Can Biscuits Be Baked in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, biscuits can be perfectly baked in an air fryer, delivering golden, flaky results in less time than a conventional oven. With the right temperature and timing, your air fryer transforms refrigerated or homemade dough into delicious, evenly cooked biscuits—ideal for quick breakfasts or snacks. No need to preheat or wait—just set, cook, and enjoy!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, biscuits can be baked in an air fryer for a crispy, golden finish.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and optimal texture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 300°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Space biscuits properly to allow hot air circulation for uniform cooking.
• Check early for doneness as air fryers vary in cooking speed.

Can Biscuits Be Baked in an Air Fryer? The Answer Might Surprise You

Let’s be honest—weekend mornings just aren’t the same without warm, flaky biscuits fresh from the oven. But what if your oven’s out of commission, or you’re short on time? That’s where the air fryer comes in. You’ve probably used it for crispy chicken wings, golden french fries, or even reheating pizza, but can biscuits be baked in an air fryer? The short answer: absolutely yes. But like any kitchen hack, it’s not quite as simple as just tossing them in and hitting “start.”

I remember the first time I tried baking biscuits in my air fryer. It was a rainy Sunday, my oven was being repaired, and my craving for buttery, golden-brown biscuits was at an all-time high. I figured, “Why not?” After a few trial runs—some overcooked, some underdone—I cracked the code. The result? Light, fluffy, evenly cooked biscuits with a perfectly crisp exterior. And the best part? They were ready in under 15 minutes. Since then, air fryer biscuits have become a staple in my breakfast rotation. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master this method, from choosing the right biscuits to avoiding common pitfalls.

Why Baking Biscuits in an Air Fryer Makes Sense

The Speed Factor: Faster Than Your Oven

One of the biggest advantages of baking biscuits in an air fryer is speed. Traditional oven baking typically takes 10–15 minutes of preheating and another 12–15 minutes of cooking. That’s nearly 30 minutes from start to finish. With an air fryer, you’re often looking at no preheating required and cook times as short as 8–12 minutes. The air fryer’s compact size and powerful convection fan circulate hot air rapidly, cutting down on wait time without sacrificing quality.

For example, I once had guests arriving for brunch, and I realized I’d forgotten to start the biscuits. Instead of panicking, I pulled out the air fryer, loaded it with canned biscuits, and had them golden and ready in 10 minutes flat. No one could tell the difference—and several guests asked for the “secret recipe.”

Energy Efficiency and Kitchen Comfort

Air fryers use significantly less energy than full-sized ovens. Since they’re smaller, they heat up faster and lose less heat to the surrounding environment. This is especially helpful in summer when turning on the oven can make your kitchen feel like a sauna. Baking biscuits in an air fryer keeps your space cooler and your energy bill lower—a win-win.

Plus, if you live in a small apartment or dorm, an air fryer might be your only baking option. It’s a compact, versatile tool that can handle everything from frozen snacks to homemade dough. For anyone with limited kitchen space, the ability to bake biscuits without a full oven is a game-changer.

Texture and Crispness: A Different Kind of Flakiness

Oven-baked biscuits often rely on steam and radiant heat for rise and flakiness. Air fryers, on the other hand, use rapid air circulation, which creates a crispier exterior while still keeping the inside tender. This means you get a slightly crisp crust—almost like a buttery, flaky croissant—without overcooking the center.

Of course, this texture won’t be identical to a traditional oven-baked biscuit. Some purists might miss the softer, more uniform crust. But for most people, the air fryer’s version is a delightful twist—especially when paired with honey, jam, or gravy. It’s a different experience, not a worse one.

Choosing the Right Biscuits for Air Frying

Canned vs. Homemade: What Works Best?

