Can Biscuits Air Fryer Perfectly Crispy Every Time

Yes, you can biscuits air fryer to golden, crispy perfection every time—this kitchen hack delivers flaky layers and a crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying. With precise temperature control and fast, even heating, air fryers transform canned or homemade biscuits into a quick, delicious treat in under 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Preheat your air fryer for evenly crispy biscuits every time.
• Space biscuits properly to ensure optimal air circulation and crispiness.
• Flip halfway through cooking for uniform browning and texture.
• Adjust time/temp based on biscuit size and air fryer model.
• Use parchment liners to prevent sticking without extra oil.
• Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, especially with dark pans.

Why Air Frying Biscuits Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest—biscuits are one of those comfort foods that instantly make a meal feel warm and homey. Whether you’re enjoying them with breakfast, using them as a base for mini sandwiches, or smothering them in butter and jam, they’re a go-to for many of us. But here’s the thing: baking biscuits in a traditional oven can be time-consuming, and sometimes the results are… less than perfect. They might be undercooked in the center, or the bottoms burn while the tops stay pale. That’s where the can biscuits air fryer combo comes in, and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer.

I remember the first time I tried making canned biscuits in my air fryer. I was skeptical. I mean, how could something so convenient possibly deliver that golden, flaky, crispy perfection we all crave? But after just one batch, I was hooked. The outside was beautifully crisp, the inside tender and fluffy, and the whole thing took less than half the time of oven baking. No preheating, no babysitting, no uneven heat zones. Just pop the biscuits in, set the timer, and walk away. That’s when I realized: yes, you really can cook can biscuits in an air fryer—and they can come out perfectly crispy every single time, if you know how.

How the Air Fryer Transforms Canned Biscuits

The Science Behind the Crisp

So, what makes the air fryer so effective for canned biscuits? It’s all about rapid, circulating hot air. Unlike a conventional oven, which heats the air slowly and relies on conduction through the baking sheet, an air fryer uses a powerful fan to blast hot air around the food at high speed. This creates a convection effect that crisps the outside quickly while still cooking the inside evenly.

For canned biscuits, this means the outer layers develop a golden, slightly crisp crust—almost like a deep-fried texture—without the need for oil. The moisture inside the dough turns to steam, which helps the biscuit rise and stay fluffy. It’s the best of both worlds: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

One thing I’ve noticed is that air fryers don’t just cook faster—they also reduce the risk of overcooking. Because the heat is so focused and consistent, you’re less likely to end up with a dry or rubbery biscuit. And since most canned biscuits (like Pillsbury or Great Value) are pre-sized and uniform, they cook evenly in the air fryer basket with minimal fuss.

Why This Beats the Oven

Let’s compare: in the oven, you typically preheat for 10–15 minutes, then bake for 10–12 minutes at 350°F–400°F. That’s 20–25 minutes total. In an air fryer, you skip preheating (or only do it for 2–3 minutes), and cook for just 6–9 minutes at 330°F–350°F. That’s a time savings of up to 50%.

Plus, air fryers use less energy and heat up your kitchen less—especially helpful in the summer. And because the basket is compact, heat doesn’t escape as much as it does in a large oven cavity. This efficiency means your biscuits spend less time cooking and more time on the plate.

Another win? Cleanup. No baking sheet to scrub. Just wipe down the basket or toss it in the dishwasher (if it’s dishwasher-safe). For busy mornings or last-minute snacks, this convenience is priceless.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Can Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Choosing Your Biscuits and Air Fryer

Not all canned biscuits are created equal, and not all air fryers are the same size. First, make sure you’re using refrigerated canned biscuits—the kind you pop open with a satisfying “ping.” Popular brands include Pillsbury Grands, Immaculate Baking, and store brands like Kroger or Safeway. Avoid frozen biscuits unless your air fryer specifically supports them (most don’t handle frozen dough well without thawing first).

