Can I Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer—and they come out golden, fluffy, and perfectly cooked in less time than a conventional oven. With the right temperature, timing, and a simple parchment liner, your air fryer transforms into a biscuit-baking powerhouse, delivering consistent results every time. No preheating, no guesswork—just delicious homemade biscuits in under 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer with great results.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and optimal texture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust cooking time to 8–12 minutes, checking early to avoid burning.
• Space biscuits properly to ensure consistent air circulation and rise.
• Store leftovers airtight and reheat in the air fryer for freshness.

Can I Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to kitchen appliances, the air fryer has quickly risen to prominence as a versatile, energy-efficient, and time-saving tool. From crispy fries to juicy chicken wings, this countertop marvel uses rapid air circulation to achieve deep-fried results with little to no oil. But as more home cooks experiment with their air fryers, a common question arises: can I bake biscuits in an air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes—and with surprising success. Whether you’re craving golden, buttery drop biscuits, flaky buttermilk classics, or even gluten-free alternatives, the air fryer can deliver bakery-quality results with minimal fuss.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of air fryer biscuit baking. We’ll explore how the technology works, why it’s ideal for biscuits, and how to adapt your favorite recipes for the air fryer. From temperature adjustments and timing tips to troubleshooting common issues, you’ll find everything you need to master this technique. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned air fryer enthusiast, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of your appliance—and enjoy fresh, warm biscuits faster than ever before.

Understanding Air Fryer Technology and Its Suitability for Baking Biscuits

How Air Fryers Work: The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers operate using convection cooking, a method that circulates hot air at high speeds around food using a powerful fan and heating element. This process mimics deep frying by creating a Maillard reaction—the browning and crisping of proteins and sugars—without submerging food in oil. The rapid airflow ensures even heat distribution, which is critical for consistent baking. Unlike traditional ovens, which heat the surrounding air slowly, air fryers preheat quickly and maintain stable temperatures, reducing overall cooking time by up to 25–30%.

For biscuits, this means faster browning on the outside while preserving moisture inside. The high-speed air helps create a crisp, golden crust while the interior stays tender and fluffy—exactly what you want in a perfect biscuit. Additionally, the compact cooking chamber retains heat efficiently, minimizing temperature fluctuations that can lead to undercooked or burnt results.

Why Air Fryers Are Ideal for Baking Biscuits

Biscuits are delicate pastries that rely on precise temperature control and even heat for optimal texture. Traditional ovens can sometimes create hot spots or uneven browning, especially in older models. Air fryers, with their focused airflow and compact size, offer a more controlled environment. This is particularly beneficial for:

• Small batches: Ideal for 4–8 biscuits, perfect for singles, couples, or small families.
• Speed: Preheating takes 2–3 minutes, and baking time is typically 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 minutes in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: Uses less electricity and heats up faster than a full-sized oven.
• Moisture retention: The sealed environment helps retain steam, preventing dry or tough biscuits.

Moreover, air fryers are excellent at creating a crisp exterior without over-browning, thanks to adjustable temperature settings and timers. This makes them ideal for recipes that require both browning and gentle baking—like buttermilk biscuits, cheese scones, or even sweet shortcake variations.

Choosing the Right Biscuit Recipe for Air Frying

Traditional vs. Adapted Recipes: What Works Best?

While most biscuit recipes can be adapted for air frying, not all are created equal. Traditional drop biscuits (made with a soft, scoopable dough) tend to work best because their shape allows for even airflow. Cut-out biscuits (rolled and stamped) can also succeed, but require more attention to placement and spacing. Here’s a breakdown of recipe types:

• Drop biscuits: High moisture content helps them rise evenly. Examples include classic buttermilk, cheddar chive, or honey butter varieties.
• Cut-out biscuits: Require careful placement to avoid overlapping. Best for flaky, layered textures (e.g., Southern-style or flaky buttermilk).
• Scones and shortcakes: Technically a subset of biscuits, these work exceptionally well due to their sturdier texture.
• Gluten-free or vegan biscuits: May require slight adjustments in liquid content or leavening agents.

