Can I Cook Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer perfectly every time with the right temperature and timing—preheat to 320°F and cook for 8–10 minutes for golden, flaky results. Avoid overcrowding and flip halfway to ensure even browning and a light, airy texture that rivals oven-baked perfection.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for a crispy, golden finish.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking and best results.
• Space matters: Leave gaps between biscuits to ensure proper air circulation and browning.
• Adjust time: Cook 8-10 minutes at 330°F, checking halfway to prevent overcooking.
• Use parchment: Line the basket to avoid sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Fresh or frozen: Both work—thaw frozen biscuits first for consistent texture.

Why Air Frying Pillsbury Biscuits Might Be Your New Kitchen Hack

Let’s be real: we’ve all been there. You’re standing in the kitchen, staring at that familiar red tube of Pillsbury biscuits, wondering if there’s a way to make them even better. Maybe you’re tired of the same old oven-baked results. Or perhaps you just want to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing that flaky, golden crust. That’s where the air fryer comes in—a kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook, from frozen nuggets to roasted veggies. But can I cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer? And more importantly, can I cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer *perfectly every time*? The short answer: yes. The long answer? Let’s dive in.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior with little to no oil—essentially mimicking deep-frying without the mess (or the guilt). For Pillsbury biscuits, this means you can achieve a golden, flaky crust with a soft, buttery center in less time than the oven. But it’s not as simple as tossing them in and hitting “start.” Timing, temperature, and even spacing matter. I’ve tested this method dozens of times, tweaking variables to find the sweet spot. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves biscuits with their coffee, this guide will help you nail air-fried Pillsbury biscuits—every single time.

The Science Behind Air Frying Pillsbury Biscuits

How Air Fryers Transform Dough

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to create a convection effect, which means heat hits all sides of the biscuit evenly. Unlike ovens, where heat radiates from the top and bottom, air fryers envelop the food, reducing hot spots and promoting uniform browning. For Pillsbury biscuits, this means the outer layers crisp up faster while the inside stays soft and fluffy. The key is balancing the high heat with a short cooking time to prevent drying out the dough.

Why Pillsbury Biscuits Are Ideal for Air Frying

Pillsbury Grands! (and similar varieties) are pre-made with layers of fat (usually butter or shortening) folded into the dough. When exposed to high heat, these layers separate and puff up, creating that signature flakiness. Air frying accelerates this process. The intense, direct heat causes the fat to melt quickly, releasing steam that lifts the dough. Plus, the pre-seasoned, pre-rolled dough is designed for even cooking—no guesswork required.

What Happens When You Skip the Oven?

In a traditional oven, Pillsbury biscuits bake at 350°F–400°F for 10–15 minutes. The lower temperature allows the dough to rise slowly, but the edges can burn before the center is done. Air frying at 350°F–375°F cuts this time to 6–10 minutes, with better browning. However, the smaller basket means you’ll need to cook in batches—a trade-off for faster, crispier results. Pro tip: If you’re cooking for a crowd, prep multiple batches in advance and reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to refresh the texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Perfection

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

First, lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil. Pillsbury biscuits can stick if the basket isn’t properly coated. For extra insurance, use a parchment liner (cut to fit the basket) or silicone mat. Avoid aluminum foil—it can block airflow and create uneven heat.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits (Spacing Matters!)

Place biscuits in the basket in a single layer, leaving about 1/2 inch between each. Crowding causes steaming instead of crisping, leading to soggy spots. Most air fryer baskets fit 4–5 Pillsbury Grands! biscuits comfortably. If you’re using mini biscuits (like Pillsbury Mini Biscuits), you can fit 8–10, but reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

For standard Pillsbury Grands! biscuits:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes

Rotate the basket halfway through (or shake it gently if your model has a non-removable basket). This ensures even browning. For softer biscuits, cook at 325°F for 10–12 minutes. For extra-crispy, go to 375°F for 6–7 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Look for these signs:

• Color: Golden brown on all sides
• Texture: Slightly crisp exterior with a soft, airy interior
• Internal temp: 190°F–200°F (use a meat thermometer)

If the outside is browning too fast, cover the biscuits with a small piece of parchment paper for the last 2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Immediately (Or Reheat Like a Pro)

Air-fried biscuits are best served hot. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes. To reheat leftovers, air fry at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. This revives the crispness better than a microwave.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to cook as many biscuits as possible at once, but this leads to uneven cooking. I once tried fitting six biscuits in my 5.8-quart air fryer—the center ones were doughy, while the edges burned. Lesson learned: Stick to 4–5 biscuits max. If you’re cooking for a group, work in batches. The air fryer reheats quickly, so the wait is minimal.

Ignoring the “Halfway Flip”

Air fryers circulate heat from all sides, but the basket’s design can create hot spots. Skipping the halfway flip (or shake) often results in one side being pale and undercooked. For flaky perfection, always rotate or shake the biscuits at the 4-minute mark. If your air fryer has a removable basket, flip them manually. If not, give the basket a gentle shake to redistribute the biscuits.

