Can You Put Biscuits in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can put biscuits in an air fryer—and they come out perfectly golden, flaky, and ready in under 10 minutes. This quick, mess-free method delivers oven-quality results with less preheating and more consistent browning, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry biscuits: Achieve crispy outsides and fluffy insides with ease.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even cooking and optimal texture every time.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup effortlessly.
• Space biscuits apart: Allows hot air to circulate for uniform browning.
• Adjust time and temperature: Follow package guidelines, typically 320°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Check for doneness early: Air fryers vary—monitor to avoid overcooking.

Can You Put Biscuits in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest—air fryers have taken over our kitchens. They promise crispy, golden perfection with less oil, less mess, and less time. And while we’ve all tried them with chicken wings, fries, and even donuts, one question keeps popping up: can you put biscuits in an air fryer?

Maybe you’re standing in your kitchen with a can of Pillsbury Grands in one hand and your air fryer basket in the other. Or perhaps you’ve got a batch of homemade drop biscuits ready to go. You’re not alone. Thousands of home cooks are asking the same thing—and the answer is a resounding yes. But like any kitchen experiment, it’s not just about tossing them in and hitting “start.” There’s a sweet spot between golden, flaky perfection and a dry, rubbery disappointment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from store-bought to homemade, timing tips, troubleshooting, and even some creative variations. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just unboxing your first model, this guide will help you bake the perfect biscuit every time.

Why Air Fryers Are Great for Biscuits (And When They’re Not)

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly. This method mimics deep frying—without the oil. For biscuits, this means a chance to get that golden-brown crust and fluffy interior we all love, but in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Biscuits

When you bake biscuits in an oven, heat radiates from the top and bottom elements, slowly cooking the dough from the outside in. An air fryer, on the other hand, uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food. This creates a convection effect, which means your biscuits cook more evenly and develop a crispier exterior. The result? A biscuit with a slightly crunchy outside and a tender, airy inside—perfect for slathering with butter, jam, or gravy.

But here’s the catch: air fryers are smaller than ovens, so you’re working with less space and more concentrated heat. That means timing and spacing are critical. Overcrowding leads to steamed, undercooked biscuits. Too much heat, and the outside burns before the inside is done.

Pros of Using an Air Fryer for Biscuits

• Speed: Most biscuits cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 in a conventional oven.
• Even browning: The circulating air helps achieve a consistent golden crust.
• Energy efficient: Air fryers use less electricity and preheat in seconds.
• Perfect for small batches: Great when you only want 2–4 biscuits without heating up the whole oven.

Cons and Limitations

• Size limitations: Most air fryers hold 3–4 standard-sized biscuits at once. Larger models (6+ quarts) can handle 6, but even then, you might need to cook in batches.
• Texture variation: Air fryers can dry out biscuits if overcooked or if the dough is too lean (low fat).
• Less rise: Without the gentle heat of an oven, some biscuits may not puff as high.
• Not ideal for delicate pastries: While great for drop biscuits and canned dough, flaky layered biscuits (like scones or croissants) may suffer from uneven cooking.

Pro tip: If you’re using a smaller air fryer (3.5–4.5 quarts), cook in batches. Trying to cram too many biscuits in will block airflow and lead to uneven results. Think of it like a dance—every biscuit needs room to spin.

How to Cook Store-Bought Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Let’s start with the easiest route: canned biscuits. Whether it’s Pillsbury, Great Value, or Trader Joe’s, these are a weeknight savior. And yes—they work beautifully in an air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C). This is the sweet spot. Too high, and the outside burns; too low, and they dry out.
2. Remove biscuits from the can and separate them. Gently pull them apart to avoid deflating the dough.
3. Place them in the air fryer basket with space between each. Leave at least ½ inch on all sides. No overlapping!
4. Lightly spray or brush with oil (optional). This helps with browning. Use olive oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter.
5. Cook for 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway through (at 4–5 minutes) for even browning.
6. Check for doneness. The biscuits should be golden brown and puffed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

I tried this with Pillsbury Grands last week, and my kids devoured them. The outside had a slight crisp—like a mini croissant—and the inside was soft and buttery. My only mistake? Not flipping them. One side was slightly paler. Lesson learned.

