Can You Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Can You Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer? A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever found yourself craving warm, flaky biscuits but dreading the idea of heating up the oven? Or maybe you’re just curious if that trusty air fryer sitting on your counter can work its magic on a can of refrigerated biscuit dough. The answer is a resounding yes—you can absolutely cook canned biscuits in an air fryer, and they often turn out even better than their oven-baked counterparts. I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer for years, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for whipping up golden, fluffy biscuits in half the time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to do it, share tips for perfect results, and even toss in a few creative ways to enjoy your air fryer biscuits.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Canned Biscuits?

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens, using rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. When it comes to canned biscuits—like those classic Pillsbury Grands or store-brand buttermilk varieties—the air fryer delivers a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Plus, it’s faster than a traditional oven, doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen, and requires minimal cleanup. I’ve found it especially handy for weeknight dinners when the oven’s already occupied with a roast or casserole, or when I just want a couple of biscuits without committing to a full baking sheet.

How to Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Here’s a foolproof method to get perfectly cooked biscuits every time. I’ve tested this with both regular and jumbo-sized biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands, in a basket-style air fryer, and the results are consistently delicious.

What You’ll Need:

• A can of refrigerated biscuit dough (e.g., Pillsbury Grands, flaky, or buttermilk varieties)
• Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil (optional, for crispier results)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
• Your air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Air Fryer: While some air fryer recipes don’t require preheating, I recommend preheating your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for about 4 minutes. This helps activate the baking powder in the dough, ensuring the biscuits rise properly and cook evenly. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty at 330°F for a few minutes.
2. Prep the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the basket with parchment paper cut to fit, but poke a few holes in it to allow air circulation. I’ve found that parchment makes cleanup a breeze, especially if you’re cooking multiple batches.
3. Arrange the Biscuits: Pop open the can of biscuits and separate them. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about an inch of space between each biscuit to allow for expansion and even cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches—my air fryer comfortably fits four jumbo biscuits or six smaller ones.
4. Cook the Biscuits: Set the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes for regular-sized biscuits or 7-9 minutes for jumbo ones. Halfway through, gently flip the biscuits using tongs to ensure even browning. Check for a golden-brown color; if they’re not quite done, add 1-2 minutes. Every air fryer cooks slightly differently, so keep an eye on them the first time to nail the timing for your model.
5. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the biscuits from the air fryer and serve them warm. Slather with butter, drizzle with honey, or pair with your favorite jam for a quick treat.

Pro Tip: If the biscuits look golden but you’re worried the centers might still be doughy, leave them in the air fryer for an extra 1-2 minutes after turning it off. The residual heat will finish cooking them without burning the outside.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits

After plenty of trial and error, here are some key tips to ensure your biscuits come out just right:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Placing biscuits too close together or stacking them will prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Stick to a single layer, even if it means cooking in batches.
• Adjust for Size: Jumbo biscuits like Pillsbury Grands need a bit longer (7-9 minutes) than smaller ones (5-6 minutes). Always check for doneness by breaking one open to ensure the center is cooked through.
• Use Lower Temperatures: Cooking at too high a temperature (like 360°F or above) can burn the outside before the inside is done. Stick to 330°F for best results.
• Try a Test Run: Air fryers vary in power, so if you’re new to this, cook one or two biscuits first to dial in the perfect time and temperature for your machine.
• Enhance the Flavor: Brush the tops with melted butter before or after cooking for extra richness, or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a savory twist. For a sweet version, try a cinnamon-sugar coating post-cooking, as suggested by Chowhound.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Biscuits

Biscuits are incredibly versatile, and the air fryer opens up some fun possibilities beyond the classic butter-and-jam combo. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried that my family loves:

• Biscuit Donuts: Cut a hole in the center of each biscuit, air fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, and coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze for a quick donut fix. This is a kid-friendly favorite!
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Split a jumbo biscuit and layer it with a fried egg, bacon, and cheese for a hearty breakfast sandwich. The air fryer’s crispy biscuit exterior adds the perfect crunch.
• Biscuit Bombs: Stuff biscuits with fillings like cheese, bacon, or even jelly before air frying for a fun twist. Seal the edges tightly to keep the filling inside.
• Biscuits and Gravy: Serve with a rich sausage gravy for a comforting Southern-style meal. The air fryer biscuits’ flaky texture soaks up the gravy beautifully.

For more inspiration on air fryer recipes, check out Air Fryer Eats for a variety of creative biscuit ideas.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they’re so tasty, that’s rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each biscuit in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop the biscuits back in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. If they’re frozen, increase the time to 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This keeps them crispy on the outside and soft inside, unlike the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Biscuits

Can I use any brand of canned biscuits? Absolutely! Pillsbury Grands, Immaculate Baking, or store brands all work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on size—jumbo biscuits take longer than smaller ones.

Do I need to flip the biscuits? Flipping halfway through is recommended for basket-style air fryers to ensure even browning. Oven-style air fryers with racks may not require flipping, but check for doneness.

Can I cook frozen canned biscuits? Yes, but they’ll need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, checking frequently.

Why are my biscuits doughy inside? This usually happens if the temperature is too high or the biscuits are overcrowded. Lower the temperature to 330°F, ensure they’re in a single layer, and extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes if needed.

Why Air Fryer Biscuits Are a Game-Changer

Cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer has become my go-to method for their speed, ease, and fantastic texture. Whether you’re serving them as a side for dinner, a base for breakfast sandwiches, or a sweet treat, the air fryer delivers every time. I love how it frees up my oven for other dishes and cuts cooking time in half compared to traditional baking. Next time you’re craving biscuits, give this method a try—I promise you’ll be hooked.

For more tips on perfecting your air fryer game, The Flavor Bells has a great guide on cooking all kinds of biscuits, from canned to homemade. Happy air frying!