Can Canned Biscuits Be Cooked in an Air Fryer Find Out Now

Yes, canned biscuits can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer, delivering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior in less time than conventional ovens. Simply preheat the air fryer to 330°F, place biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes—no thawing or special prep required for delicious, golden results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, canned biscuits cook perfectly in an air fryer with crispy, golden results.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and optimal texture every time.
• Space biscuits apart to prevent sticking and ensure uniform puffing.
• Cook at 320°F for 8-10 minutes—adjust time based on your air fryer model.
• Flip halfway through for evenly browned tops and bottoms.
• Use parchment liners to avoid mess and simplify cleanup after cooking.

Why Air Frying Canned Biscuits Might Be Your New Kitchen Hack

Let’s face it—weekend mornings can be a blur of half-asleep kids, barking dogs, and that one coffee mug you can never find. You want something warm, flaky, and satisfying for breakfast, but you don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. Enter canned biscuits: the humble, ready-in-minutes hero of quick meals. But here’s the twist: what if you could make them even faster and with less mess? That’s where your air fryer comes in. You’ve probably air-fried chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and even donuts, but can canned biscuits be cooked in an air fryer? Spoiler: yes, they absolutely can—and the results might just surprise you.

I first tried this on a lazy Sunday when my oven was occupied by a casserole, and I didn’t want to wait. I popped a few canned biscuits into my air fryer, hit the button, and within 10 minutes, I had golden, puffy, perfectly browned biscuits with a crisp exterior and a soft, buttery interior. No oil splatter. No preheating. Just simple, delicious results. Since then, I’ve experimented with brands, temperatures, and even flavor upgrades. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good kitchen shortcut, this method might become your new go-to.

How Air Frying Canned Biscuits Works (And Why It’s Better Than the Oven)

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a convection effect that mimics deep frying—without the oil. This same principle applies beautifully to canned biscuits. Instead of waiting 15–20 minutes in a conventional oven, air frying cuts the time down significantly while delivering a more even browning and a crispier crust. But how exactly does it work, and why might it be superior?

The Science Behind the Crisp

When you place a canned biscuit in the air fryer, the intense, circulating heat quickly activates the leavening agents (like baking powder) in the dough. This causes the biscuits to rise rapidly while the outer layer forms a golden, slightly crunchy crust. Unlike ovens, which heat gradually, air fryers reach high temperatures almost instantly. This rapid heat transfer ensures that the outside browns before the inside overcooks.

Think of it like this: an oven is like a slow-moving train—it takes time to get going, but once it’s hot, it stays steady. An air fryer is more like a sprinter—fast off the blocks, with consistent momentum. For canned biscuits, that speed means less chance of drying out and a more consistent texture throughout.

Time and Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of air frying canned biscuits is time. A typical oven needs 10–12 minutes to preheat before you can even start cooking. Add in the 12–15 minutes of baking, and you’re looking at nearly 30 minutes from start to finish. With an air fryer, you skip the preheat. Most models heat up in 2–3 minutes, and cooking takes only 8–10 minutes. That’s a total of 10–13 minutes—less than half the time.

Plus, air fryers use less energy than ovens. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, small countertop appliances like air fryers can save up to 75% in energy compared to full-sized ovens. So not only do you get your biscuits faster, but you also save on your electricity bill.

Texture and Taste: The Air Fryer Advantage

Let’s talk texture. Oven-baked canned biscuits can sometimes turn out a bit pale or soggy on the bottom, especially if the pan isn’t greased properly. Air-fried biscuits, on the other hand, cook evenly on all sides. The hot air circulates underneath and around the biscuits, preventing that dreaded “soggy bottom” syndrome.

Many people also report that air-fried biscuits have a slightly crispier exterior—almost like a cross between a traditional biscuit and a croissant. The inside remains soft and flaky, with a buttery, tender crumb. If you love a bit of crunch with your breakfast, this method delivers.

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

Now that you know the why, let’s get into the how. Cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer is incredibly simple, but a few small tweaks can make the difference between “meh” and “wow.” Here’s my tried-and-true method.

