Can You Make Biscuits in an Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer—quickly, evenly, and with a perfectly golden crust. This kitchen hack cuts baking time while delivering fluffy, tender results every time, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute snacks. With no preheating required and easy cleanup, air fryer biscuits are a game-changer for home bakers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryers perfectly bake biscuits with crispy outsides and fluffy insides.
• Preheat for success: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even, golden browning.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to allow proper air circulation and cooking.
• Adjust time/temp: Cook at 325°F for 8–10 minutes; adjust based on your model.
• Try frozen biscuits: No thawing needed—cook directly from freezer in 10–12 minutes.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup with no flavor compromise.

The Air Fryer Revolution: A New Way to Make Fluffy Biscuits

Imagine pulling a golden, flaky, buttery biscuit out of your air fryer — warm, fresh, and ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes. For years, biscuits have been a staple of Southern comfort food, typically reserved for stovetop ovens or slow-baking in conventional ovens. But with the rise of the air fryer, a kitchen gadget that has taken households by storm, the way we approach baking is changing. No longer just for frying chicken wings or reheating leftovers, the air fryer is proving to be a versatile tool capable of transforming even the most traditional baked goods. So, can you make biscuits in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes — and not just any biscuits, but light, airy, and perfectly golden ones.

The air fryer’s convection technology circulates hot air rapidly around food, creating a crispy exterior while retaining moisture inside. This makes it ideal for baking items like biscuits, which benefit from even heat distribution and a quick rise. Whether you’re using store-bought refrigerated dough, homemade buttermilk biscuit mix, or even gluten-free alternatives, the air fryer can deliver impressive results with minimal effort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make biscuits in an air fryer, the science behind the process, best practices, troubleshooting tips, and even creative variations. By the end, you’ll be ready to ditch the oven and start baking your next batch of biscuits with confidence and ease.

How Air Fryers Work for Baking Biscuits

The Science Behind Air Fryer Baking

At the heart of the air fryer’s success is its rapid air circulation system. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on radiant heat and natural convection, air fryers use a high-powered fan to push hot air (typically between 300°F and 400°F) around the food at high speeds. This process mimics deep-frying without submerging the food in oil, making it ideal for achieving a crisp, golden crust — something that’s essential for the perfect biscuit.

When it comes to biscuits, the hot air helps activate the leavening agents (baking powder and/or baking soda) quickly, causing the dough to rise rapidly in the first few minutes of cooking. The even heat distribution prevents hot spots, reducing the risk of undercooked centers or burnt edges. Additionally, the enclosed cooking chamber traps steam, which contributes to the flaky layers that define a well-made biscuit. This combination of speed, consistency, and moisture control makes the air fryer a surprisingly effective baking tool.

Why Air Fryer Biscuits Rise Better

One of the biggest challenges in traditional biscuit baking is achieving a consistent rise without overworking the dough. In conventional ovens, the outer edges of biscuits often cook faster than the center, leading to uneven texture. The air fryer’s compact size and focused heat help the entire surface of the biscuit cook at a similar rate, promoting a more uniform rise.

Moreover, the short preheating time (usually 2–3 minutes) means you can start cooking almost immediately, which helps preserve the integrity of the dough. Since biscuits are best baked when the dough is cold, the air fryer’s quick start allows you to work with chilled dough straight from the fridge without waiting for a long preheat. This is especially beneficial when using pre-cut or refrigerated biscuit dough, which can warm up quickly if left out during oven preheating.

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

While both appliances can bake biscuits, the air fryer offers distinct advantages:

• Speed: Biscuits in an air fryer typically cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 12–18 minutes in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity and heat up faster, reducing overall energy consumption.
• Space-saving: Ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or RV living where a full-sized oven isn’t practical.
• Ease of use: Fewer settings to adjust, and no need to rotate pans for even browning.

However, the trade-off is capacity. Most air fryers can only accommodate 4–6 biscuits at a time, depending on the basket size. For large families or gatherings, you may need to cook in batches — but the speed of each batch helps offset this limitation.

Choosing the Right Air Fryer and Biscuit Dough

Air Fryer Types and Sizes

Not all air fryers are created equal. When selecting one for baking biscuits, consider the following:

• Basket-style air fryers: Most common, with a pull-out drawer. Best for smaller batches (4–6 biscuits). Look for models with a 4-quart capacity or larger.
• Oven-style air fryers: Larger countertop ovens with air frying functions. Can fit 8–12 biscuits and often include baking trays or racks. Ideal for frequent bakers.
• Multi-cookers with air fryer lids: Devices like Instant Pot Duo Crisp combine pressure cooking and air frying. Great for versatility but may have less precise temperature control for delicate baking.