Next, check your air fryer’s capacity. A standard 3.5- to 5-quart basket can usually fit 4–6 biscuits, depending on size. If you’re using Pillsbury Grands, which are about 3 inches wide, I recommend cooking 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding traps steam and leads to soggy, uneven results.

Prepping and Arranging the Biscuits

Here’s my go-to method:

• Lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil. This prevents sticking and enhances browning.
• Separate the biscuits and place them in the basket in a single layer. Leave about ½ inch between each to allow air circulation.
• Brush the tops with butter or milk (optional but recommended). This adds flavor and helps them brown more evenly. I usually use melted butter for a richer taste.
• Don’t flatten them! Canned biscuits are designed to rise. Pressing them down ruins the texture.

Pro tip: If your air fryer has a “shake” or “flip” reminder halfway through, use it. But for biscuits, I usually skip flipping because the bottoms cook well from direct contact with the basket. Just give the basket a gentle shake at the 5-minute mark to redistribute heat if needed.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Set your air fryer to 330°F to 350°F. I’ve found 340°F is the sweet spot for most models. Here’s a quick reference:

• Small biscuits (store brand, 2.5” diameter): 6–7 minutes
• Medium (Pillsbury Grands, 3”): 7–8 minutes
• Jumbo or flaky layers: 8–9 minutes

Start checking at 6 minutes. The biscuits are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, you can lower the temperature to 320°F for the last 1–2 minutes.

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t open the basket too early. The temperature drops sharply, and it can deflate your biscuits. Wait until at least 5 minutes in before peeking.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see—and I’ve made it too. You want to cook all 8 biscuits at once, but your air fryer only has room for 4. So you squish them in. Result? Steam builds up, the biscuits stick together, and the ones in the middle stay doughy.

Solution: Cook in batches. Yes, it takes a few extra minutes, but the quality difference is worth it. If you’re in a rush, cook 5–6, but leave extra space. The air needs to flow freely to crisp the surface.

Ignoring the Temperature Settings

Not all air fryers heat the same. A 350°F setting on one model might feel like 370°F on another. I once used a new air fryer without adjusting and ended up with charred bottoms and raw centers.

Solution: Know your machine. Start with a lower temperature (330°F) and shorter time (6 minutes). Then adjust up or down based on results. Keep a little notebook or sticky note with your “perfect settings” for each type of biscuit.

Forgetting to Grease the Basket

Even non-stick baskets can cause sticking, especially if the biscuits have been refrigerated for a while. I’ve had biscuits rip when I tried to pry them off—total heartbreak.

Solution: Use a light coating of oil, cooking spray, or even a parchment liner (if your air fryer allows it). Parchment liners are great for cleanup, but make sure they don’t block airflow. I prefer silicone liners for biscuits—they’re reusable and fit snugly.

Not Letting Biscuits Rest

After cooking, it’s tempting to grab a biscuit immediately. But hot biscuits are delicate. Pulling them out too soon can cause them to collapse or stick.

Solution: Let them sit in the basket for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the structure to set. Then use a silicone spatula to gently lift them out. They’ll be easier to handle and less likely to break.

Creative Ways to Use Air-Fried Biscuits

Breakfast Boosters

Air-fried biscuits are perfect for busy mornings. Here are a few of my favorite quick ideas:

• Biscuit breakfast sandwiches: Split a biscuit, add a fried egg, cheese, and a slice of bacon. Ready in under 10 minutes.
• Biscuit French toast: Dip a biscuit in egg mixture (egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla), air fry for 3–4 minutes per side. Top with syrup or fruit.
• Mini parfaits: Crumble a cooled biscuit into a cup, layer with yogurt and berries. Like a deconstructed biscuit shortcake.

I once made these for a weekend brunch and my guests thought I’d spent hours baking. Nope—just 8 minutes in the air fryer!

Snack and Lunch Hacks

Who says biscuits are just for breakfast? Try these:

• Mini pizza bites: Top split biscuits with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Air fry for 3 minutes at 350°F until cheese melts.
• Ham and cheese sliders: Use a whole biscuit as a bun. Add sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and a smear of Dijon mustard.
• Biscuit nachos: Cut a biscuit into wedges, air fry until crispy, then top with cheese, beans, salsa, and sour cream.

