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Yes, you can bake biscuits in the air fryer—and they turn out golden, fluffy, and perfectly cooked in less time than a conventional oven. With minimal preheating and easy cleanup, air frying biscuits is a fast, efficient method ideal for small batches or quick breakfasts.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer for faster, crispier results.
- 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.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation and browning.
- Check doneness early as air fryers vary in cooking speed.
📑 Table of Contents
- The Air Fryer Revolution: A Biscuit Lover’s Dream?
- Why Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer? The Pros and Cons
- How to Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
- Air Fryer Biscuit Recipes: From Classic to Creative
- Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems
- Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison
- Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Biscuits?
The Air Fryer Revolution: A Biscuit Lover’s Dream?
If you’re like me, your kitchen is a battlefield of convenience versus tradition. You want fluffy, golden biscuits without the hassle of preheating the oven or waiting 20 minutes for them to bake. Enter the air fryer—a countertop marvel that promises crispy fries, juicy chicken, and, yes, maybe even biscuits. But can you bake biscuits in the air fryer? Spoiler: You absolutely can, and it’s a game-changer for busy mornings, small kitchens, or anyone who hates waiting for an oven to heat up.
I remember the first time I tried baking biscuits in my air fryer. I was skeptical. Would they turn out rubbery? Burnt? Or worse—doughy? But after a few tweaks (and a minor smoke alarm incident—don’t overfill the basket!), I discovered a method that’s faster, easier, and surprisingly foolproof. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the science behind air fryer baking to pro tips for getting that perfect flaky texture. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own, you’ll learn how to turn your air fryer into a biscuit-making powerhouse.
Why Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer? The Pros and Cons
Speed and Energy Efficiency
The biggest advantage? Speed. Air fryers heat up in 2-3 minutes, while ovens take 10-15. For biscuits, that’s a huge difference. Most recipes cook in 8-12 minutes (vs. 15-20 in an oven). Plus, air fryers use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens. If you’re baking a small batch, it’s a no-brainer—why heat a whole oven for just a few biscuits?
Visual guide about can i bake biscuits in the air fryer
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Texture and Crispness
Air fryers circulate hot air at high speeds, creating a convection effect. This means your biscuits get a slightly crispier exterior while staying tender inside. Think of it like a cross between oven-baked and pan-fried. For drop biscuits (the rustic, spooned kind), this works wonders. But for delicate, layered buttermilk biscuits, you’ll need to adjust—more on that later.
Space-Saving and Convenience
- No preheating: Start cooking as soon as the air fryer reaches temp (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Small footprint: Perfect for RVs, dorms, or tiny kitchens.
- Easy cleanup: Most baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe.
The Trade-Offs
Air fryers aren’t perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Size limitations: Most baskets hold 3-4 large biscuits or 6-8 small ones. Need a dozen? You’ll need to cook in batches.
- Uneven browning: Biscuits touching the basket may brown faster than those in the middle. Pro tip: rotate the basket halfway.
- Less control over moisture: Ovens retain steam better, which helps flaky layers rise. Air fryers dry out faster, so timing is critical.
Real talk: Air fryer biscuits won’t taste exactly like oven-baked ones. But for most people, the difference is subtle—and the time saved is worth it.
How to Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Choosing Your Biscuits
Not all biscuits are created equal for air frying. Here’s what works best:
- Store-bought dough: Canned refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury) are the easiest. Just pop them in the basket!
- Homemade drop biscuits: These hold their shape well. Use a recipe with a higher fat content (butter or shortening) to prevent drying.
- Buttermilk biscuits: Trickier, but possible! Chill the dough first to prevent spreading.
Avoid: Thin or delicate pastries (like scones) unless you’re an air fryer pro. They dry out too fast.
Preparing the Air Fryer Basket
Grease is your friend. Here’s how to prep:
- Lightly coat the basket with oil (avocado or coconut oil works best) or use parchment paper liners. Avoid nonstick sprays—they can damage the basket coating.
- Space biscuits apart: Leave at least 1 inch between each. Crowding = uneven cooking.
- Brush with egg wash or milk (optional): This adds shine and golden color. For extra richness, use melted butter.
Temperature and Timing
Here’s the golden rule: 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes. But adjust based on your model:
- Small biscuits (2-inch): 8-9 minutes
- Large biscuits (3-inch): 10-12 minutes
- Extra-flaky biscuits: Reduce to 325°F (160°C) and add 1-2 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Pro tip: Start checking at 7 minutes. Biscuits are done when they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Step-by-Step Example: Canned Biscuits
Let’s walk through a real example:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (3 minutes).
- Open a can of biscuits (e.g., Pillsbury Grands). Place 4 in the basket, 1 inch apart.
- Brush with melted butter (optional but delicious).