Not all biscuits are created equal—especially when it comes to air frying. Let’s break down your options:

• Canned biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands or Hungry Jack): These are the easiest to use and yield consistent results. They’re pre-shaped, pre-rolled, and ready to go. Most canned biscuits are designed to rise and brown in a standard oven, but they adapt well to air fryers with minor adjustments.
• Homemade dough: If you’re making biscuits from scratch, you can absolutely air fry them. The key is shaping them properly—slightly smaller than traditional oven biscuits to fit the basket. I recommend using a 2-inch biscuit cutter and keeping the thickness around ¾ inch.
• Frozen biscuits: Some brands offer frozen unbaked biscuits (e.g., Immaculate Baking Co.). These work great, but they may need a few extra minutes and a light spray of oil to prevent drying out.

From my experience, canned biscuits are the most beginner-friendly. I once tried air frying a batch of homemade buttermilk biscuits—delicious, but they stuck to the basket and required more attention. Canned biscuits, with their non-stick coating, were far easier to handle.

Size and Shape Matter

Air fryer baskets come in different sizes, but most standard models (4–6 quarts) can fit 3–5 medium-sized biscuits. Overcrowding is the #1 mistake people make. When biscuits touch, they steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy edges and uneven browning.

For best results:

• Leave at least ½ inch between each biscuit.
• Use the largest biscuits your basket can accommodate without crowding.
• If you have a dual-basket air fryer, bake in batches to avoid overloading.

I learned this the hard way. My first attempt involved cramming six biscuits into a 5-quart basket. The result? A cluster of undercooked, doughy centers and a few charred edges. After spacing them out, the next batch came out golden, fluffy, and perfectly cooked.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

If you’re following a special diet, don’t worry—there are options. Many brands now offer gluten-free or vegan canned biscuits (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur). These can be air fried just like traditional ones, but keep an eye on cook time. Gluten-free doughs often brown faster, so start checking at 6 minutes.

I tried air frying vegan biscuits for a friend, and while they took a minute or two longer to rise, they turned out great. The texture was slightly denser, but still moist and flavorful. A light brush of dairy-free butter after baking added extra richness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket

Before you start, prep your air fryer basket to prevent sticking:

• Lightly coat the basket with non-stick spray or brush with oil (avocado, canola, or melted butter work well).
• Alternatively, use a parchment liner or silicone mat. These make cleanup a breeze and protect delicate doughs.
• Never use aerosol sprays on non-stick baskets—they can degrade the coating over time. Opt for a brush or oil mister instead.

I keep a roll of air fryer-specific parchment liners in my kitchen. They’re pre-cut, reusable (for a few uses), and make removing biscuits effortless.

Setting the Right Temperature and Time

Most air fryers have preset modes (like “bake” or “air fry”), but I recommend using manual settings for better control:

• Temperature: 325°F–350°F (163°C–177°C). Lower temps prevent burning while allowing even rise.
• Time: 8–12 minutes, depending on size. Start with 10 minutes and adjust.
• No preheating needed for most models, but if yours runs cold, preheat for 2–3 minutes.

Here’s a pro tip: rotate the biscuits halfway through cooking. Air fryers often have hot spots, and flipping or rotating ensures even browning. I use tongs to gently turn them at the 5-minute mark.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Air fryers can vary in performance, so keep an eye on your biscuits:

• At 6 minutes: Check for browning. If the tops are golden, cover lightly with foil to prevent overcooking.
• At 8–10 minutes: Press gently on a biscuit. It should feel firm but springy, not doughy.
• Use a toothpick: Insert into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done.

One time, my air fryer ran hotter than usual, and the biscuits started to brown too fast. I quickly lowered the temp to 325°F and added a foil tent. Saved them from burning!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

As mentioned earlier, this is the most common issue. Biscuits need space to expand and crisp. If they’re touching, they’ll steam instead of fry, leading to a gummy texture.

Solution: Bake in batches if needed. I usually make two rounds of 3 biscuits each—still faster than using the oven!

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too low, and they’ll be pale and dense.

Solution: Start at 325°F for 10 minutes. If they’re not golden, increase to 350°F for the last 2 minutes. Always monitor closely.

Skipping the Oil or Spray

Even non-stick baskets can cause sticking, especially with homemade dough.