Timing Chart for Popular Canned Biscuits

Biscuit Type	Preheat Temp	Cook Time	Flip?	Notes
Pillsbury Grands	325°F	8–10 min	Yes	Brush with butter after cooking for extra shine
Great Value Buttermilk	325°F	9–11 min	Yes	May brown faster; check at 8 min
Trader Joe’s Buttermilk	325°F	8–10 min	Yes	Smaller size; cook 3–4 at a time
Jumbo or Flaky Varieties	320°F	10–12 min	Yes	Lower temp prevents burning

Tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty for 3–5 minutes at 325°F before adding biscuits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the flip: Air fryers heat from the top and sides. Flipping ensures even color.
• Overcrowding: This is the #1 reason for soggy biscuits. Air needs to circulate.
• High heat: Cranking it to 400°F will burn the outside before the inside cooks.
• Not checking early: Ovens and air fryers vary. Start checking at 7 minutes.

One reader told me she tried cooking 6 biscuits in a 5-quart fryer. The result? Three were perfect, two were undercooked, and one was burnt. After adjusting to 4 biscuits and flipping, her next batch was spot-on. Small changes, big results.

Cooking Homemade Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Now, let’s level up. Homemade biscuits are a game-changer—flaky, buttery, and customizable. But can you put homemade biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely. But it takes a little more finesse.

Preparing Your Dough

The key is consistency. Your dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape when dropped. Too wet, and it spreads. Too dry, and it crumbles.

Here’s a simple drop biscuit recipe that works great in the air fryer:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter (cut into small pieces)
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add buttermilk and stir just until combined. Drop by ¼-cup scoops onto a parchment-lined plate. Chill for 10 minutes (optional but helps prevent spreading).

Air Fryer Tips for Homemade Biscuits

• Chill the dough: Cold dough holds its shape better in the hot air fryer. If your kitchen is warm, chill for 10–15 minutes.
• Use parchment or silicone liner: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Just cut to fit your basket.
• Space them out: Leave at least 1 inch between each biscuit. They’ll spread slightly.
• Cook at 325°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip at 6 minutes. Check for golden tops and a firm bottom.
• Brush with butter after cooking: This adds shine and enhances flavor.

I tested this with a batch of cheddar-chive biscuits. I was nervous—would the cheese burn? Would the herbs dry out? Nope. They came out golden, cheesy, and full of flavor. The only difference from oven-baked? A slightly crispier bottom. Delicious.

Adjusting for Different Dough Types

Not all biscuit doughs are the same. Here’s how to adapt:

• Flaky, layered biscuits (rolled and cut): These can be trickier. The layers may stick together in the intense heat. Try reducing temp to 320°F and cook 11–13 minutes. Flip at 7 minutes.
• Sweet biscuits (cinnamon, fruit, etc.): Add a minute or two to cook time. Sugar browns faster, so watch closely.
• Gluten-free or vegan biscuits: These often lack structure. Use a liner, don’t skip chilling, and cook at 320°F for 10–12 minutes. They may not rise as much.

Pro tip: If your homemade biscuits are browning too fast, tent them loosely with aluminum foil after 7 minutes. This protects the top while the inside finishes cooking.

Creative Ways to Use Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Biscuits aren’t just for breakfast. With an air fryer, you can turn them into snacks, sides, and even desserts. Here are some fun ideas to spark your creativity.

Air Fryer Breakfast Biscuit Sandwiches

Make mini breakfast sandwiches in under 15 minutes:

1. Cook biscuits as usual.
2. While they bake, fry or scramble eggs and cook bacon or sausage in a skillet.
3. Split biscuits and add egg, cheese, and meat.
4. Return to air fryer for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese and warm the sandwich.

My kids love these. I use turkey sausage and egg whites to keep it lighter. The air fryer reheats the sandwich without drying it out—unlike a microwave.

Garlic Butter Biscuit Bites

Perfect for game day or a party:

• Cut canned biscuits into quarters.
• Toss with melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and Parmesan.
• Air fry at 325°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

These are dangerously addictive. I made them for a Super Bowl party and ran out in 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Monkey Bread

Take canned biscuits, cut into 1-inch pieces, and roll in cinnamon-sugar. Toss with melted butter and a splash of vanilla. Layer in a greased air fryer-safe dish (or use a small metal pan that fits). Cook at 325°F for 10–12 minutes. Invert onto a plate and drizzle with glaze. It’s sticky, sweet, and totally worth the mess.

Sweet Variations

• Chocolate chip biscuits: Add mini chocolate chips to homemade dough before baking.
• Lemon-blueberry: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries and a touch of lemon zest.
• Maple-glazed: Brush cooked biscuits with maple syrup and sprinkle with pecans.

