Can You Cook Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook canned biscuits in the air fryer—and they turn out golden, flaky, and perfectly cooked in just 8–10 minutes. No preheating or oil is needed; simply place them in a single layer, spray lightly with oil if desired, and air fry at 320°F (160°C) for best results. It’s the fastest, easiest way to enjoy fresh-tasting biscuits without turning on your oven.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook canned biscuits in the air fryer for quick, crispy results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even baking and better texture.
• Adjust time: Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes vs. oven instructions.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to ensure proper air circulation.
• Check early: Monitor at 5-6 minutes to avoid over-browning or burning.
• Use parchment: Line the basket to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Canned Biscuits

Let’s be honest—sometimes you just don’t have the time (or energy) to bake from scratch. That’s where canned biscuits come in. They’re quick, convenient, and always ready to go. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered: can you cook canned biscuits in the air fryer? The short answer is yes, and it might just be the easiest way to get golden, flaky, delicious biscuits in under 10 minutes.

I remember the first time I tried it. I was juggling breakfast for three hungry kids, a dog that needed walking, and a Zoom call in 20 minutes. My oven was still cold, my skillet was dirty, and I just wanted something simple. I grabbed a can of biscuits, popped them in my air fryer, and set the timer. The result? Perfectly crisp edges, soft centers, and zero stress. That’s when I realized: this method isn’t just a hack—it’s a kitchen staple.

How Air Frying Works for Canned Biscuits

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist—kind of like a mini convection oven. For canned biscuits, this is ideal. The high heat quickly sets the dough, while the even airflow ensures they don’t burn or undercook. Think of it as a faster, more efficient version of baking in the oven, but without the long preheat time.

Unlike deep frying, air frying uses little to no oil. Most canned biscuits already contain shortening or oil in the dough, so they crisp up beautifully with just the air fryer’s heat. This means you get the texture of a fried biscuit without the greasiness or mess. It’s a win-win for taste and health.

Why Air Frying Beats Other Methods

• Speed: No preheating. Most air fryers go from cold to cooking in under 2 minutes.
• Consistency: No hot spots. Unlike ovens, air fryers circulate heat evenly.
• Cleanup: No splatter or sticky pans. Just a quick wipe of the basket.
• Space: Perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or camping (if you have a portable air fryer).

I’ve tried canned biscuits in the oven, skillet, and microwave. The oven works fine, but it takes 15+ minutes and heats up the whole kitchen. The skillet gives a nice sear, but it’s easy to burn one side. The microwave? Don’t even get me started—soggy, rubbery, and sad. The air fryer nails it every time.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer

What You’ll Need

• 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (any brand, but I love Pillsbury Grands)
• Air fryer
• Non-stick spray or parchment paper (optional)
• Small bowl (for glaze or butter, if desired)

Step 1: Prep the Biscuits

Open the can and separate the biscuits. Don’t worry if they’re stuck together—just gently pry them apart. If you’re using a larger air fryer (5.8+ quarts), you can fit 4–6 biscuits at once. For smaller models (3–4 quarts), stick to 2–3 to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding = uneven cooking, and nobody wants a half-raw biscuit.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. I’ve never had issues without it, but it’s a good backup.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the magic formula:

• Temperature: 320°F (160°C) for regular-sized biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands). For smaller or thin biscuits (like Pillsbury Buttermilk), go 300°F.
• Time: 6–8 minutes. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Why not 350°F? Higher temps can burn the outside before the inside cooks. Lower temps (below 300°F) make them take too long. 320°F is the sweet spot—crisp outside, fluffy inside.

Step 3: Cook and Flip

Place the biscuits in the basket, leaving space between each. Set the timer for 4 minutes, then pause the air fryer and flip each biscuit. Return and cook for another 3–4 minutes. The total time depends on your air fryer model and biscuit thickness. Watch for a golden-brown color and a firm (but not hard) exterior.

Pro tip: If you’re making a batch, keep the cooked biscuits warm in a 200°F oven or covered with a towel. Air fryers cool fast, so they’ll lose crispness if left out.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done. If it’s wet or doughy, add 1–2 more minutes. Remember: biscuits continue cooking slightly after removal, so it’s better to undercook than overcook.

Customization and Flavor Hacks

Classic Upgrades

Want to jazz up your canned biscuits? Try these easy tweaks:

• Butter glaze: Brush with melted butter + a pinch of salt right after cooking. Instant upgrade.
• Garlic parmesan: Mix 1 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp grated parmesan. Brush on before air frying.
• Sweet cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after cooking. Or, for a twist, add a dollop of Nutella.
• Cheese lovers: Press shredded cheddar into the tops before air frying. Melty, cheesy perfection.