What You’ll Need

• A can of refrigerated biscuits (any brand—Pillsbury, Great Value, etc.)
• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Non-stick spray, parchment paper, or air fryer liners (optional)
• Small bowl for brushing (optional, for butter or egg wash)
• Spatula or tongs

No fancy tools required. Just your trusty air fryer and a can of biscuits from the fridge.

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits

Pop open the can and separate the biscuits. Don’t worry about spacing them out perfectly—they’ll expand during cooking. If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, you may need to cook in batches. I usually fit 4–5 regular-sized biscuits in my 5.8-quart model.

Pro tip: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or use a silicone liner to prevent sticking. If you’re using parchment paper, make sure it’s perforated or has holes for air circulation—otherwise, the biscuits won’t cook evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)

While air fryers don’t require a full preheat like ovens, a quick 2–3 minute preheat at 350°F (175°C) helps ensure consistent results. This is especially important if you live in a cooler climate or your kitchen is drafty.

If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but I’ve found that preheating leads to better browning and fluffier biscuits.

Step 3: Arrange and Cook

Place the biscuits in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Overcrowding blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. I like to leave about ½ inch between biscuits.

Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. After 6 minutes, pause the air fryer and check the color. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can flip them (though this isn’t always necessary). Most modern air fryers brown evenly enough that flipping isn’t needed, but it’s a good safety check.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

The biscuits are done when they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Avoid overcooking, or they’ll dry out.

Once done, carefully remove them with a spatula or tongs. Let them cool for 1–2 minutes before serving—they’re piping hot!

Bonus: Flavor Upgrades

Want to jazz them up? Try brushing the tops with melted butter right after cooking, then sprinkle with:

• Garlic powder + parsley (for savory garlic biscuits)
• Cinnamon + sugar (for a sweet twist)
• Everything bagel seasoning (my personal favorite)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (add in the last 2 minutes of cooking)

These small tweaks turn basic biscuits into restaurant-worthy treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. I’ve made a few mistakes over the years—and learned from them. Here are the most common issues when air frying canned biscuits and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 error I see. People try to fit all 8 biscuits from the can into a small air fryer. Bad idea. When biscuits are too close, steam builds up, and they cook unevenly. Some stay raw in the center while others burn on the outside.

Solution: Cook in batches. It’s better to wait 10 minutes for a second batch than to serve undercooked biscuits. Most air fryers can handle 4–6 biscuits at once, depending on size.

Mistake 2: Not Using Enough Heat

Some people set the air fryer to 300°F or lower, thinking it’ll prevent burning. But canned biscuits need high heat to rise and brown properly. Low temperatures lead to dense, pale, and rubbery results.

Solution: Stick to 350°F–375°F. If your biscuits brown too fast, reduce time slightly (7–8 minutes), not temperature.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Grease (or Using Too Much)

Air fryers are non-stick, but biscuits—especially buttery ones—can still stick. But over-greasing can make them greasy and soggy.

Solution: Use a light spray of non-stick oil or a silicone liner. Avoid pouring oil directly on the biscuits. A quick spritz on the basket is enough.

Mistake 4: Overcooking

Air fryers cook fast. Leaving biscuits in for 12+ minutes at 350°F will dry them out. I once forgot to set a timer and ended up with hockey pucks. Not fun.

Solution: Set a timer for 8 minutes, then check. If they’re golden, they’re done. If not, add 1–2 more minutes. Remember: it’s easier to cook more than to fix overcooked biscuits.

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Type of Biscuit

Not all canned biscuits are created equal. Jumbo, flaky, or “grand” biscuits take longer to cook. Mini biscuits cook faster. If you use jumbo biscuits, you may need 10–12 minutes instead of 8.

Solution: Adjust time based on size. Check the packaging for recommended oven times—air fryer times are usually 20–30% shorter.

Air Fryer Canned Biscuit Variations: Beyond Basic

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. Canned biscuits are a blank canvas for flavor and fun. Here are some of my favorite air fryer variations that go way beyond plain butter and jam.