Solution: Always use a light coating of oil, spray, or liner. A little goes a long way—no need to drench them.

Not Letting Them Cool

Fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer biscuits are delicate. If you try to cut or split them right away, they might crumble.

Solution: Let them rest for 1–2 minutes. This allows the steam to settle and the structure to firm up.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Biscuit Ideas

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Once you’ve mastered the basic method, get creative:

• Cheese and herbs: Mix grated cheddar and dried rosemary into homemade dough.
• Garlic parmesan: Brush baked biscuits with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan.
• Cinnamon sugar: Roll warm biscuits in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
• Everything bagel: Sprinkle with everything seasoning before air frying.

I once made “biscuit sliders” by splitting air-fried biscuits and filling them with scrambled eggs and avocado. They were a hit at brunch!

Sweet and Savory Twists

Air fryer biscuits aren’t just for breakfast:

• Biscuit pizzas: Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings, then air fry for 3–4 minutes.
• Monkey bread: Cut canned biscuits into quarters, toss with cinnamon sugar, and bake in a single layer.
• Stuffed biscuits: Place a piece of cooked bacon or sausage in the center of each biscuit before baking.

My favorite? Biscuit “donuts.” I cut the center out of baked biscuits, dipped them in glaze, and rolled them in sprinkles. Kids (and adults) go wild for them.

Data Table: Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Times & Tips

Biscuit Type	Size	Temp (°F)	Time (Min)	Notes
Canned (e.g., Pillsbury)	Large (2.5″)	325	10–12	Space evenly; rotate halfway
Canned (e.g., Pillsbury)	Small (1.5″)	325	8–10	Great for mini sliders
Homemade (from scratch)	Medium (2″)	325	10–12	Brush with egg wash for shine
Frozen (unbaked)	Large	350	12–14	Spray with oil to prevent drying
Gluten-Free (canned)	Medium	325	9–11	Check early; may brown faster
Vegan (canned)	Medium	325	10–12	Brush with plant-based butter

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Future of Biscuit Baking?

So, can biscuits be baked in an air fryer? Without a doubt. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and produces delicious results—especially when you follow a few key tips. While the texture differs slightly from oven-baked biscuits (crisper outside, slightly denser inside), it’s a trade-off most people are happy to make for the convenience.

That said, the air fryer isn’t a perfect replacement for every scenario. If you’re baking a dozen biscuits for a crowd, the oven is still the better choice. But for quick breakfasts, small batches, or when your oven’s out of commission, the air fryer is a fantastic alternative.

After years of testing and tweaking, I’ve found that the secret to air fryer biscuit success is simplicity and attention. Use quality ingredients, don’t overcrowd, monitor closely, and embrace the unique texture. Whether you’re using canned dough or homemade, the result is a warm, satisfying biscuit that’s ready in minutes—not hours.

Next time you’re craving biscuits but don’t want to wait, grab your air fryer. You might just discover your new favorite way to bake. And who knows? You might never go back to the oven again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can biscuits be baked in an air fryer?

Yes, biscuits can be perfectly baked in an air fryer! The circulating hot air ensures even browning and a fluffy texture, often in less time than a traditional oven.

What temperature should I use to bake biscuits in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F–350°F (160°C–175°C) for most biscuit recipes. Adjust slightly based on your air fryer model and the biscuit size to avoid over-browning.

How long do biscuits take to cook in an air fryer?

Air fryer biscuits typically cook in 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness. Check for golden tops and a firm texture, and flip halfway for even results if needed.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for baking biscuits?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent results and proper rise. Skipping this step may lead to unevenly baked biscuits with a dense center.

Can I use canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Canned biscuits bake well in an air fryer—just space them out to allow air circulation. They’ll turn golden and flaky in 10–12 minutes at 325°F.

What’s the best way to avoid dry biscuits in an air fryer?

To keep biscuits moist, brush them with melted butter or milk before and after baking. Avoid overcooking by checking doneness a minute or two before the recipe’s suggested time.