Can I Bake Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer Fast Easy Tips

Yes, you can bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for a faster, crispier result than traditional oven baking. Simply preheat the air fryer to 325°F, place biscuits in a single layer with space between them, and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. This quick method saves time and delivers golden, flaky biscuits perfect for breakfast or sides.

Key Takeaways

• Preheat your air fryer for even baking and better rise.
• Space biscuits apart to ensure proper air circulation and crispness.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven results.
• Adjust time and temp from packaging—lower heat, shorter time works best.
• Check at 5 minutes to prevent over-browning or burning.
• Use parchment paper to keep biscuits from sticking and simplify cleanup.

Can I Bake Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer? Fast Easy Tips

You’ve got a craving for warm, flaky, buttery biscuits—fast. You open your fridge and see that familiar blue-and-white tube of Pillsbury Grands! or the smaller Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits. But your oven is cold, and you don’t want to wait 20 minutes for it to preheat. Then it hits you: Can I bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer? The short answer? Absolutely yes!

As someone who’s tested dozens of air fryer hacks—from frozen chicken tenders to cinnamon rolls—I can tell you this: baking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is not only possible, it’s faster, more energy-efficient, and often yields a crispier, golden-brown result than the oven. I remember the first time I tried it: my kids were hangry, dinner was late, and I needed a quick side. I popped a few biscuits into my air fryer basket, set the timer for 7 minutes, and within minutes, I had a warm, puffy, golden batch that even my picky 8-year-old devoured. That moment changed how I use my air fryer—and it might change yours too.

Why Air Fryer Baking Is a Game-Changer for Pillsbury Biscuits

Speed and Convenience

Let’s face it: waiting for your oven to preheat is a drag. With an air fryer, you can go from “I want biscuits” to “I’m eating biscuits” in under 10 minutes. No preheating required. Just open the tube, place the biscuits in the basket, set the timer, and walk away. The air fryer heats up almost instantly, circulating hot air at high speed, which means your biscuits bake faster and more evenly.

For example, a standard oven might take 10–12 minutes to preheat to 375°F and then another 12–15 minutes to bake the biscuits. That’s 25+ minutes total. In an air fryer? You’re looking at 7–10 minutes total. That’s a 60% time savings—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dinner guests.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Air fryers use significantly less energy than conventional ovens. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ovens can use anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 watts, while most air fryers run between 800 and 1,500 watts. That means you’re not only saving time—you’re saving money on your electricity bill.

Think about it: if you bake biscuits in the oven twice a week, you’re running a 3,000-watt oven for 25 minutes each time. That’s over 7,000 watt-minutes per week. With an air fryer, you’re using a 1,200-watt device for 8 minutes—just under 10,000 watt-minutes per month. Over a year, that adds up to real savings, especially if you use your air fryer for other quick meals too.

Better Browning and Texture

One of the biggest surprises? Air-fried Pillsbury biscuits often come out more golden and crispier on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. The rapid circulation of hot air creates a convection effect similar to professional ovens, leading to better browning without drying out the center.

I’ve found that the bottoms of air-fried biscuits get a nice crust, while the tops develop a beautiful golden sheen. This is especially great if you’re serving them with gravy or honey—those little crispy edges hold up better than oven-baked ones.

How to Bake Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose the Right Pillsbury Biscuits

Not all Pillsbury biscuits are created equal—and not all work the same in an air fryer. Here’s what I’ve tested and recommend:

• Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk Biscuits – My go-to. Big, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or dinner rolls.
• Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers – Slightly more buttery, great for sandwiches.
• Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (smaller size) – Works well if you’re making mini servings.
• Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle – Heavier dough, needs a minute or two longer.

Avoid the Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls in the same way—they’re better suited for a slightly lower temperature and longer cook time (more on that later).

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Always line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I’ve learned the hard way that even “non-stick” baskets can grab onto biscuit dough, especially when it’s cold from the fridge.

