Can You Reheat Biscuits in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can perfectly reheat biscuits in an air fryer—it’s the fastest way to restore their crispy exterior and fluffy interior without drying them out. In just 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C), your biscuits will taste freshly baked, making the air fryer a game-changer for leftovers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can reheat biscuits in an air fryer for crispy, fresh results.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for even reheating and texture.
• Use 2-3 minutes for best results; avoid overcooking to prevent drying.
• Wrap in foil to retain moisture if biscuits are slightly dry.
• Flip halfway for uniform heating and consistent crispiness.
• Check frequently to prevent burning, especially with delicate biscuit edges.

Why Reheating Biscuits in an Air Fryer Might Be Your New Kitchen Hack

Let’s be honest—few things beat the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting through your kitchen. But what happens when you’ve got leftovers? You don’t want to eat them cold, and microwaving them turns them into rubbery, soggy disappointments. That’s where the air fryer comes in. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I love my air fryer for crispy fries and reheated chicken wings, but biscuits? Could it really bring back that golden, flaky texture? After testing it with a variety of biscuits—from homemade buttermilk to store-bought frozen—I’m convinced this method deserves a spot in your meal-prep routine.

Whether you’re reheating a batch from last weekend’s brunch or salvaging a takeout order, the air fryer offers a quick, reliable way to revive biscuits without sacrificing flavor or texture. But like any kitchen technique, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how to reheat biscuits in an air fryer, why it works better than other methods, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide—written by someone who’s burned a few biscuits (literally) so you don’t have to.

How the Air Fryer Revives Biscuits (and Why It’s Better Than Other Methods)

The Science Behind Crispy Reheating

The air fryer works by circulating superheated air around your food, creating a convection effect. This isn’t just marketing hype—it’s physics. When you reheat biscuits, the hot air crisps the exterior while gently warming the inside. Unlike the microwave, which uses water molecules to heat food from within (leading to soggy results), the air fryer removes moisture from the surface. The result? A biscuit that’s golden on the outside, tender on the inside—just like fresh from the oven.

I tested this side-by-side with my microwave and oven. The microwave made the biscuit chewy, almost like a dense cake. The oven worked but took 20+ minutes and heated my entire kitchen. The air fryer? Crispy crust in 4 minutes, no sogginess. The difference was night and day. One friend even said, “Wait, you didn’t just bake these, did you?”

Comparing Reheating Methods

• Microwave: Fast (1–2 minutes), but creates steam. Great for soft bread, terrible for flaky layers. Best avoided unless you’re in a true emergency.
• Oven: Reliable but slow. Preheating takes 10–15 minutes, and reheating takes another 10–15. Ideal for large batches, but overkill for one or two biscuits.
• Toaster: Works for small biscuits, but larger ones burn on the outside while staying cold inside. Risky for anything thicker than 1 inch.
• Air Fryer: The sweet spot. Fast (3–5 minutes), energy-efficient, and delivers consistent crispness. No preheating required for small batches.

One key advantage: the air fryer’s basket allows air to circulate under the biscuit. This means even the bottom gets crispy—something the oven or toaster can’t match. Plus, you can reheat multiple biscuits at once without overcrowding (more on spacing later).

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

Step 1: Prep Your Biscuits

Start by checking your biscuits. Are they dry or slightly moist? If they’ve been in the fridge, they might need a little help. Here’s what to do:

• For dry biscuits: Lightly brush the top with melted butter or a splash of water. This adds moisture without making the crust soggy.
• For moist or refrigerated biscuits: No prep needed! The air fryer will crisp the exterior naturally.
• For frozen biscuits: Skip thawing. Reheat directly from frozen (see next section).

Pro tip: If you’re reheating homemade biscuits, slice them in half horizontally. This increases surface area, helping the inside warm faster while keeping the crust crisp.

Step 2: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Temperature and time depend on your biscuit type and air fryer model. Here’s my tested guide:

Biscuit Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Refrigerated (homemade)	325°F (163°C)	3–4 minutes	Flip halfway for even heating.
Refrigerated (store-bought)	325°F (163°C)	4–5 minutes	Store-bought biscuits are denser; give them extra time.
Room-temperature	300°F (149°C)	2–3 minutes	Lower temp prevents over-browning.
Frozen (uncooked)	350°F (177°C)	8–10 minutes	No thawing needed. Check at 8 minutes.
Frozen (pre-cooked)	325°F (163°C)	5–7 minutes	Brush with butter before reheating for extra flavor.

Always preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes. This ensures consistent results. If your model doesn’t have a preheat setting, run it empty at the reheating temperature for 3 minutes before adding biscuits.

Step 3: Arrange Biscuits and Reheat

Spacing is critical. Overcrowding traps steam, leading to soggy biscuits. Here’s how to do it right:

• Place biscuits in a single layer, leaving at least 0.5 inches between them.
• For small air fryers (3–4 quarts), reheat 1–2 biscuits at a time.
• For larger models (5+ quarts), you can fit 3–4 biscuits—but don’t stack them.

Reheat for the recommended time, then check. The top should be golden, and the center should feel warm. If it’s not done, add 30-second increments. Pro tip: Flip biscuits halfway through for even browning (especially if they’re thick).

Special Cases: Reheating Different Types of Biscuits

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Biscuits

Homemade biscuits (especially buttermilk or drop biscuits) reheat beautifully. Their flaky layers crisp up nicely, and the air fryer restores their original texture. I tested my grandma’s recipe—reheated at 325°F for 4 minutes—and it tasted just as good as fresh.