For best results, choose a model with adjustable temperature settings (at least 300°F–400°F) and a timer that can be set for 15 minutes or more. Digital controls with presets (e.g., “bake” or “reheat”) can simplify the process, but manual control gives you more precision.

Selecting the Perfect Biscuit Dough

You have several options when it comes to dough, each with its own pros and cons:

• Store-bought refrigerated biscuits: Brands like Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, or Immaculate Baking Co. are convenient and consistent. They’re already portioned, saving time. However, they may contain preservatives and are less customizable.
• Homemade biscuit dough: Offers full control over ingredients, texture, and flavor. Ideal for those avoiding additives or seeking gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium versions. Requires a little more prep but delivers superior taste.
• Frozen biscuit dough: Available from artisanal brands or homemade batches. Thaw in the fridge before use. Great for meal prepping.
• Gluten-free or specialty doughs: Many brands now offer gluten-free, keto, or vegan biscuit mixes. Ensure they’re formulated for baking (not just frying) for best air fryer results.

Pro Tip: If using store-bought dough, keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. Cold dough holds its shape better and rises more evenly in the air fryer.

Tools and Accessories You’ll Need

While you can bake biscuits directly in the air fryer basket, using the right accessories can improve results:

• Silicone baking mats: Prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Reusable and heat-safe up to 450°F.
• Air fryer parchment paper: Pre-cut circles with holes allow air to circulate while preventing dough from sticking. Avoid regular parchment, which can block airflow.
• Small baking pan or oven-safe dish: Use a metal or ceramic dish (3–4 inches in diameter) to group biscuits together, helping them support each other during rise.
• Pastry brush: For brushing with butter, milk, or egg wash before or after baking.

Always check that any accessory fits securely in your air fryer basket without blocking the fan or airflow.

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

Preparing Your Dough

Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade dough, proper preparation is key:

1. Keep dough cold: Remove only the number of biscuits you plan to cook. Return the rest to the fridge.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. This ensures immediate heat exposure when biscuits are added.
3. Prepare the basket: Lightly grease the basket or line with parchment. Avoid non-stick sprays with propellants, as they can damage the coating.
4. Arrange biscuits: Place 4–6 biscuits in a single layer, leaving at least 1 inch between each to allow for expansion. If using a small pan, place it in the center.

Cooking Time and Temperature Settings

Here’s a general guide for cooking times based on biscuit size and type:

Biscuit Type	Temperature	Cooking Time	Notes
Store-bought (small, 2-inch)	350°F (175°C)	8–10 minutes	Check at 8 minutes. Internal temp should be 190°F.
Store-bought (large, 3-inch)	340°F (170°C)	10–12 minutes	Rotate halfway if your model has uneven heating.
Homemade (buttermilk, 2.5-inch)	350°F (175°C)	10–12 minutes	Brush with butter before baking for extra browning.
Gluten-free (premixed)	330°F (165°C)	11–13 minutes	Lower temp prevents over-browning. Cover with foil if needed.
Vegan (coconut oil-based)	340°F (170°C)	9–11 minutes	May be less golden; brush with plant-based milk for shine.

Monitoring and Testing for Doneness

Don’t rely solely on the timer. Use these methods to ensure perfect biscuits:

• Visual cues: Biscuits should be golden brown on top and slightly puffed. Edges should be crisp.
• Touch test: Gently press the center. It should spring back, not leave an indentation.
• Internal temperature: Use a food thermometer. Biscuits are done at 190°F–200°F.
• Toothpick test: Insert into the center. It should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs.

If biscuits are browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 10°F or cover lightly with aluminum foil. If they’re undercooked, add 1–2 minutes and check again.

Post-Baking Tips: Butter, Resting, and Storage

Once cooked, follow these steps for the best experience:

• Brush with butter: Immediately after cooking, brush the tops with melted butter or garlic butter. This adds flavor and keeps the surface soft.
• Rest for 2 minutes: Allow biscuits to cool slightly. This helps the structure set and prevents crumbling.
• Serve warm: Air fryer biscuits are best eaten within 30 minutes of baking.
• Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes.

Creative Variations and Flavor Twists

Cheese and Herb Biscuits

Add a savory twist by incorporating 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or pepper jack cheese into the dough. Mix in 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives. For extra flavor, brush with garlic butter after baking. These pair perfectly with soups, stews, or breakfast casseroles.

