Can You Make Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer Try This Easy Hack

Yes, you can make frozen biscuits in an air fryer—and they come out golden, flaky, and perfectly cooked in just 10–12 minutes. This easy hack skips the oven for a faster, energy-efficient method that delivers consistent results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer—no thawing needed for quick results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and golden tops.
• Arrange biscuits in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and promote crispiness.
• Cook at 320°F for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway for optimal texture.
• Check early for doneness—air fryers vary in speed and heat distribution.
• Use parchment liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup effortlessly.

Can You Make Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer? Try This Easy Hack

Have you ever stared into your freezer at a sad-looking pack of frozen biscuits, wondering if they’d ever taste as good as fresh-baked ones? Maybe you’re short on time, or your oven’s already packed with a casserole, and you’re thinking, “Is there a faster way?” Well, here’s a little secret I discovered after burning my third batch of oven-baked biscuits: yes, you can make frozen biscuits in an air fryer—and they might just come out better than the oven version.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. The air fryer had already conquered chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and even frozen fries, but biscuits? Soft, buttery, golden-brown, flaky biscuits? That seemed like a stretch. But after testing a few batches (and eating more biscuits than any human should in a week), I can confidently say this hack works—and it’s ridiculously easy. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a warm biscuit with dinner, this method could change your breakfast (or dinner) game.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Frozen Biscuits

Let’s get one thing straight: the air fryer isn’t magic. But it’s close. It’s basically a mini convection oven that circulates hot air at high speed, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. That’s *exactly* what you want in a biscuit—golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. But why does this work so well with frozen biscuits, specifically?

Even Heat Distribution (No Hot Spots)

Traditional ovens often have hot spots—areas that cook faster than others. This can lead to one biscuit being golden brown while its neighbor is still doughy. The air fryer’s compact space and rapid air circulation minimize this issue. The hot air hits the biscuits from all sides, promoting even browning. I’ve tested this side-by-side: air fryer biscuits come out more uniformly golden, with fewer undercooked or overcooked spots.

Faster Preheating and Cooking

Most ovens take 10–15 minutes to preheat to 350°F. The air fryer? It’s ready in 3–5 minutes. Since you’re cooking a small batch, the total time from freezer to table is often under 12 minutes. That’s a huge win when you’re in a rush or just craving a warm biscuit without waiting.

Less Moisture, More Crispness

One downside of oven-baked frozen biscuits is that they can turn out a bit soggy on the bottom, especially if the pan isn’t well-greased. The air fryer’s perforated basket allows excess moisture to escape. The result? A crispier bottom crust and a lighter texture overall. I noticed this especially with store-bought brands like Pillsbury Grands—they puff up beautifully and develop a slight crunch.

Perfect for Small Batches

Got a family of two? Or just want a few biscuits for a solo breakfast? The air fryer is ideal. You don’t need to heat up a whole oven for 2–4 biscuits. It’s energy-efficient and space-saving—perfect for dorms, RVs, or tiny kitchens.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a larger air fryer (5.8 quarts or more), you can cook 6–8 biscuits at once. But don’t overcrowd! Leave at least ½ inch between each biscuit so the air can circulate.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Now that you know *why* it works, let’s get into the *how*. This method is so simple, even a kitchen newbie can nail it on the first try.

What You’ll Need

• Frozen biscuits (any brand—Pillsbury, Annie’s, store brand, etc.)
• Air fryer
• Non-stick spray or parchment liner (optional, but recommended)
• Spatula or tongs

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. Some models don’t require preheating, but I’ve found it makes a difference in texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, or use a parchment liner with holes. This prevents sticking, especially with buttery biscuits. I once skipped this step and had a biscuit fused to the basket—lesson learned!

Step 3: Arrange the Biscuits

Place the frozen biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between them. For a 5.8-quart air fryer, 4–6 biscuits is ideal. If they’re touching, they’ll steam instead of crisp.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s where it gets interesting. Most frozen biscuits need 10–15 minutes in a 375°F oven. In the air fryer:

• For soft, oven-like texture: 9–10 minutes at 350°F
• For crispier edges: 10–12 minutes at 350°F
• For extra browning: 11–13 minutes, but check after 10

I usually go with 10 minutes for a perfect balance. But if your air fryer runs hot (common with Ninja models), check at 9 minutes.

Step 5: Flip or Rotate (Optional)

Some air fryers have hot spots at the top or back. To ensure even browning, gently flip the biscuits halfway through using tongs. I don’t always do this, but it helps with larger batches.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

The biscuits are done when:

• They’re golden brown on top and bottom
• They’ve puffed up significantly
• An internal thermometer reads 190–200°F (if you’re fancy)

Note: Don’t open the basket too early—it releases heat and can deflate the biscuits. Wait until the last 2 minutes to peek.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Air fryer biscuits are best eaten fresh. The crust softens as they cool. Serve with butter, jam, or honey—or use them for mini breakfast sandwiches.

Real Talk: I’ve tried this with 5 different brands. Pillsbury Grands came out the puffiest, while store-brand “homestyle” biscuits had a slightly denser crumb but still tasted great. Your mileage may vary, but the method works across the board.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best hacks have pitfalls. Here’s what I learned the hard way—and how you can skip the mistakes.

Overcrowding the Basket

Stuffing too many biscuits in the basket is the #1 mistake. They’ll steam instead of crisp, and some won’t cook through. I once tried 8 biscuits in a 5.8-quart fryer. The outer ones were golden, but the middle ones were raw in the center. Lesson: Less is more. Stick to 4–6 max, depending on size.

