Can You Cook Biscuits in Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer—and they come out golden, fluffy, and perfectly crisp in less time than an oven. With the right temperature (350°F) and a quick 8–10 minute cook time, your favorite canned or homemade biscuits transform into a fast, delicious snack or side with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryers cook biscuits perfectly with crispy outsides and fluffy insides.
• Preheat first: Always preheat your air fryer for even baking and better texture.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to ensure proper air circulation and browning.
• Adjust time: Cook 2–4 minutes less than oven time; check early to avoid burning.
• Use parchment: Prevent sticking and simplify cleanup with air fryer-safe parchment paper.
• Fresh or frozen: Both work—thaw frozen biscuits first for consistent results.

Why Cooking Biscuits in an Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer

If you’re anything like me, you love a warm, flaky biscuit—whether it’s smothered in butter, drizzled with honey, or served alongside a hearty breakfast. But let’s be honest: baking biscuits in the oven can feel like a chore. You have to preheat, wait, and sometimes even deal with uneven cooking. That’s why I was so excited when I first heard about cooking biscuits in an air fryer. Could this countertop wonder really replace my trusty oven for such a classic treat? After months of testing, tweaking, and (of course) eating my way through dozens of batches, I’m here to share the real scoop.

The idea of using an air fryer for biscuits might sound surprising, but it makes perfect sense. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, which is ideal for achieving that golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. And the best part? No preheating, shorter cook times, and less mess. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own from scratch, the air fryer can deliver results that rival—and sometimes even surpass—traditional baking. But like any kitchen experiment, there are tricks to getting it right. Let’s dive into how you can cook biscuits in an air fryer and discover the perfect method.

How Air Fryers Work (and Why They’re Great for Biscuits)

The Science Behind Air Fryer Cooking

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food using a powerful fan and a heating element. This process, called convection, creates a crisp, browned surface while cooking the inside quickly. Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on radiant heat and can have hot spots, air fryers distribute heat more evenly. This is especially helpful for biscuits, which need consistent heat to rise properly and avoid burning or drying out.

Think of it like this: an air fryer is essentially a mini convection oven with a turbo boost. The compact space means heat surrounds your biscuits from all angles, giving you that golden crust without overcooking the center. And because there’s no need to preheat, you can go from craving to eating in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.

Why Biscuits Love the Air Fryer

Biscuits are a match made in heaven for air fryers for several reasons:

• Faster cooking: Most biscuits cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 12–15 in an oven.
• Even browning: The circulating air ensures all sides cook evenly—no more rotating pans halfway through.
• Less mess: No greasing baking sheets or dealing with parchment paper.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less power and don’t heat up your whole kitchen.

But here’s the catch: air fryers come in different sizes and shapes (basket vs. oven-style), so results can vary. A smaller basket-style air fryer might require cooking biscuits in batches, while a larger oven-style model can fit more at once. The key is understanding your model and adjusting accordingly.

Choosing the Right Biscuits for Air Frying

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dough

Let’s start with the easiest option: store-bought biscuit dough. Canned biscuits like Pillsbury Grands or Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Biscuits are fantastic for air frying. They’re pre-portioned, consistent, and require no prep work. Just pop them in, set the timer, and enjoy.

But if you’re feeling adventurous (or want to avoid preservatives), homemade dough works too! Here’s a simple recipe I’ve perfected:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)

Mix the dry ingredients, cut in the butter until crumbly, then stir in the milk just until combined. Roll out, cut into rounds, and you’re ready to air fry.

Size and Shape Matter

Not all biscuits are created equal when it comes to air frying. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Standard size (2–2.5 inches): Ideal for most air fryers. They cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Mini biscuits: Great for appetizers or kids’ snacks. Cook 1–2 minutes less than regular size.
• Jumbo biscuits: May need a few extra minutes. Check at the 10-minute mark to avoid burning.

Pro tip: If you’re using homemade dough, roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Too thin, and they’ll dry out; too thick, and the center won’t cook through. Also, leave about 1 inch of space between biscuits to allow air circulation.

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

Preparation: Getting Your Air Fryer Ready

First things first: prep your air fryer. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil (just enough to prevent sticking). Some people line the basket with parchment paper, but I find this can restrict airflow and lead to soggy bottoms. If you do use parchment, make sure it’s perforated or has holes for air circulation.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Most models don’t require preheating, but doing so ensures even cooking. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it. If not, run it empty for 3–5 minutes.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here’s the golden rule: 350°F for 8–12 minutes. But let’s break it down:

• Store-bought biscuits: 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes.
• Homemade biscuits: 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The extra time ensures the center cooks through.
• Frozen biscuits: Add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Place biscuits in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding is a no-go—it blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. If you’re making a big batch, cook in multiple rounds.

Monitoring and Adjusting

After the first 6 minutes, open the basket and check the biscuits. They should be golden brown on top. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F for the remaining time. If they’re not browning enough, increase to 375°F for the last 2–3 minutes.

