Can I Make Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer Try This Easy Hack

Yes, you can make canned biscuits in the air fryer for a quick, flaky, and perfectly golden treat in under 10 minutes. This easy hack delivers crisp edges and soft centers without the mess of a skillet or the wait for an oven—ideal for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fry canned biscuits for a quick, crispy treat.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for even cooking and golden results.
• Space biscuits apart to prevent sticking and ensure proper airflow.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve uniform browning.
• Check early as air fryers vary; biscuits cook faster than oven baking.
• Brush with butter post-cooking for extra flavor and a glossy finish.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Canned Biscuits

If you’re anything like me, mornings can feel like a race against time. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and finding matching socks (seriously, where do they all go?), the last thing you want to do is spend 20 minutes waiting for the oven to preheat just to bake a few canned biscuits. That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a breakfast superhero. I remember the first time I tried making canned biscuits in the air fryer—I was skeptical. Would they burn? Would they be undercooked? Would my kitchen end up looking like a scene from a cooking disaster movie? Spoiler: none of that happened. Instead, I got golden, fluffy, perfectly cooked biscuits in less than half the time. And honestly, it felt like I’d cracked the code to stress-free mornings.

The idea of using an air fryer for something as simple as canned biscuits might seem unnecessary at first. After all, the can says “oven,” right? But here’s the thing: the air fryer isn’t just for crisping up leftovers or cooking frozen snacks. It’s a versatile tool that can handle a surprising range of foods—including those convenient, ready-to-bake biscuits. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student surviving on instant meals, or just someone who loves a quick and easy hack, this method could be a total game-changer. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making canned biscuits in the air fryer, from how to do it right to tips for avoiding common pitfalls. Let’s dive in!

How to Make Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Prep Your Air Fryer and Biscuits

First things first: don’t just pop open the can and toss the biscuits in. A little prep goes a long way. Start by lightly greasing your air fryer basket or lining it with parchment paper. This is crucial—biscuits are sticky, and even non-stick baskets can struggle with them. I use a small amount of butter or cooking spray. Pro tip: if you’re using parchment, make sure it’s cut to fit and doesn’t block the air vents. Air circulation is key to even cooking.

Next, take your canned biscuits straight from the fridge. Don’t let them sit out too long—cold biscuits hold their shape better in the air fryer. Gently separate them and place them in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. I usually fit 4–5 biscuits in my 5.8-quart air fryer. If you’re cooking a full can (8 biscuits), you’ll need to do two batches. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and sad, squished biscuits.

Setting the Right Temperature and Time

Here’s where things get interesting. Most canned biscuit cans recommend 350–375°F in a conventional oven. In the air fryer, you’ll want to go slightly lower—around 330°F to 340°F. Why? Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they cook faster and hotter than ovens. If you use the same temperature, your biscuits will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining doughy inside.

Set your air fryer to 330°F and cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on your model and the size of the biscuits. I’ve found that 8 minutes is the sweet spot for standard-sized Pillsbury Grands. But here’s the catch: every air fryer is different. Mine runs a little hot, so I start checking at 7 minutes. Use tongs to gently lift one biscuit and peek at the bottom—it should be golden brown. If it’s pale, give it another minute. Flip the biscuits halfway through if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket. This ensures even browning.

Checking for Doneness (The No-Guessing Method)

Don’t rely on the clock alone. Biscuits can look golden but still be raw in the center. To test for doneness, gently press the top of a biscuit. If it springs back, it’s done. If it leaves a dent, it needs more time. You can also use a toothpick or skewer—insert it into the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few dry crumbs), you’re golden. Avoid overcooking; dry biscuits are a tragedy no one wants to face.

Why the Air Fryer Wins Over the Oven (And When It Doesn’t)

Speed and Convenience

Let’s be real: the biggest advantage of making canned biscuits in the air fryer is speed. No preheating. No waiting. Just set it and forget it. In my experience, the whole process takes about 10 minutes from fridge to table—half the time of an oven. This is a lifesaver on busy mornings or when you’re hosting last-minute guests. Imagine whipping up a batch of biscuits while your coffee brews. Pure magic.

Another perk? Energy efficiency. Air fryers use less electricity than ovens, which is great for the environment (and your utility bill). Plus, they don’t heat up your kitchen like ovens do—a win in the summer months.

Texture and Fluffiness: The Air Fryer Edge

Here’s something surprising: air-fried biscuits often come out fluffier than oven-baked ones. The rapid circulation of hot air creates a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and airy. I’ve tested this side-by-side, and the air fryer wins every time. The only caveat? You have to space them properly. Crowded biscuits steam instead of crisp, which can lead to a soggy texture. If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider doing two batches and keeping the first batch warm in a low oven (200°F).

When the Oven Might Be Better

That said, the air fryer isn’t perfect for every scenario. If you’re baking a full can of biscuits (8 pieces), the oven is still the better choice. Air fryers have limited space, and doing multiple batches can be tedious. Also, if you’re making homemade biscuits or using a recipe that requires a longer bake time, the oven gives you more control. Air fryers are best for small, quick batches—think 4–5 biscuits max.

Creative Twists: Elevate Your Air-Fried Biscuits

Sweet Upgrades (Cinnamon Sugar, Glazes, and More)

Plain biscuits are great, but why stop there? The air fryer is the perfect canvas for sweet upgrades. Try this: after baking, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. The residual heat makes the sugar caramelize slightly—like a mini cinnamon roll. Or drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or a simple powdered sugar glaze. For a decadent treat, split a biscuit in half and sandwich it with Nutella and sliced bananas. Air fry for an extra minute to melt the filling. Yum.