- Cook for 8 minutes. Flip halfway (optional but helps browning).
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.
- Let cool 1 minute before serving. Enjoy!
Result: Crispy outside, fluffy inside. Total time? 11 minutes.
Air Fryer Biscuit Recipes: From Classic to Creative
Classic Buttermilk Biscuits (Adapted for Air Fryer)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add buttermilk; stir until just combined.
- Turn onto floured surface. Knead 3-4 times. Roll to 1-inch thickness.
- Cut into 6 biscuits. Chill 10 minutes (key for air frying!).
- Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway.
Why it works: Chilling the dough prevents spreading, and the high heat creates a crisp crust while keeping the inside tender.
Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
- Drop 6 mounds into the greased basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 9-10 minutes. Brush with garlic butter after cooking.
Pro tip: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle Parmesan on top during the last 2 minutes.
Creative Twists
- Breakfast biscuits: Add cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage to the dough.
- Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before air frying. Serve with honey butter.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1 tbsp psyllium husk for better texture.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems
Problem: Biscuits Are Too Dry
Causes: Overcooking, low-fat dough, or high air fryer heat.
Fix:
- Reduce time by 1-2 minutes.
- Use a dough with more butter or shortening (at least 1/2 cup per 2 cups flour).
- Add a splash of milk or buttermilk to the dough.
Problem: Biscuits Spread Too Much
Causes: Warm dough or overcrowding.
Fix:
- Chill dough for 10-15 minutes before air frying.
- Leave at least 1 inch between biscuits.
- Use a dough with higher fat content (fat solidifies when cold, reducing spread).
Problem: Uneven Browning
Causes: Hot spots in the basket or overcrowding.
Fix:
- Rotate the basket halfway through cooking.
- Use the “shake” function if your air fryer has one (or pause and gently shake the basket).
- Place biscuits in a single layer, even if it means cooking in batches.
Problem: Biscuits Are Undercooked Inside
Causes: Thick biscuits or high heat causing a crust before the center cooks.
Fix:
- Reduce temperature to 325°F and add 2-3 minutes.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness (it should come out clean).
- For homemade dough, roll to 3/4-inch thickness instead of 1-inch.
Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To settle the debate, I tested the same biscuit recipe in both appliances. Here’s what happened:
| Factor | Air Fryer | Oven (Conventional) |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat Time | 2-3 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 9 minutes | 16 minutes |
| Total Time | 12 minutes | 26 minutes |
| Texture | Crisp exterior, tender interior | Uniformly soft with a light crust |
| Batch Size | 4-6 biscuits | 12-16 biscuits |
| Energy Use | 0.5 kWh | 2.5 kWh |
| Cleanup | Wipe basket or dishwasher | Wash baking sheet + oven residue |
Verdict: The air fryer wins for speed, energy efficiency, and small batches. The oven wins for large batches and classic texture. But for most home cooks, the air fryer’s convenience outweighs the minor texture difference.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Biscuits?
So, can you bake biscuits in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—with a few caveats. If you’re short on time, space, or energy (or just hate waiting for your oven), it’s a fantastic option. Store-bought biscuits turn out great with minimal effort, and even homemade recipes can be adapted with a little tweaking.
But remember: Air fryers aren’t magic. They’re tools, and like any tool, they have strengths and limitations. Use them for small batches, quick snacks, or when you’re cooking alongside other air-fried foods (like crispy bacon for breakfast sandwiches). For big holiday gatherings? Stick with the oven.
My advice? Experiment. Try the canned biscuit method first, then graduate to homemade. Adjust times and temps based on your model. And don’t stress if your first batch isn’t perfect—mine wasn’t! (Pro tip: Overcooked biscuits make great croutons.)
At the end of the day, the best biscuit is the one you enjoy. Whether it’s baked in an air fryer, oven, or cast-iron skillet, the joy is in the eating. So grab your air fryer, preheat it, and give it a shot. You might just find yourself saying, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake biscuits in the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake biscuits in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient alternative to using an oven, producing golden, flaky results in less time. Just adjust the temperature and cooking time for best results.
What temperature should I use to air fry biscuits?
Set your air fryer to 320°F–350°F (160°C–175°C) for most biscuits. This ensures even baking without burning the exterior before the center is fully cooked.
How long does it take to bake biscuits in the air fryer?
Most biscuits take 8–12 minutes in the air fryer, depending on size and brand. Check for a golden-brown top and a fluffy interior to confirm they’re done.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for biscuits?
Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes helps ensure even baking and consistent results. This step mimics an oven’s preheated environment, crucial for flaky layers.
Can I use store-bought biscuit dough in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Store-bought biscuit dough works perfectly in the air fryer. Just place the biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between them to expand while cooking.
How do I prevent biscuits from sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper with holes for airflow. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier without compromising the crisp texture.