Use tongs to gently flip the biscuits halfway through for even browning (optional but recommended). Some air fryer models have a “shake” function that alerts you to flip—take advantage of it!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

We’ve all been there—you want to cook all your biscuits at once, so you cram them in. Big mistake. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to soggy, undercooked biscuits. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cook six biscuits in a 4-quart basket. The ones in the center were raw, and the ones on the edges were burnt.

The fix? Cook in batches. Even if it takes a little longer, it’s worth it for perfectly cooked biscuits. Most air fryer baskets can fit 3–4 standard biscuits at a time. If you have a larger oven-style model, you might get away with 6–8, but still leave space between them.

Ignoring the Size Difference

Not all air fryers are the same. A 3.5-quart basket will cook differently than a 6-quart oven-style model. Smaller baskets heat up faster but have less space, so biscuits may cook more quickly. Larger models take longer to heat but can accommodate more biscuits.

My advice: Start with a lower temperature (325°F) and shorter time (7 minutes), then adjust based on results. Keep notes for future batches!

Forgetting to Check for Doneness

Air fryers can vary widely in heat distribution. Just because the timer says “done” doesn’t mean your biscuits are ready. Always check:

• Color: Golden brown on all sides.
• Texture: Crisp exterior, fluffy interior.
• Internal temperature: Use a food thermometer—biscuits should reach 200°F in the center.

If they’re not done, cook in 1-minute increments until they’re perfect. Remember: it’s easier to add time than to undo overcooking.

Beyond Basic Biscuits: Creative Air Fryer Ideas

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative! Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Garlic butter biscuits: Brush cooked biscuits with melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
• Cinnamon sugar biscuits: Sprinkle dough with cinnamon and sugar before cooking, then drizzle with icing.
• Cheese and herb biscuits: Add shredded cheddar and dried herbs to the dough before baking.

For a savory twist, try stuffing biscuits with scrambled eggs and cheese—perfect for breakfast sandwiches. Or brush with pesto for a herby, garlicky flavor.

Using Biscuits for Other Dishes

Biscuits aren’t just for eating plain. Here are some genius ways to use air-fried biscuits:

• Mini pot pies: Top biscuits with leftover chicken and gravy, then broil for 2 minutes.
• Breakfast sliders: Split biscuits, add sausage patties and eggs.
• Dessert biscuits: Split and fill with jam, whipped cream, or Nutella.

And don’t forget: air-fried biscuits make a fantastic base for shortcake or strawberry shortcake. Just add fresh berries and whipped cream!

Air Fryer Biscuit Data Table

Biscuit Type	Size (inches)	Temperature (°F)	Cook Time (minutes)	Notes
Store-bought (Pillsbury)	2.5	350	8–10	Flip halfway; check at 8 minutes
Homemade (basic)	2.0	350	10–12	Roll 1-inch thick; leave space
Mini biscuits	1.5	350	6–8	Perfect for kids’ snacks
Frozen biscuits	2.5	350	9–11	Add 1–2 minutes to cook time
Jumbo biscuits	3.0	350	12–14	Check at 10 minutes; reduce heat if browning too fast

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Air Fryer Biscuit

So, can you cook biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should! Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own, the air fryer delivers fast, consistent, and delicious results. The key is understanding your model, choosing the right size biscuits, and monitoring the cook time. No more waiting for the oven to preheat or worrying about burnt edges.

But here’s the real secret: the air fryer isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a tool for creativity. From garlic butter biscuits to breakfast sliders, the possibilities are endless. And with the right technique, you’ll get flaky, golden biscuits every single time.

My final tip? Start simple. Try a batch of store-bought biscuits, follow the steps in this guide, and tweak as needed. Once you’ve got the basics down, experiment with flavors and sizes. Before you know it, you’ll be the go-to person for air-fried biscuits at every brunch, potluck, and family gathering. Happy cooking—and enjoy those warm, buttery bites!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve golden, flaky results with less oil than traditional baking or frying.

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

For canned biscuits, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C), place them in the basket with space between each, and cook for 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.

How long do homemade biscuits take in an air fryer?

Homemade biscuits typically take 10–12 minutes at 330°F (165°C) in an air fryer. Adjust time based on size and dough thickness for perfect results every time.

Do air fryer biscuits get as crispy as oven-baked ones?

Air fryer biscuits develop a crispier exterior due to rapid hot air circulation, while staying tender inside. For best texture, lightly brush with butter before cooking.

Can you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen biscuits cook well in an air fryer. Add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time (e.g., 10–13 minutes at 325°F) and check for a golden-brown finish.

What are common mistakes when cooking biscuits in an air fryer?

Overcrowding the basket or skipping preheating can lead to uneven cooking. Always leave space between biscuits and preheat for 2–3 minutes for consistent results.