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Biscuits

Transform your biscuits into dessert with this easy hack:

1. Roll out homemade or store-bought dough into a 6×8-inch rectangle.
2. Spread with 2 tablespoons softened butter, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
3. Roll tightly from the long end, slice into 8 pieces, and place cut-side down in the air fryer.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze (powdered sugar + cream cheese + milk) while warm.

Everything Bagel Biscuits

Brush unbaked biscuits with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Bake as usual. These are excellent for breakfast sandwiches or as a side to lox and cream cheese.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

For dietary restrictions, use certified gluten-free flour blends (like King Arthur Measure for Measure) or vegan biscuit mixes. Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if the mix doesn’t include it, to improve texture. Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. These versions may require a slightly lower temperature (330°F) to prevent dryness.

Mini Biscuit Appetizers

Cut dough into 1-inch rounds for bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties or as a base for mini chicken pot pie. Cook in batches at 350°F for 6–7 minutes. Serve with honey butter, jam, or savory dips.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

One of the most frequent errors is trying to cook too many biscuits at once. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking, soggy centers, and pale exteriors. Rule of thumb: Leave at least 1 inch between each biscuit. If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches — it’s faster than undercooking one large batch.

Incorrect Temperature Settings

Using too high a temperature (above 370°F) can cause the outside to burn before the inside is done. Conversely, too low (below 320°F) results in dense, undercooked biscuits. Stick to the recommended range of 330°F–350°F, adjusting based on your model’s performance.

Skipping the Preheat

Air fryers heat up quickly, but skipping preheating means your biscuits start cooking in a cold environment. This delays the rise and can flatten the texture. Always preheat for 3 minutes — it makes a noticeable difference.

Using the Wrong Dough Temperature

Warm dough spreads in the air fryer, losing its flaky layers. Always use cold dough, especially with store-bought or homemade recipes. If dough warms up while handling, chill it in the freezer for 5 minutes before cooking.

Ignoring Model-Specific Quirks

Every air fryer heats slightly differently. Some have hot spots; others may have uneven fan distribution. Test your model: Cook one biscuit first to assess browning and texture. Adjust time or position (e.g., center vs. edge) accordingly. Refer to your user manual for airflow patterns.

Not Brushing with Fat After Baking

Air fryer biscuits can dry out faster than oven-baked ones. Brushing with butter, olive oil, or milk immediately after cooking adds moisture and enhances flavor. This step is especially important for homemade or whole-grain biscuits.

Conclusion: Biscuits, Reimagined with Air Fryer Magic

So, can you make biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely — and the results are often better than traditional oven baking. With faster cooking times, consistent heat, and minimal cleanup, the air fryer is a game-changer for busy households, small kitchens, or anyone seeking convenience without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a fan of flaky buttermilk biscuits, cheesy herbed rolls, or sweet cinnamon bites, the air fryer delivers golden, tender results every time.

By understanding how air fryers work, choosing the right dough and equipment, following precise timing, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master the art of air fryer biscuit baking. Experiment with flavors, textures, and dietary adaptations to make this technique your own. From weekday breakfasts to holiday brunches, your air fryer is ready to serve up fresh, homemade biscuits in a fraction of the time.

So go ahead — dust off that air fryer, grab your favorite biscuit dough, and discover the joy of quick, easy, and delicious baking. The future of comfort food is here, and it’s crispy, fluffy, and just a few minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make biscuits in an air fryer! The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, similar to a traditional oven.

What temperature should I use to cook 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 the outside or undercooking the center.

Do I need to adjust cooking time when making biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers typically cook faster than ovens. Most biscuits take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer, but check them early to avoid over-browning—use the “make biscuits in an air fryer” timing as a guide and adjust as needed.

Can I use canned or homemade dough for air fryer biscuits?

Both work great! Canned biscuits are perfect for quick results, while homemade dough lets you customize flavors. Just ensure the dough is rolled to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Do I need to flip biscuits when cooking them in an air fryer?

Flipping isn’t necessary due to the air fryer’s 360° heat circulation. However, for extra even browning, you can gently rotate the basket halfway through cooking.

How do I prevent air fryer biscuits from drying out?

To keep biscuits moist, avoid overcooking and lightly brush the tops with butter or milk before air frying. The keyword “make biscuits in an air fryer” recipes often include these tips for best results.