Can I Bake Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer Quick Easy Guide

Yes, you can bake frozen biscuits in an air fryer for a quick, crispy, and mess-free alternative to the oven—no thawing required. Simply preheat the air fryer to 320°F, arrange biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch guests!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake frozen biscuits in an air fryer—no thawing needed for quick results.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for even baking and golden crusts.
• Arrange biscuits in a single layer to ensure proper air circulation and cooking.
• Cook for 8–12 minutes, checking at 6 minutes to avoid over-browning.
• Spray with oil for a crispier texture and enhanced flavor.
• Use parchment liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

The Magic of Air Fryers and the Frozen Biscuit Dilemma

Let’s be real—mornings can be rough. You’re groggy, the coffee hasn’t kicked in, and you’re staring into your fridge hoping for a breakfast miracle. Enter the frozen biscuit. It’s the hero of quick, flaky comfort food. But what if I told you there’s a way to make them even faster, crispier, and with less mess? That’s where the air fryer comes in.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I bake frozen biscuits in an air fryer?”, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, holding a pack of frozen dough circles, wondering if my air fryer could pull off the same golden-brown magic as my oven. Spoiler: it absolutely can. But like any kitchen experiment, there are tricks to getting it just right. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from why air fryers work so well for frozen biscuits to how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves crispy, buttery biscuits in record time, this is your go-to resource.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Baking Frozen Biscuits

How Air Fryers Work Their Magic

First, let’s talk science—but in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over. An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation (convection) to cook food. Think of it like a mini oven with a turbocharged fan. The hot air swirls around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. For frozen biscuits, this means you get that golden crust without drying out the soft, flaky layers inside.

Unlike a traditional oven, which takes 10–15 minutes just to preheat, an air fryer is ready to go in about 2–3 minutes. That’s a game-changer when you’re running late or just craving a warm biscuit *now*.

Speed, Efficiency, and Less Mess

• Time savings: Baking frozen biscuits in an air fryer typically takes 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 minutes in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity because they’re smaller and heat up faster. Great for your wallet and the planet.
• No preheating required (usually): Most air fryer biscuit recipes skip preheating, saving even more time.
• Less cleanup: No baking sheet, no parchment paper. Just pop the biscuits in the basket, cook, and wipe down the tray.

And let’s not forget the texture. When done right, air-fried biscuits have a slightly crispier exterior than oven-baked ones, but without the greasiness of deep-frying. It’s the best of both worlds.

Real-Life Example: My First Attempt

I’ll admit, my first try wasn’t perfect. I tossed a few frozen biscuits into the air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes, not realizing they were too close together. The result? Slightly undercooked centers and uneven browning. But after adjusting the spacing and time, the next batch was *chef’s kiss*—flaky, golden, and ready in under 12 minutes. That’s when I knew air fryer biscuits were here to stay.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, gather these essentials:

• Your favorite brand of frozen biscuits (Pillsbury, Great Value, Trader Joe’s, etc.)
• Air fryer (basket or oven style)
• Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper (optional, but helpful)
• Small bowl of melted butter or oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

Pro tip: If you’re using parchment paper, make sure it’s cut to fit the air fryer basket. Loose paper can block airflow and cause uneven cooking.

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps the biscuits brown evenly. If you’re using parchment paper, place it in the basket now. Avoid covering the entire bottom—air needs to circulate.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Remove the frozen biscuits from the package and place them in the basket. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each biscuit. Crowding them will trap steam and lead to soggy centers. For most air fryers, this means 4–6 biscuits at a time.

Example: I have a 5.8-quart Ninja Air Fryer, and I fit 4 Pillsbury Grands! biscuits comfortably. If you have a smaller model, you might only fit 3.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 320°F–330°F for 8–10 minutes. This lower temperature prevents burning the outside while ensuring the inside thaws and bakes through. If your air fryer doesn’t have precise controls, 325°F is a safe bet.

Note: Some brands recommend 350°F, but I’ve found that leads to over-browning. Start low and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Flip and Rotate (Optional)

After 5 minutes, open the basket and gently flip the biscuits. This ensures even browning. If you don’t want to flip, just rotate the basket 180 degrees. Not all air fryers need this, but it helps if your model has a hot spot.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After 8–10 minutes, the biscuits should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center of one—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet dough). If they’re not done, cook in 1–2 minute increments.

Pro tip: For extra crispy tops, brush with melted butter and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the biscuits cool for 1–2 minutes (they’re hot inside!). Then, split open, slather with butter, jam, or gravy, and dig in. You’ve just made breakfast, lunch, or a midnight snack in under 15 minutes.

Brand-Specific Tips and Adjustments

Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits

These are the most popular frozen biscuits, and they work *fantastically* in air fryers. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Temperature: 325°F
• Time: 8–10 minutes
• Spacing: 4 biscuits max per batch
• Pro tip: Brush with garlic butter before cooking for a savory twist.

I’ve tested this with Pillsbury’s regular, flaky, and buttermilk varieties—all work well. The key is not overcooking. They’ll continue to firm up slightly after removing from the air fryer.