Cut the parchment to fit the basket, leaving a small overhang on two sides so you can lift the biscuits out easily. No oil spray needed—Pillsbury biscuits already contain shortening and butter, so they release well when baked properly.

Step 3: Arrange the Biscuits Properly

Space is key. Biscuits need room to expand. If you crowd them, they’ll stick together and cook unevenly. For most 5.5- to 6-quart air fryers:

• Large biscuits (Grands!): 3–4 per batch
• Small biscuits: 4–5 per batch

Place them in a single layer, with at least 1 inch between each. I like to arrange them in a triangle or square pattern to maximize airflow.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the magic formula:

• Temperature: 330°F (165°C)
• Time: 7–9 minutes for large biscuits, 6–7 for small ones

Start checking at 6 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden brown on top and a puffed, fluffy interior. If the tops are browning too fast, you can lower the temperature to 320°F for the last 2 minutes.

Pro tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a 330°F setting (some only go in 25° increments), use 325°F or 350°F. At 350°F, check at 5 minutes and reduce time by 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Flip or Rotate (Optional)

Some air fryers have hot spots. To ensure even browning, you can gently flip the biscuits at the 4-minute mark using silicone-tipped tongs. This is especially helpful for larger biscuits or if you’re using an older model.

I’ve found that flipping isn’t always necessary with newer models that have 360° airflow, but it never hurts—especially if you’re after that perfect golden crust on both sides.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see—and I’ve made it too. You open the tube, see 8 biscuits, and think, “Why not do them all at once?” But biscuits need space to rise and cook evenly. When you overcrowd, they steam instead of bake, leading to soggy, undercooked centers.

Stick to the 3–4 biscuit rule for large ones. If you have more, do two batches. It only adds 7–8 minutes total—still faster than the oven!

Using Too High a Temperature

Air fryers are powerful. Cranking it to 400°F might seem like a good idea to speed things up, but it often leads to burnt tops and raw insides. The 330°F sweet spot gives you time for the center to cook without burning the outside.

One time, I got impatient and set it to 375°F. The biscuits looked perfect after 5 minutes—until I cut one open and found a gooey, uncooked center. Lesson learned: patience pays off.

Skipping the Parchment Paper

Even if your air fryer has a non-stick coating, cold biscuit dough can stick—especially when it expands. I once tried baking biscuits directly in the basket and had to soak it for 20 minutes to get the stuck-on bits off. Parchment paper? Zero mess. Zero stress.

Forgetting to Rotate or Flip

If your air fryer has uneven heating (common in basket-style models), the back biscuits might cook faster than the front. To avoid this, either flip them halfway or rotate the basket 180 degrees. It takes 10 seconds and makes a big difference.

Not Checking Early

Every air fryer is different. A 7-minute cook time in my Ninja might be 8 minutes in your Cosori. Start checking at 6 minutes. If the top is browning but the center feels soft, let it go another 1–2 minutes. If it’s already golden, pull it early—you can always add time, but you can’t un-burn them.

Creative Ways to Use Air-Fried Pillsbury Biscuits

Breakfast Ideas

Air-fried biscuits are perfect for a quick breakfast. Try these:

• Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice open, add scrambled eggs, cheese, and a sausage patty. Ready in under 10 minutes.
• Biscuit French Toast: Soak a biscuit in egg and milk, then air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
• Biscuit & Gravy: Top with homemade sausage gravy (also great in the air fryer!) for a classic Southern dish.

I made biscuit French toast for my kids last weekend, and they thought I was a kitchen wizard. It was just one biscuit, a splash of milk, and 5 minutes in the air fryer.

Dinner Hacks

Need a quick side? Air-fried biscuits go with almost anything:

• Chicken and Biscuits: Serve with air-fried chicken tenders or shredded chicken in gravy.
• Meatball Sliders: Use biscuits as buns for mini meatballs and marinara.
• Cheese & Herb Biscuits: Sprinkle grated cheddar and dried herbs on top before air frying for a savory twist.