Savory Twists

• Breakfast Sliders: Split cooked biscuits, add a fried egg, slice of ham, and a dollop of hot sauce. Instant breakfast sandwich.
• Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Brush with garlic butter, top with shredded cheddar, and air fry for the last 2 minutes until melted.
• Mini Pizzas: Press each biscuit flat, top with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Air fry 6–8 minutes. Kids love these!

I made the mini pizzas for my nephew’s birthday, and he asked for seconds—then thirds. They’re fun, customizable, and perfect for picky eaters.

Sweet Upgrades

• Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Aparts: Cut biscuits into quarters, toss in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar. Air fry 8 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.
• Biscuit Donuts: Cut a hole in the center (use a small lid or bottle cap), air fry 7 minutes. Glaze with powdered sugar or chocolate.
• Berry Turnovers: Flatten a biscuit, add a spoon of jam or fresh berries, fold over, and crimp edges. Air fry 9 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.

The berry turnovers were a game-changer for me. I used leftover blueberries from my garden, and they turned out so well that my husband thought I bought them from a bakery.

International Flair

• Mexican Chorizo Biscuits: Mix cooked chorizo with cheese, stuff into biscuit halves, and air fry. Top with salsa.
• Japanese Mochi Biscuits: Brush with sweet soy glaze and top with sesame seeds. A fun fusion snack.

These are great for themed dinner nights or when you’re craving something different. The chorizo version pairs perfectly with a spicy Bloody Mary on weekends.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To really answer the question “can canned biscuits be cooked in an air fryer,” let’s compare it to the traditional oven method. I tested both side by side using the same brand and batch of biscuits.

Factor	Air Fryer (350°F)	Oven (375°F)
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes	10–12 minutes
Cooking Time	8–10 minutes	12–15 minutes
Total Time	10–13 minutes	22–27 minutes
Texture	Crisp exterior, soft interior	Evenly cooked, slightly softer
Browning	Golden brown all over	Even, but may need rotation
Energy Use	~0.5 kWh	~1.5 kWh
Ease of Use	No preheat, minimal cleanup	Preheat required, more cleanup

The results? The air fryer won on speed, energy efficiency, and crispiness. The oven produced slightly more uniform browning, but required more time and attention. For everyday use, the air fryer is the clear winner—especially when you’re short on time.

That said, the oven is still better for large batches (like feeding a crowd) or if you’re cooking other items simultaneously. But for quick, individual servings, the air fryer shines.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Trying?

So, can canned biscuits be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely—and they’re better for it. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or just someone who loves a good kitchen hack, this method delivers fast, delicious, and consistently great results. No more waiting for the oven. No more soggy bottoms. Just golden, flaky biscuits in under 15 minutes.

I’ve used this trick for everything from weekday breakfasts to impromptu brunches with friends. It’s reliable, easy, and surprisingly versatile. Plus, it opens the door to creative recipes you might not have tried before—like cinnamon sugar pull-aparts or chorizo-stuffed biscuits.

Of course, it’s not perfect. You’ll need to watch the time to avoid overcooking, and larger biscuits may need a few extra minutes. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature—like making toast or scrambling eggs.

So go ahead—grab a can of biscuits, fire up your air fryer, and give it a try. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you. And who knows? You might just find yourself air frying everything from canned cinnamon rolls to frozen empanadas. The possibilities are endless.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can canned biscuits be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, canned biscuits can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer! They turn out golden, flaky, and ready in less time than an oven. Just adjust the temperature and time for best results.

What temperature should I use to air fry canned biscuits?

Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for canned biscuits. This ensures even browning without burning the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

How long do canned biscuits take in an air fryer?

Canned biscuits typically take 8–10 minutes in an air fryer. Flip them halfway through for even cooking, and check for a golden-brown top before removing.

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

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 320°F (160°C) helps cook canned biscuits more evenly. Skipping this step may result in undercooked or unevenly browned biscuits.

Can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer without oil?

Yes, canned biscuits don’t require added oil when air frying. Their own fat content is enough to make them golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.

Why are my air-fried canned biscuits burnt on the outside but raw inside?

This usually happens if the air fryer is overcrowded or the temperature is too high. Cook in a single layer and stick to 320°F (160°C), flipping halfway for balanced results.