Store-bought biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands or frozen supermarket brands) are denser. They need a bit more time and heat to warm through. I found that brushing them with butter before reheating adds a golden sheen and prevents dryness. One caveat: avoid overcooking, or they’ll turn hard. Check at 4 minutes and stop when the edges are crisp.

Gluten-Free or Vegan Biscuits

These require extra care. Gluten-free biscuits are often drier and more fragile. Reheat at a lower temperature (300°F) for 3–4 minutes to avoid crumbling. Vegan biscuits (made with plant-based butter) can brown faster. Keep an eye on them—I once burned a batch of almond-flour biscuits because I got distracted by a phone call.

Pro tip: For vegan biscuits, brush with a mix of oil and water (1:1) instead of butter. This adds moisture without dairy.

Frozen Biscuits (Cooked or Uncooked)

Uncooked frozen biscuits (like those from Costco) can go straight into the air fryer. No thawing needed! Set to 350°F and cook for 8–10 minutes. They’ll rise and brown just like oven-baked ones. I tried this with a batch of sourdough biscuits—perfectly fluffy inside, crisp outside.

Pre-cooked frozen biscuits (like leftover takeout) are trickier. They’re already baked, so you’re just reheating. Use 325°F for 5–7 minutes. If they’re dry, wrap them in foil for the first 3 minutes, then unwrap to crisp the top.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to squeeze in as many biscuits as possible, but don’t. Overcrowding blocks airflow, creating steam pockets. Result? Soggy bottoms and uneven heating. I learned this the hard way—reheating six biscuits in a 4-quart air fryer left the middle ones raw.

Solution: Reheat in batches. It takes an extra 5 minutes, but your biscuits will thank you. If you’re in a rush, slice them in half to increase surface area.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too hot, and the outside burns while the inside stays cold. Too low, and you get a lukewarm biscuit with no crispness. Stick to the table above, but adjust based on your air fryer’s quirks. My old model ran hot, so I lowered the temperature by 25°F. Newer models (like Ninja or Instant Vortex) tend to be more accurate.

Skipping the Flip

Not all air fryers have even heat distribution. If you don’t flip, the top might brown while the bottom stays pale. Flip halfway through—it takes 10 seconds and makes a huge difference. I use silicone tongs to avoid scratching the basket.

Ignoring Moisture Levels

Dry biscuits need a moisture boost. Skip the butter or water, and they’ll taste like cardboard. Moist biscuits (like those with cheese or fruit) risk becoming mushy. Adjust your method: dry biscuits get a butter brush; moist ones go in as-is.

Beyond Reheating: Creative Ways to Use Your Air Fryer for Biscuits

Reheating Biscuit Sandwiches

Got a leftover biscuit sandwich (biscuit + sausage + cheese)? Reheat the whole thing in the air fryer at 325°F for 4–5 minutes. The cheese melts, the sausage heats through, and the biscuit stays crisp. I do this for leftover fast-food biscuits—it’s a game-changer.

Making “New” Biscuits from Leftovers

Stale biscuits don’t have to go to waste. Slice them in half, brush with butter, and air-fry at 350°F for 3 minutes. They’ll turn into crispy biscuit toasts—perfect for dipping in gravy or soup. Or, crumble them and use as a casserole topping. I’ve even made biscuit bread pudding this way!

Customizing Reheated Biscuits

Use the air fryer to add flavor. Before reheating, sprinkle biscuits with:

• Garlic powder + parsley (for savory)
• Cinnamon + sugar (for sweet)
• Everything bagel seasoning (for a twist)

Or, brush with honey or maple syrup after reheating for a glazed finish. My kids devour these “fancy” biscuits for breakfast.

Final Thoughts: Why the Air Fryer Is the Ultimate Biscuit Reheating Tool

Reheating biscuits in an air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative. You get crisp, golden exteriors and warm, tender insides in minutes. No sogginess, no waiting, no kitchen heat. It works for homemade, store-bought, frozen, and even gluten-free biscuits. And with a few simple tweaks (like brushing with butter or flipping halfway), you can tailor the method to any recipe.

But here’s the real win: the air fryer saves time and energy. No preheating, no babysitting, and no reheating your entire oven just for one biscuit. It’s the kind of kitchen hack that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. So next time you’ve got leftovers, skip the microwave and reach for your air fryer. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

Remember: every air fryer is different. Test the times and temps with one biscuit first. Adjust as needed. And most importantly—don’t overthink it. Reheating biscuits should be simple, fast, and delicious. That’s exactly what this method delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reheat biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat biscuits in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and soft interior. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C), place the biscuits in a single layer, and heat for 2–4 minutes.

How do you reheat biscuits in an air fryer without drying them out?

To prevent drying, lightly spritz biscuits with water or wrap them in foil before reheating. Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 2–3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best temperature to reheat biscuits in an air fryer?

The ideal temperature is 325°F (165°C) for 2–4 minutes, depending on size. This ensures even reheating without burning the edges or leaving the center cold.

Can you reheat frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat frozen biscuits in an air fryer. Increase the time to 5–7 minutes at 325°F (165°C), flipping halfway for even thawing and warming.

How long does it take to reheat biscuits in an air fryer?

Reheating biscuits in an air fryer typically takes 2–4 minutes at 325°F (165°C). Thicker or frozen biscuits may require an extra 1–2 minutes.

Can you reheat buttermilk biscuits in an air fryer?

Buttermilk biscuits reheat perfectly in an air fryer, retaining their flaky layers. Use 325°F (165°C) for 2–3 minutes and serve immediately for best results.