One night, I served air-fried biscuits with a quick pot of chili. My husband said it was the best “lazy dinner” he’d ever had. (And he meant it as a compliment!)

Dessert Twists

Yes, you can even turn Pillsbury biscuits into dessert:

• Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls: Flatten a biscuit, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, roll up, and air fry at 330°F for 6–7 minutes. Drizzle with icing.
• Biscuit Donuts: Cut a hole in the center, air fry, then coat in cinnamon sugar or chocolate glaze.
• Biscuit Cobbler: Top with fruit (fresh or frozen) and a little sugar, air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

I made cinnamon biscuit rolls for a birthday party, and guests asked for the recipe. They couldn’t believe it started with a tube!

Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Performance and Results

Let’s break down how air-fried biscuits compare to oven-baked ones:

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven
Preheat Time	0–2 minutes	10–12 minutes
Cook Time	7–9 minutes	12–15 minutes
Total Time	7–10 minutes	22–27 minutes
Energy Use	~1,200 watts	~3,000 watts
Browning	More even, crispier edges	Less even, softer crust
Texture	Fluffy inside, crisp outside	Uniform softness, less crust
Cleanup	Easy with parchment	Pan may need scrubbing

The data speaks for itself: the air fryer wins on speed, efficiency, and texture. While the oven gives you more space for large batches, the air fryer is ideal for 1–4 servings.

When to Use the Oven Instead

There are times when the oven is better:

• You’re baking 8 or more biscuits at once.
• You’re making biscuit casseroles or bread pudding that need a deeper pan.
• You want softer, more uniform browning (e.g., for delicate toppings).

But for everyday use? The air fryer is my new favorite tool.

Final Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Pillsbury Biscuits

Use Fresh Biscuits (But Frozen Work Too)

Fresh biscuits from the fridge rise better and have a more consistent texture. But if you have frozen ones (leftover or pre-frozen), you can air fry them directly. Just add 2–3 minutes to the cook time and check for doneness.

I once froze a half-used tube and baked them a week later. They came out just as good—maybe even better, since the cold dough held its shape longer.

Experiment with Toppings

Before air frying, try brushing the tops with melted butter or sprinkling with garlic powder, rosemary, or everything bagel seasoning. It adds flavor and helps with browning.

One of my favorites: a light brush of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sweet, salty, and perfect with a cup of coffee.

Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll come back to life—crispy outside, soft inside. Much better than the microwave!

Match Your Air Fryer to Your Needs

If you have a small 3.5-quart model, stick to 2–3 large biscuits. Larger 6-quart models can handle 4. Consider upgrading if you’re feeding a family—many newer models have dual baskets or rotisserie features.

So, can you bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer? Yes—and you should! It’s faster, tastier, and more efficient than the oven. Whether you’re making breakfast sandwiches, dinner sides, or dessert hacks, the air fryer turns a simple tube of dough into a warm, golden, flaky treat in minutes. I’ve made them for holidays, busy weekdays, and even as a surprise snack when friends drop by. And every time, they disappear fast.

Give it a try tonight. Open that tube, line the basket, set the timer, and enjoy the smell of fresh biscuits filling your kitchen—without waiting for the oven to heat up. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for a quick, golden, and flaky result. Just adjust the time and temperature to avoid overcooking—typically 6–8 minutes at 320°F (160°C).

What’s the best way to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?

For canned Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C), place biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 6–8 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.

How long do Pillsbury biscuits take in an air fryer?

Pillsbury biscuits usually take 6–8 minutes in an air fryer at 320°F (160°C). Check for a golden top and fluffy interior to avoid under- or overcooking.

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

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and a consistent rise for Pillsbury biscuits. This step helps achieve a perfectly flaky texture.

Can I cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer. Add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time (7–9 minutes total) and check for a fully baked center.

Why are my air fryer Pillsbury biscuits burning?

If your Pillsbury biscuits burn, lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C) or reduce cook time. Air fryers vary, so monitor closely and flip halfway for even browning.