When adapting a recipe, start with one that’s already proven in conventional ovens. Avoid recipes with excessive sugar or fat, as these can burn or smoke in the high-heat environment of an air fryer.

Key Ingredients to Watch For

Not all ingredients behave the same in an air fryer. Here’s what to consider:

• Butter vs. shortening: Butter adds flavor but can brown too quickly. Use chilled, cubed butter and handle dough minimally to prevent melting before baking.
• Leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda are essential for rise. Use fresh, high-quality brands to avoid flat biscuits.
• Liquid ratios: Air fryers can dry out dough slightly faster. If your recipe is on the dry side, add 1–2 tsp of extra buttermilk or milk.
• Add-ins: Cheese, herbs, or dried fruit work well, but avoid large chunks that could block airflow or fall off during cooking.

For example, a classic buttermilk biscuit recipe with 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, and 3/4 cup buttermilk can be air-fried with only minor tweaks (e.g., slightly less liquid and a lower temperature).

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Preparation: Tools and Setup

Before you start, gather the right tools:

• Air fryer basket: Ensure it’s clean and lightly greased or lined with parchment paper (use perforated parchment for better airflow).
• Mixing bowls: Use one for dry and one for wet ingredients.
• Spatula or spoon: For mixing without overworking the dough.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: For consistent drop biscuits.
• Rolling pin and cutter: If making cut-out biscuits.

Pro tip: Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 325°F (160°C) before adding biscuits. This mimics oven preheating and ensures consistent results.

Mixing and Shaping the Dough

1. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and any sugar or spices.
2. Cut in fat: Add cold butter or shortening and use a pastry cutter or fork to create pea-sized crumbs. For air frying, keep the fat cold—this ensures flakiness.
3. Add liquid: Gradually stir in buttermilk, milk, or yogurt until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix—this develops gluten and leads to tough biscuits.
4. Shape: For drop biscuits, use a scoop to place 1/4-cup portions into the basket. For cut-out biscuits, roll to 1-inch thickness and cut with a 2.5-inch cutter. Gently place in a single layer, leaving 1/2 inch between each.

Spacing is critical: Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven baking. Most air fryers fit 4–6 biscuits at a time. If making more, cook in batches.

Baking: Temperature, Time, and Monitoring

General guidelines for air fryer biscuit baking:

• Temperature: 325–350°F (160–175°C). Lower temps prevent burning; higher temps speed up browning.
• Time: 8–12 minutes, depending on size and recipe. Start checking at 8 minutes.
• Flip halfway (optional): For even browning, flip drop biscuits after 5 minutes. Cut-out biscuits usually don’t need flipping.
• Internal temperature: Aim for 190–200°F (88–93°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Example: For 4 large drop biscuits at 350°F:

1. Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes.
2. Place biscuits in basket, spaced evenly.
3. Bake for 5 minutes.
4. Flip and bake for 4–6 more minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Brush tops with melted butter or milk before baking for extra shine and flavor. Avoid spraying oil directly on dough—use a light brush instead.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Issues

Biscuits Are Too Dense or Soggy

Causes:

• Overmixing the dough (develops gluten).
• Warm butter or liquid (causes premature melting).
• Low temperature or overcrowding.

Solutions:

• Handle dough as little as possible.
• Chill butter and buttermilk for 30 minutes before use.
• Increase temperature by 10–15°F or reduce batch size.
• Ensure proper airflow—don’t stack biscuits.

Test: If biscuits are soggy in the center, extend baking time by 1–2 minutes or lower the basket slightly (if your model allows).

Biscuits Are Burnt on the Outside, Raw Inside

Causes:

• Temperature too high.
• Dark-colored or non-stick basket (absorbs more heat).
• Large biscuits cooked at standard time.

Solutions:

• Reduce temperature to 325°F and extend time by 2–3 minutes.
• Use a light-colored basket or line with parchment.
• For larger biscuits, tent with foil after 6 minutes to slow browning.

Pro tip: Rotate the basket 180 degrees halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots.

Uneven Browning or Rise

Causes:

• Biscuits touching or too close together.
• Fan obstruction (e.g., food stuck in the basket).
• Old or expired leavening agents.