Creative Twists

Turn your biscuits into mini meals:

• Breakfast sliders: Slice in half, add scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. Air fry for 1 extra minute to melt the cheese.
• Mini pizzas: Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Air fry 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
• Dessert bombs: Fill with pie filling (apple, cherry, etc.) and dust with powdered sugar. Air fry 1–2 minutes to warm the filling.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Not all canned biscuits are gluten-free or vegan, but brands like Pillsbury Gluten Free and Immaculate Baking Vegan work great in the air fryer. Just follow the same steps—no adjustments needed. For a homemade vegan version, try subbing butter with coconut oil.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Biscuits need space to breathe. If they’re touching, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Rule of thumb: leave at least 1 inch between each biscuit. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. It’s worth the wait.

Ignoring the Flip

Flipping ensures even browning. Without it, the bottom might burn while the top stays pale. Set a timer for halfway through—it takes seconds and makes all the difference.

Wrong Temperature or Time

Air fryers vary. A 4-quart model might cook faster than a 6-quart one. Start with the recommended settings, then adjust based on your results. Keep a cooking log (e.g., “320°F for 7 minutes = perfect”) to nail it every time.

Forgetting to Check Doneness

Don’t rely solely on color. A dark biscuit can still be raw inside. Use the toothpick test or gently press the center. It should feel firm, not squishy.

Not Preheating (When Needed)

Most air fryers don’t require preheating for canned biscuits, but if yours has a “preheat” button, use it. A hot basket = faster, more even cooking.

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

Speed and Efficiency

Method	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
Air Fryer	2 minutes	6–8 minutes	8–10 minutes
Oven (Conventional)	15 minutes (preheat)	12–15 minutes	27–30 minutes
Oven (Convection)	10 minutes (preheat)	10–12 minutes	20–22 minutes

The air fryer wins by a landslide. No preheat, no waiting, no heating up your kitchen. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Texture and Flavor

• Air fryer: Crisp edges, soft center, minimal oil. Feels lighter than fried biscuits.
• Oven (conventional): Evenly cooked, but less crisp. Can dry out if overbaked.
• Oven (convection): Closer to air fryer results, but still takes longer.

For texture, the air fryer is unbeatable. For flavor? They’re all similar—it’s the dough that shines. But the air fryer’s crispness adds a satisfying crunch you won’t get in the oven.

Energy Use and Cleanup

• Air fryer: Uses less energy (smaller appliance, shorter cook time). Easy cleanup—wipe the basket.
• Oven: Uses more energy (larger appliance, longer preheat). Harder cleanup—baked-on residue.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you cook canned biscuits in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, easier, and delivers better results than the oven or skillet. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food without the fuss, this method is a game-changer.

I’ve used it for everything: quick breakfasts, impromptu brunches, and even as a base for mini pizzas at kids’ sleepovers. The best part? No special skills needed. Just pop, set, and enjoy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the customization options are endless—from savory garlic biscuits to sweet cinnamon rolls.

Of course, it’s not perfect. Overcrowding or wrong temps can ruin the batch, but once you master the basics, it’s foolproof. Plus, the air fryer’s speed and efficiency make it a must-have for anyone who loves convenience without sacrificing quality.

Next time you’re staring at a can of biscuits, skip the oven. Try the air fryer. You’ll get golden, flaky, delicious results in half the time—and with half the effort. Trust me, your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook canned biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook canned biscuits in the air fryer. The air fryer provides even heat circulation, resulting in golden, flaky biscuits in less time than an oven.

What temperature should I use to air fry canned biscuits?

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (165°C) for best results. Cooking at this temperature ensures the biscuits rise properly without burning the exterior.

How long do canned biscuits take in the air fryer?

Canned biscuits typically take 6–9 minutes in the air fryer, depending on size. Flip them halfway through for even browning and check for a fluffy interior.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time for different canned biscuit brands?

Yes, cooking times may vary slightly by brand due to size or dough density. Start with 6 minutes and add 1–2 minutes as needed, watching for a fully cooked center.

Can you cook canned biscuits in the air fryer without preheating?

While possible, preheating ensures consistent results. Skipping preheat may lead to uneven cooking or a doughy center—always aim for 325°F (165°C) before adding biscuits.

How many canned biscuits fit in an air fryer basket?

Most standard air fryers fit 4–6 canned biscuits at once, depending on size. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper airflow and even browning.