Can You Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits in the Air Fryer Try This Easy Recipe

Yes, you can make Cheddar Bay Biscuits in the air fryer—and they turn out golden, flaky, and packed with cheesy flavor in less time than traditional baking. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, perfect for a quick snack or side dish.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryer cheddar bay biscuits cook faster with crispy edges.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even browning and fluffy texture.
• Use parchment liners: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Adjust cook time: Check at 8 minutes to avoid over-browning.
• Add extra garlic butter: Brush post-bake for authentic flavor boost.
• Freeze leftovers: Reheat in air fryer for fresh taste anytime.

The Air Fryer Game-Changer You Didn’t Know You Needed

Remember that first bite of a warm, buttery Cheddar Bay biscuit from a famous seafood chain? The golden crust, the cheesy aroma, the way it melts in your mouth? It’s pure comfort food magic. But what if I told you that you could recreate that magic—right in your air fryer? No oven, no long wait, and no need to leave your house. That’s right: can you make Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes, and it might just change how you bake forever.

As someone who’s tested dozens of air fryer recipes—from crispy Brussels sprouts to flaky salmon—I was skeptical at first. Could the air fryer really deliver the same soft, fluffy, golden-brown results as a conventional oven? After a few rounds of trial and error (and a few slightly overcooked biscuits), I cracked the code. Now, I make these cheddar bay biscuits in under 15 minutes, and my family fights over the last one. If you’re short on time, space, or just want to impress your dinner guests with minimal effort, this method is a game-changer.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Cheddar Bay Biscuits

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic

The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. Unlike a traditional oven, which can take 15–20 minutes just to preheat, the air fryer heats up in under 3 minutes. For delicate items like biscuits, this means less risk of drying out and more control over browning. The circulating hot air mimics convection oven results but in a fraction of the time.

When you place your Cheddar Bay biscuits inside, the hot air hits them from all sides. This creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy—exactly what we want. Plus, the air fryer’s small cooking chamber traps heat efficiently, so your biscuits rise beautifully without collapsing.

Speed and Efficiency: A Busy Cook’s Dream

Let’s be real: not everyone has time to preheat an oven, wait for it to reach temperature, and then bake for 12–15 minutes. With the air fryer, you can go from “I want biscuits” to “I’m eating biscuits” in under 15 minutes flat. That’s faster than most takeout delivery times!

• Preheat time: 2–3 minutes (or skip it—many air fryers work well without preheating for biscuits).
• Cook time: 6–8 minutes per batch.
• Cleanup: Just wipe down the basket or pop it in the dishwasher.

For busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you’re craving comfort food at midnight (we’ve all been there), the air fryer is your best friend.

Energy Savings and Space-Saving Perks

If you’re trying to cut down on energy use or live in a small apartment, the air fryer is a smart choice. It uses significantly less electricity than a full-sized oven. In fact, studies show air fryers can use up to 75% less energy for small-batch cooking.

Plus, it takes up less counter space than a toaster oven or microwave. For dorm rooms, RVs, or tiny kitchens, this compact powerhouse is a no-brainer. And since it doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen like an oven does, it’s perfect for summer cooking.

What You Need: Ingredients and Equipment

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make air fryer Cheddar Bay biscuits. In fact, most of what you need is probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of 8–10 biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (or frozen grated butter)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 3/4 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 large egg (optional, for extra richness)

Pro tip: Use sharp cheddar for that bold, tangy flavor. Mild cheddar works, but sharp gives you that restaurant-quality punch.

Equipment Checklist

You don’t need a lot of gear, but having the right tools makes a difference:

• Air fryer (any size, but 5–6 quart works best for 8–10 biscuits)
• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting in butter)
• Rolling pin or wine bottle (if rolling dough)
• Biscuit cutter or glass (2.5–3 inch diameter)
• Small bowl and brush (for egg wash or butter glaze)
• Parchment paper or air fryer liner (optional but helpful)

Note: If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use two forks or your fingertips. Just work quickly so the butter stays cold—this is key for flaky layers.

Substitutions and Dietary Tweaks

Not everyone can eat dairy or gluten. No problem! Here are a few easy swaps:

• Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cheese (like almond- or soy-based cheddar). Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tsp lemon juice.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if the mix doesn’t include it.
• Egg-free: Skip the egg or use 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water as a binder.

One reader told me she made these for her vegan niece using all the swaps above—and everyone at the table, including her meat-and-potatoes husband, loved them. That’s the power of good flavor!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. This ensures even flavor distribution. Pro tip: Sift the flour if it’s lumpy—it makes for lighter biscuits.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Why cold butter? It creates steam when heated, which lifts the layers and gives you that flaky texture. If the butter melts too soon, your biscuits will be dense.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Wet Ingredients

Stir in the shredded cheddar. Then, make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk (and egg, if using). Mix gently with a fork or spatula just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix! Overworking the dough develops gluten, which makes biscuits tough.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll it to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut straight down—don’t twist! Twisting seals the edges and prevents rising. You should get 8–10 biscuits.