Another fun idea: make “biscuit donuts.” Cut out the center of each biscuit with a small round cutter (or a bottle cap), then air fry as usual. Serve with a side of powdered sugar or chocolate dipping sauce. The holes? Perfect for toasting marshmallows over a campfire (if you’re feeling adventurous).

Savory Hacks (Cheesy, Garlicky, or Stuffed)

For savory lovers, the possibilities are endless. Before air frying, brush the biscuits with garlic butter or sprinkle with shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or even feta). I love adding a pinch of everything bagel seasoning for a savory crunch. Or try stuffing them: press a small hole in the center of each biscuit and add a cube of cheese, a slice of ham, or even a cooked breakfast sausage. Seal the edges and air fry. The filling gets hot and melty—ideal for a quick breakfast sandwich.

One of my favorite tricks? Make “mini pizzas.” Top each biscuit with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni. Air fry for 2–3 extra minutes until the cheese bubbles. Serve with a side of ranch for dipping. It’s like a breakfast twist on pizza night.

Breakfast Combos: Biscuits + Air Fryer Magic

The air fryer isn’t just for biscuits—it’s a full breakfast station. While your biscuits cook, use the second basket (if you have one) or cook in batches to make bacon, sausage, or hash browns. I’ve even air-fried scrambled eggs in a small silicone mold. The result? A complete breakfast in under 15 minutes. For a heartier meal, split a biscuit and fill it with a fried egg, avocado, and hot sauce. It’s my go-to weekend brunch.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see (and have made myself). When biscuits touch, they steam instead of crisp, leading to a soggy, uneven texture. Always leave at least ½ inch of space between each biscuit. If you’re cooking a full can, bite the bullet and do two batches. Your taste buds will thank you.

Wrong Temperature or Time

Air fryers vary, so don’t rely on generic recipes. Start with 330°F and 7–9 minutes, but adjust based on your model. Smaller biscuits may need less time; larger ones (like Pillsbury Grands) might need an extra minute. When in doubt, check early and often. A minute too long can turn golden biscuits into charcoal.

Ignoring the Flip

If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket, flip the biscuits halfway through. This ensures even browning and prevents one side from burning. Use tongs or a fork—don’t stab them! You want to keep them intact.

Forgetting to Grease

Even non-stick baskets can struggle with sticky biscuit dough. Always grease or line the basket. I’ve learned this the hard way—trying to pry a stuck biscuit off the basket is a nightmare.

Not Letting Them Rest

Resist the urge to eat them straight away. Let the biscuits cool for 1–2 minutes. This allows the interior to finish cooking and prevents a molten lava mouth disaster.

Data-Backed Insights: Air Fryer vs. Oven

To give you a clear picture, I tested the same brand of canned biscuits in my air fryer and oven side-by-side. Here’s what I found:

Metric	Air Fryer (330°F, 8 min)	Oven (350°F, 12 min)
Preheat Time	0 minutes	10 minutes
Total Cooking Time	8 minutes	12 minutes
Energy Use (Est.)	0.25 kWh	0.75 kWh
Texture	Crisp exterior, fluffy interior	Evenly golden, slightly drier
Batch Size	4–5 biscuits	8 biscuits (full can)
Cleanup	Quick wipe or parchment liner	Baking sheet cleanup

The data speaks for itself: the air fryer is faster, more energy-efficient, and produces a better texture for small batches. But the oven still wins for larger quantities.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Making Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer?

So, can you make canned biscuits in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you absolutely should. It’s one of those hacks that feels too good to be true, but it works. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just someone who loves a quick and easy win, this method delivers golden, fluffy biscuits in record time. The key is to follow the basics: grease your basket, space the biscuits properly, and adjust time/temperature for your air fryer.

Of course, it’s not perfect for every situation. If you’re cooking for a crowd or making a full can of biscuits, the oven might still be your best bet. But for quick, small-batch cooking? The air fryer is a total game-changer. And once you start experimenting with sweet and savory upgrades, you’ll never look at canned biscuits the same way again. So go ahead—pop open that can, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to a stress-free breakfast. Your mornings (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make canned biscuits in the air fryer without drying them out?

Yes, you can! The air fryer’s even heat circulation bakes canned biscuits perfectly with a crisp exterior and soft interior. Lightly spritz them with oil and cook at 325°F (160°C) for best results.

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

Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C), place biscuits in a single layer (don’t overcrowd), and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. This method ensures golden, flaky results every time.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for canned biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, air frying is faster than oven baking. Reduce the time to 6–8 minutes (compared to 12–15 in the oven) and check for a golden top to avoid overcooking.

Can I make canned biscuits in the air fryer if they’re frozen?

Absolutely! Add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time, but keep the temperature at 325°F (160°C). No need to thaw—just place them directly in the air fryer basket.

Why should I try making canned biscuits in the air fryer?

The air fryer delivers faster, crispier, and more evenly baked biscuits than a traditional oven. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Can I use the air fryer for canned biscuits with toppings like cinnamon sugar?

Yes! Add toppings like cinnamon sugar or cheese after flipping halfway through cooking. This ensures toppings caramelize without burning for a delicious twist.