Using the Wrong Temperature

High heat isn’t always better. Cooking at 400°F can burn the outside before the center is done, especially if your biscuits are cold from the fridge. Stick to 350°F–375°F for balanced results. If your air fryer runs hot (common with budget models), reduce the temperature by 25°F. Conversely, if it runs cool, add 25°F.

Forgetting to Preheat (Sometimes)

Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it helps with consistency. For crispier biscuits, preheat the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F before adding the dough. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step—just add 1–2 minutes to the total cooking time.

Storing Biscuits Incorrectly

Air-fried biscuits lose their crispness quickly. To store leftovers:

• Short-term: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
• Long-term: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the time.

Never refrigerate baked biscuits—they’ll dry out.

Creative Ways to Elevate Your Air-Fried Biscuits

Flavor Boosters (Without Extra Work)

Want to take your biscuits to the next level? Try these easy add-ons:

• Garlic butter: Brush melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley over warm biscuits.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Herbs: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the dough before cooking.
• Cinnamon sugar: For sweet biscuits, toss in a mix of cinnamon and sugar right after cooking.

Pro tip: For a “biscuit casserole,” layer air-fried biscuits with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese in a baking dish. Broil for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Breakfast Sandwiches in 10 Minutes

Air-fried biscuits are perfect for quick sandwiches. Cook the biscuits first, then:

• Classic: Add a fried egg, cheese, and sausage patty.
• Veggie: Layer avocado, tomato, and a soft-boiled egg.
• Sweet: Spread peanut butter and jam, then top with banana slices.

Use the same air fryer to cook the fillings (e.g., sausage patties at 375°F for 5 minutes).

Sweet Twists for Dessert

Transform biscuits into a dessert by:

• Stuffed: Cut a slit in the side and add Nutella or jam before air frying.
• Glazed: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk).
• Cinnamon rolls: Flatten the biscuit, spread with cinnamon sugar, roll up, and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes.

Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.

Data Table: Air Fryer Settings for Different Pillsbury Varieties

Biscuit Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Pillsbury Grands!	350°F	8–10 minutes	Flip halfway; best for sandwiches
Pillsbury Mini Biscuits	350°F	6–8 minutes	Great for appetizers or kids
Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers	375°F	7–9 minutes	Extra-flaky; watch for browning
Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits	350°F	9–11 minutes	Softer texture; ideal for gravy
Frozen Pillsbury Biscuits	350°F	10–12 minutes	No thawing needed; add 2–3 minutes

Final Thoughts: Can You Cook Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time?

After testing, tweaking, and (let’s be honest) eating way too many biscuits, I can confidently say: yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer perfectly every time—with the right technique. The air fryer’s speed, crispiness, and convenience make it a game-changer, especially for busy mornings or last-minute snacks. But perfection isn’t automatic. It requires attention to spacing, timing, and temperature. Think of it like baking cookies: small details make a big difference.

The beauty of this method is its versatility. Whether you’re craving a classic breakfast sandwich, a cheesy appetizer, or a sweet dessert, air-fried biscuits adapt to your needs. And unlike oven baking, there’s no preheating wait or hot kitchen—just pop, cook, and enjoy. Just remember: every air fryer is unique. Start with the recommended settings, but don’t be afraid to adjust. Your model might run hotter or cooler, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to follow a recipe to the letter but to learn how your appliance behaves. Once you nail it, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven.

So, the next time you’re staring at that red tube of Pillsbury biscuits, grab your air fryer. With this guide, you’ll get golden, flaky, buttery results—faster, crisper, and (dare I say) even better than the box promises. And if you mess up? No worries. Biscuits are forgiving. Just tweak the time or temp, and try again. After all, cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about the joy of making something delicious, one air-fried biscuit at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer without drying them out?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer while keeping them moist by preheating the air fryer to 320°F (not higher) and spraying the biscuits lightly with oil. The circulating air ensures even cooking without excessive drying.

What’s the ideal air fryer temperature for Pillsbury biscuits?

Set your air fryer to 320°F for Pillsbury biscuits—this lower temperature prevents over-browning while ensuring the inside cooks through. Most batches take 8–10 minutes at this heat.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for Pillsbury Grands! vs. regular biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, larger Pillsbury Grands! biscuits may need 10–12 minutes, while regular-sized biscuits cook in 8–10 minutes. Always check for a golden-brown top and a fluffy interior to confirm doneness.

How do I prevent Pillsbury biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even browning.

Can I cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. No thawing is needed, but they may take slightly longer than refrigerated dough.

Why are my air-fried Pillsbury biscuits unevenly cooked?

Overcrowding or uneven dough spacing disrupts air circulation. Leave at least 1 inch between biscuits and avoid stacking to ensure consistent, golden results every time.