Pro tip: For extra height, stack the scraps and re-roll once. But don’t re-roll more than once—it makes the dough tough.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Here’s where the magic happens:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
• Line the basket with parchment paper (optional, but prevents sticking).
• Place 4–5 biscuits in the basket, leaving space between them so air can circulate.
• Cook for 6 minutes, then rotate the basket or flip the biscuits (if needed).
• Cook 2–3 more minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Internal temp check: Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean. If the tops brown too fast, cover with a small piece of foil.

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter (The Secret Weapon)

While the biscuits cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley. As soon as the biscuits come out, brush them generously with this mixture. This is what gives them that restaurant-style shine and flavor.

Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. The cheese will be molten inside—handle with love!

Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

• Biscuits are too dry: You might have overmixed or used too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup, then leveling off. And mix just until combined.
• Biscuits didn’t rise: Old baking powder or warm butter. Check your baking powder’s expiration date, and keep butter cold.
• Bottoms are burnt: Air fryers vary in heat. Try lowering the temp to 360°F or using parchment paper.
• Uneven browning: Rotate the basket halfway through. Some air fryers have hot spots.

Batch Cooking and Reheating

Want to make a big batch? Cook in batches, but don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave at least 1/2 inch between biscuits. You can keep unbaked biscuits in the fridge for up to 2 days—just add 1–2 minutes to cook time.

To reheat leftovers: Place in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh! Microwaving makes them soggy, so avoid it.

Flavor Boosters and Variations

Once you master the basics, get creative:

• Herb lovers: Add 1/2 tsp dried dill or chives.
• Spicy kick: Mix in 1/4 tsp cayenne or diced jalapeños.
• Everything bagel twist: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
• Mini muffins: Use a mini muffin tin in the air fryer for bite-sized snacks.

My personal favorite? A sprinkle of smoked paprika in the garlic butter. It adds a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with cheese.

How They Compare: Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Store-Bought

Texture and Taste Showdown

After testing all three methods, here’s what I found:

• Air fryer: Crisp, golden crust with a soft, fluffy interior. The cheese melts evenly, and the garlic butter soaks in beautifully. Fastest cook time.
• Oven: Slightly more even rise, but takes longer (12–15 minutes). Risk of drying out if left too long.
• Store-bought (frozen): Convenient, but often dry and bland. Lacks the fresh, buttery aroma of homemade.

One night, I served oven-baked biscuits to my in-laws and air fryer biscuits to my kids. Both groups loved theirs—but the kids finished theirs first and asked for seconds. That’s a win in my book.

Time and Energy Comparison

Here’s a quick data table to show the differences:

Method	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Energy Use
Air Fryer	10 minutes	8 minutes	18 minutes	Low
Oven	10 minutes	12–15 minutes (plus 15 min preheat)	37–40 minutes	High
Store-Bought (Frozen)	2 minutes (unwrapping)	10–12 minutes (air fryer/oven)	12–14 minutes	Medium

As you can see, the air fryer wins on speed and efficiency. And since it uses less energy, it’s better for the planet and your wallet.

Cost Breakdown

Homemade biscuits cost about $0.25 per biscuit. Store-bought frozen ones? Around $0.75–$1.00 each. That’s a savings of $0.50–$0.75 per biscuit—plus, you get better flavor and no preservatives.

One reader told me she switched to air fryer biscuits to save money during inflation. “I make a batch every Sunday,” she said. “It’s cheaper than buying bread, and my kids love them.”

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Today

So, can you make Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. This method is fast, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food, these biscuits are a must-try.

They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even as a side for soup. And once you add that garlic butter glaze? Game over. My husband calls them “crack biscuits” because he can’t stop eating them.

The best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro. Just follow the steps, keep the butter cold, and don’t overmix. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have warm, cheesy, golden-brown biscuits that taste like comfort in every bite.

So go ahead—fire up that air fryer. Your taste buds will thank you. And who knows? You might just start a new tradition. One reader told me her family now makes these every Sunday morning. “It’s our little ritual,” she said. “And it makes the house smell amazing.”

Now that’s what I call a win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer! This method yields flaky, golden biscuits in less time than traditional baking.

How long do you cook Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer?

Cook store-bought or homemade Cheddar Bay biscuits at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model and biscuit size.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer?

Reheat biscuits at 325°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness and warmth. The air fryer prevents sogginess compared to microwaving.

Do air fryer Cheddar Bay biscuits taste as good as oven-baked ones?

Air fryer biscuits are just as flavorful and cheesy, with a crispier exterior. The texture is slightly lighter, making them a fan favorite for quick snacks.

Can you cook frozen Cheddar Bay biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fry frozen biscuits at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, no thawing needed. They’ll be perfectly golden and fluffy inside.

Do I need to adjust the recipe for air fryer Cheddar Bay biscuits?

No adjustments are needed for homemade recipes—just reduce the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning in the air fryer.