
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