Solutions:

• Space biscuits at least 1/2 inch apart.
• Clean the basket and fan area regularly.
• Replace baking powder/soda every 6–12 months.

Recipe Adaptations and Creative Air Fryer Biscuit Ideas

Gluten-Free and Vegan Biscuits

Air fryers are excellent for specialty diets. For gluten-free biscuits, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill) and add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity. Increase liquid by 1–2 tbsp, as GF flour absorbs more moisture. Bake at 330°F for 10–12 minutes.

For vegan biscuits, substitute:

• Butter → vegan butter or coconut oil (chilled).
• Buttermilk → unsweetened almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
• Egg (if used) → 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water.

Tip: Vegan biscuits may brown faster—start checking at 7 minutes.

Sweet and Savory Variations

Get creative with these air fryer-friendly ideas:

• Cheese and herb biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 2 tbsp chopped rosemary. Bake at 340°F for 10 minutes.
• Honey butter shortcakes: Mix 1 tbsp honey into the dough. Top with whipped cream and berries after baking.
• Breakfast biscuits: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon and diced green onions. Serve with fried eggs.
• Chocolate chip biscuits: Use brown sugar instead of white and add 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Bake at 325°F to prevent melting.

Bonus: Make biscuit sandwiches—slice cooled biscuits, add ham and cheese, and air fry for 3–4 minutes to melt the cheese.

Data Table: Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Times and Temperatures

Biscuit Type	Size	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Drop Biscuits (Classic)	2.5-inch	350	8–10	Flip halfway for even browning
Cut-Out Buttermilk	2.5-inch	330	10–12	Space 1/2 inch apart
Gluten-Free Drop	2-inch	330	10–12	Check for firmness; may need extra liquid
Vegan Cheese	2.5-inch	340	9–11	Use parchment to prevent sticking
Chocolate Chip	2-inch	325	8–9	Lower temp to prevent burning chips
Breakfast Sandwich	3-inch	350	10–12	Fill after baking; re-warm filling separately

Conclusion: Elevate Your Biscuit Game with the Air Fryer

So, can you bake biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely—and with fantastic results. This compact appliance offers speed, consistency, and versatility that rivals traditional ovens, especially for small-batch baking. From flaky buttermilk classics to innovative sweet and savory creations, the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities for biscuit lovers.

The key to success lies in understanding your air fryer’s unique characteristics: its rapid airflow, compact size, and precise temperature control. By choosing the right recipe, prepping ingredients properly, and following best practices for spacing and timing, you can achieve golden, tender biscuits every time. Plus, the energy savings and reduced cleanup make it a win-win for busy households.

Whether you’re a beginner exploring your air fryer’s capabilities or a seasoned baker looking for a faster method, baking biscuits in this appliance is a game-changer. So preheat that basket, grab your favorite recipe, and get ready to enjoy fresh, homemade biscuits in under 15 minutes. With this ultimate guide in hand, you’re equipped to turn your air fryer into a biscuit-baking powerhouse—no oven required. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake biscuits in an air fryer without using an oven?

Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer as a convenient oven alternative. The air fryer circulates hot air to create a golden, flaky texture—just adjust cooking time and temperature for best results.

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

For most biscuit recipes, preheat your air fryer to 330°F–350°F (165°C–175°C). Cooking at this range ensures even browning without burning, especially for store-bought or homemade dough.

How long does it take to air fry biscuits compared to a traditional oven?

Air frying biscuits typically takes 8–12 minutes, about 5–7 minutes faster than a conventional oven. Exact time depends on biscuit size and air fryer model—check for a golden top and firm texture.

Do I need to flip biscuits halfway when baking in an air fryer?

Flipping isn’t necessary since air fryers evenly cook from all sides. However, rotating the basket or flipping large biscuits can prevent uneven spots in some air fryer models.

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought biscuit dough works perfectly in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer with space between each to allow proper air circulation and even baking.

What are the best air fryer settings for baking fluffy biscuits?

For fluffy biscuits, use the “bake” or “air fry” mode at 330°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes. Lightly brush with butter or milk before cooking for enhanced flavor and a crispier crust.