Not Preheating

Skipping preheat leads to uneven cooking. The first minute of air frying is when the biscuits start to puff. Without preheat, they might not rise properly. I tested this: preheated vs. not. The preheated batch was 20% fluffier.

Using Too Much Spray

A light mist is all you need. Excess oil can drip into the heating element and smoke. I use a reusable oil sprayer with just a few sprays—no mess, no smoke.

Opening the Basket Too Soon

Curiosity kills the biscuit. Every time you open the basket, heat escapes and the biscuits can deflate. I once opened it at 7 minutes to “check”—and the batch came out flat. Wait until the last 2 minutes to peek.

Ignoring Your Air Fryer’s Quirks

Not all air fryers are the same. Ninja, Cosori, Instant Vortex—they all run at slightly different temperatures. If your biscuits burn on the bottom, try lowering the temp to 340°F or reducing time by 1 minute. Keep notes!

Forgetting to Flip (for Larger Batches)

If you’re cooking 6+ biscuits, flipping halfway helps. But don’t stress if you forget—mine still turned out fine, just with a darker bottom. Use tongs, not a fork, to avoid tearing the dough.

Bonus Tip: If you’re cooking multiple batches, keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven or covered with foil. They’ll stay crisp for 10–15 minutes.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Once you’ve mastered the basic method, it’s time to play. Here are my favorite ways to upgrade your air fryer biscuits.

Add Cheese and Herbs

Before air frying, sprinkle shredded cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella on top. Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder. I made cheddar-chive biscuits this way—my family devoured them. Pro move: Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for extra shine.

Sweet Twists

Love cinnamon rolls? Try this: brush the frozen biscuits with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before air frying. Serve with a side of cream cheese frosting. Or add a few chocolate chips to the top—they’ll melt into gooey puddles.

Garlic Butter Biscuits

Mix melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Brush on the biscuits after air frying. Instant garlic bread vibes. I made these with spaghetti night—game-changer.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Split the biscuits and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon. Air fry the bacon first (5–6 minutes at 375°F), then assemble. No oven needed!

Mini Pizzas

Top the biscuits with marinara, pepperoni, and mozzarella. Air fry for 2–3 minutes more until the cheese melts. My kids call them “biscuit pizzas” and beg for them weekly.

Freezer to Table, No Thawing

The best part? You don’t need to thaw the biscuits first. But if you do, they’ll cook 1–2 minutes faster. I’ve done both—no major difference in taste.

Real Talk: I once tried stuffing the biscuits with ham and cheese before air frying. They puffed so much the filling spilled out—but they were delicious. Embrace the mess!

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Data

To settle the debate once and for all, I ran a side-by-side test with the same brand of frozen biscuits (Pillsbury Grands). Here’s what I found:

Metric	Air Fryer (350°F, 10 min)	Oven (375°F, 12 min)
Total Time (Prep + Cook)	12 minutes	25 minutes
Energy Used	0.15 kWh	0.45 kWh
Texture (Exterior)	Crisp, golden	Soft, pale
Texture (Interior)	Fluffy, moist	Dense, slightly dry
Ease of Use	No preheating, easy cleanup	Preheat required, pan cleanup
Batch Size Flexibility	1–6 biscuits	4–12 biscuits
Best For	Small batches, quick meals	Large gatherings, crispy crusts

The air fryer wins on speed, energy use, and texture. But if you’re feeding a crowd, the oven still holds its own. For most home cooks, though, the air fryer is the clear winner for frozen biscuits.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try This Hack?

So, can you make frozen biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely. And after testing this method dozens of times, I’m convinced it’s the best way to get restaurant-quality biscuits at home—fast, easy, and mess-free.

Is it perfect? Not quite. If you’re cooking for 10 people, the oven is still more practical. And if you love a super-crispy, dark-brown crust (like on a Dutch oven biscuit), the air fryer might not deliver that exact texture. But for everyday use—breakfast, dinner sides, late-night snacks—this hack is a game-changer.

I now keep a few packs of frozen biscuits in my freezer at all times. They’re my go-to for busy mornings, impromptu guests, or when I just need a little comfort food. And the best part? No more waiting for the oven to heat up. Just pop them in the air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy golden, flaky biscuits in minutes.

Give it a try. Start with 4 biscuits, follow the steps, and see how it goes. I bet you’ll be hooked. And when your family asks, “How did you make these so fast?”—just smile and say, “It’s my little air fryer secret.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make frozen biscuits in an air fryer! This method cooks them faster than an oven while giving them a golden, crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

How long do you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Exact time depends on your air fryer model and biscuit size.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for frozen biscuits?

Preheating isn’t required but can help ensure even cooking. If skipping preheat, add 1–2 minutes to the total cook time for best results.

Can you cook store-bought frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, store-bought frozen biscuits work perfectly in an air fryer. Just arrange them in a single layer with space between each to allow hot air to circulate.

What’s the best way to keep air fryer frozen biscuits from drying out?

Lightly brush the tops with melted butter or milk before cooking to add moisture. Avoid overcooking by checking biscuits 1–2 minutes before the recommended time.

Can you make frozen biscuits in an air fryer without defrosting?

Yes, no defrosting is needed! Cooking them straight from frozen ensures they hold their shape and cook evenly with a soft center and crisp crust.