Store-Brand and Organic Options

Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland (Costco), and Trader Joe’s frozen biscuits are all excellent choices. They’re usually smaller than Pillsbury, so you can fit more in the basket.

• Temperature: 320°F–330°F
• Time: 7–9 minutes
• Spacing: 5–6 biscuits per batch

Note: Organic biscuits (like those from Trader Joe’s) may have a denser texture. Add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time if they seem undercooked.

Mini and Jumbo Biscuits

Got mini biscuits? Perfect for kids or portion control.

• Time: 6–8 minutes at 325°F
• Spacing: 8–10 per batch (depending on air fryer size)

Jumbo biscuits (like Pillsbury’s “Big & Buttery”) need more time:

• Time: 10–12 minutes at 325°F
• Spacing: 2–3 per batch

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right settings, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix it:

• Biscuits are too dark on top: Lower the temperature to 320°F or reduce time by 1–2 minutes.
• Center is still frozen: Increase time by 1–2 minutes or thaw biscuits for 5 minutes before cooking.
• Biscuits stick to the basket: Use more cooking spray or parchment paper.
• Uneven browning: Flip halfway through or rotate the basket.

Beyond Plain Biscuits: Creative Air Fryer Ideas

Savory Twists

Who says biscuits have to be plain? Try these easy upgrades:

• Cheesy biscuits: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before cooking.
• Herb-infused: Mix dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into melted butter and brush on.
• Breakfast sandwiches: Split air-fried biscuits and fill with cooked sausage, egg, and cheese.
• Garlic bread biscuits: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley.

My favorite? A cheesy, herby biscuit with a fried egg on top. It’s like a Southern-style breakfast sandwich without the hassle.

Sweet Treats

For dessert or a sweet breakfast, try:

• Cinnamon sugar: Roll cooked biscuits in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
• Glazed biscuits: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze or honey.
• Fruit-filled: Press a spoonful of jam or pie filling into the center before cooking.
• Monkey bread: Cut biscuits into quarters, toss with cinnamon sugar, and air fry in a single layer. Drizzle with caramel or icing.

Pro tip: For glazed biscuits, cook the biscuits first, then brush with glaze while still warm. The sugar will melt slightly for a perfect finish.

Freezer-to-Table Hacks

Got extra biscuits? Here’s how to save them:

• Freeze cooked biscuits: Let them cool, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
• Prep ahead: Arrange frozen biscuits on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen—no thawing needed.

Data Table: Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Times by Brand

Brand	Biscuit Type	Air Fryer Temp	Cooking Time	Notes
Pillsbury	Grands! (Regular)	325°F	8–10 minutes	Flip halfway for even browning
Pillsbury	Grands! (Flaky)	325°F	8–10 minutes	Brush with butter for crispier top
Great Value	Buttermilk	320°F	7–9 minutes	Smaller size; fits 5–6 per batch
Kirkland	Organic Buttermilk	330°F	9–11 minutes	Denser texture; add 1–2 minutes if needed
Trader Joe’s	Mini Biscuits	325°F	6–8 minutes	Perfect for kids or snacks
Pillsbury	Jumbo “Big & Buttery”	325°F	10–12 minutes	Only 2–3 fit in most air fryers

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—and You Should

So, can you bake frozen biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely. Not only can you do it, but you *should*—especially if you value speed, convenience, and that perfect balance of crispy outside and soft inside.

I’ve made hundreds of air fryer biscuits over the past year, and they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. They’re my go-to for quick breakfasts, weekend brunches, and even as a side for dinner. The best part? No waiting for the oven to heat up, no scrubbing baking sheets, and no risk of burning the edges while the center stays raw.

Of course, it’s not *perfect*. You’ll need to adjust times and temperatures based on your air fryer model and the brand of biscuits. But once you find your sweet spot, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of golden, flaky biscuits out of a tiny countertop appliance in under 12 minutes.

So go ahead, grab that pack of frozen biscuits, and give it a try. Start with the basic method, then experiment with flavors and toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or a curious beginner, this is one kitchen hack you’ll use again and again. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake frozen biscuits in an air fryer for a quick and crispy result. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the biscuits in a single layer, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long do frozen biscuits take in the air fryer?

Frozen biscuits typically take 8–12 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and air fryer model, so check for golden-brown edges.

Do I need to thaw frozen biscuits before air frying?

No, you don’t need to thaw frozen biscuits before air frying—they cook perfectly straight from frozen. This makes the air fryer a great tool for a fast, no-prep breakfast or snack.

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

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for baking frozen biscuits. This temperature ensures even browning and a fully cooked interior without drying them out.

Can I cook store-bought frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen biscuits work great in an air fryer. Just follow the package instructions as a guide and adjust cook time slightly for your air fryer’s performance.

How do I prevent air-fried frozen biscuits from drying out?

To keep air-fried frozen biscuits moist, avoid overcooking and spray them lightly with oil before baking. Cooking in a single layer with proper spacing also promotes even heat circulation.