One reader told me she used her air fryer to make “biscuit donuts”—cutting biscuits with a small round cutter, frying, and dusting with powdered sugar. Genius.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common biscuit problems in the air fryer.

Biscuits Are Too Dry

This usually happens when:

• The dough was too lean (not enough fat).
• They were cooked too long or at too high a temperature.
• You didn’t brush with butter after cooking.

Solution: Use buttermilk or heavy cream in homemade dough. Stick to 325°F. And always brush with butter or oil right after they come out. A little fat goes a long way in keeping biscuits moist.

Biscuits Are Undercooked in the Middle

This means the outside is golden but the center is doughy.

• Your air fryer may run hot, or you didn’t flip them.
• The dough was too thick or cold.

Solution: Flip halfway. If still undercooked, cover with foil and cook 1–2 minutes more. For homemade, make sure your baking powder is fresh—expired leavening won’t rise properly.

Biscuits Stick to the Basket

Even non-stick baskets can be tricky.

• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• Lightly spray the basket with oil before adding biscuits.
• Don’t force them—let them cool 1 minute before removing.

They’re Burnt on the Outside

High heat is usually the culprit.

• Reduce temp to 320°F.
• Check at 7 minutes.
• Use foil to tent if browning too fast.

I once left a batch in for 15 minutes at 350°F—lesson learned. Now I set a timer for 8 minutes and check early.

They Don’t Rise Much

Air fryers don’t provide the gentle heat that helps biscuits rise fully. But you can help:

• Chill the dough before cooking (this delays rise, giving structure).
• Don’t overwork the dough—handle as little as possible.
• Use cold ingredients (butter, milk).

While they may not reach oven-height, they’ll still be delicious.

Final Tips for Air Fryer Biscuit Success

After testing dozens of batches—canned, homemade, sweet, savory—here are my top takeaways for nailing biscuits in the air fryer.

General Best Practices

• Preheat always. It ensures even cooking from the start.
• Space is key. No crowding. Air must circulate.
• Flip halfway. This is non-negotiable for even browning.
• Use a liner or parchment. Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Brush with butter after cooking. Adds flavor, shine, and moisture.
• Let them rest 1–2 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before eating.

Air Fryer Model Matters

Not all air fryers are created equal. Basket-style models (like Philips or Ninja) work best for biscuits. Oven-style air fryers (with trays) can work, but biscuits may cook unevenly on lower racks. If you have a dual-basket model, use the larger basket for biscuits.

I tested biscuits in three different models: a 4-quart Ninja, a 6-quart Cosori, and a 5-quart Instant Vortex. The Ninja cooked the fastest (8 minutes), but the Cosori gave the most even browning. The Instant Vortex was in the middle. Your results may vary—so always monitor your first batch.

When to Use the Oven Instead

While air fryers are great for small batches, sometimes the oven wins:

• You’re making 8+ biscuits at once.
• You want maximum rise and flakiness (for layered biscuits).
• You’re baking with kids and want less hands-on time.

But for quick, crispy, and convenient—air fryer biscuits are a winner.

So, can you put biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely. Whether you’re using a can of dough or making them from scratch, the air fryer delivers fast, flavorful, and fuss-free results. Just remember: preheat, space, flip, and check early. With a little practice, you’ll be serving up golden, flaky biscuits in minutes—no oven, no stress, no mess.

Next time you’re craving biscuits, skip the oven and reach for your air fryer. Your taste buds (and your energy bill) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer! This method yields crispy outsides and fluffy insides in less time than a conventional oven. Just preheat the air fryer, arrange the biscuits in a single layer, and cook at 330°F (165°C) for 6-8 minutes.

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

For canned biscuits in an air fryer, cook them at 330°F (165°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Exact timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check for golden-brown tops and fully cooked centers.

Do air fryer biscuits cook faster than oven-baked ones?

Yes, biscuits cook faster in an air fryer due to the concentrated hot air circulation. Most biscuits take 6-8 minutes in an air fryer versus 10-12 minutes in a traditional oven, making it a great time-saving option.

Can you put homemade biscuit dough in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Shape your homemade biscuit dough into rounds and place them in a lightly greased air fryer basket. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 7-9 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for biscuits?

Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and better texture. Spend 3-5 minutes preheating to 330°F (165°C) before adding the biscuits for optimal results, especially with thicker or homemade dough.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy biscuits in an air fryer?

To prevent soggy biscuits, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and leave space between each biscuit for air circulation. Lightly spritz the biscuits with oil and flip them halfway through cooking for even crispness.