These are great for kids’ lunches or game-day snacks. And because the biscuits are already cooked, you’re just heating and assembling.

Sweet Twists

Don’t stop at savory! Sweet biscuits are amazing too.

• Stuffed cinnamon biscuits: Mix cinnamon and sugar, roll out a biscuit, sprinkle filling, roll up, and air fry. Brush with butter and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar.
• Banana biscuit boats: Split a biscuit, fill with banana slices and chocolate chips, air fry for 6 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.
• Ice cream biscuit sandwiches: Let biscuits cool, slice in half, add a scoop of ice cream, and freeze for 30 minutes. Heaven in a bite.

I’ve even made “biscuit s’mores”—split a biscuit, add graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow, and chocolate, then air fry for 2 minutes. The marshmallow puffs up perfectly!

Data Table: Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Guide

Biscuit Type	Size	Air Fryer Temp (°F)	Cook Time (min)	Notes
Store Brand (Small)	2.5”	330	6–7	Great for kids or snacks. Light browning.
Pillsbury Grands	3.0”	340	7–8	Ideal for breakfast sandwiches. Brush with butter.
Immaculate Baking	3.0”	340	7–8	Organic, flakier texture. Slightly longer cook.
Flaky Layer (Jumbo)	3.5”	350	8–9	Check center with toothpick. May need shake at 5 min.
Buttermilk (Homestyle)	3.0”	330	7–8	Darker crust. Reduce temp if browning too fast.

This table is based on my testing across three air fryer models (Cosori, Ninja, Instant Vortex). Times may vary slightly depending on your specific unit, so use it as a starting point and adjust as needed.

The Bottom Line: Yes, You Can Biscuits Air Fryer to Perfection

After months of testing, experimenting, and yes, even a few burnt batches, I can confidently say: can biscuits air fryer cooking is not just possible—it’s often better than oven baking. You get speed, crispiness, and convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The key is understanding your air fryer and following a few simple rules: don’t overcrowd, use the right temperature, grease the basket, and let the biscuits rest. Once you master those, you’ll be making perfect, golden, flaky biscuits in under 10 minutes—no preheating, no fuss.

And the best part? The versatility. From breakfast sandwiches to sweet desserts, air-fried biscuits can do it all. They’re not just a shortcut—they’re a creative tool. I’ve used them in casseroles, turned them into croutons, and even made biscuit “crusts” for mini quiches.

So if you’ve been hesitant to try canned biscuits in your air fryer, take the leap. Grab a can, fire up your machine, and see for yourself. You might just find that your mornings (and snacks, and lunches) will never be the same. And hey, if you burn the first batch? Don’t worry. I’ve been there. Just adjust the time, try again, and enjoy the crispy, buttery reward that awaits.

Happy air frying—and happy biscuit eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can biscuits be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, biscuits can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer! The circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, making the can biscuits air fryer method a quick and reliable option.

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

Most canned biscuits take 8–12 minutes at 320°F (160°C) in an air fryer. Check for a golden-brown top and a fully cooked center to ensure they’re done.

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

Preheating for 3–5 minutes helps achieve even cooking and a crispier texture, but it’s not mandatory. Skipping preheat may add 1–2 minutes to the total cook time.

Can you stack canned biscuits in an air fryer?

No, avoid stacking—air fryers rely on airflow. Place biscuits in a single layer with space between them to ensure even browning and consistent results every time.

Why are my air-fried canned biscuits dry or burnt?

This usually happens from cooking at too high a temperature or overcooking. Stick to 320°F (160°C) and check biscuits 1–2 minutes before the recipe’s suggested time.

Can you use the can biscuits air fryer method for frozen biscuits?

Yes, frozen biscuits work well—just add 2–4 minutes to the cook time. No need to thaw; place them directly in the air fryer and monitor for doneness.