Can Frozen Biscuits Be Cooked in Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, frozen biscuits can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer, delivering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior in under 15 minutes. No need to thaw—just preheat, place biscuits in a single layer, and air fry at 330°F for 8–12 minutes for a quick, mess-free breakfast or side. This method saves time and energy while achieving bakery-quality results.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, cook frozen biscuits in air fryer—no thawing needed for quick, crispy results.
• Preheat air fryer to ensure even baking and golden-brown tops.
• Space biscuits apart to allow proper air circulation and consistent cooking.
• Cook 10–15 minutes at 320°F–350°F, checking halfway for doneness.
• Brush with butter post-cook for enhanced flavor and a glossy finish.

Why Air Frying Frozen Biscuits Might Be Your New Go-To Hack

Let’s be honest: mornings are hectic. Between getting kids ready, packing lunches, and trying to sip coffee before it goes cold, who has time to bake fresh biscuits from scratch? That’s why frozen biscuits have been a staple in many households for years. They’re convenient, affordable, and—when done right—can taste almost as good as homemade. But here’s the real game-changer: can frozen biscuits be cooked in air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, and it might just revolutionize your breakfast routine.

I first tried cooking frozen biscuits in my air fryer on a lazy Sunday morning. I had a box of store-bought Pillsbury Grands sitting in the freezer, and my oven was already full of pancakes. Desperate for a quick side, I popped a few biscuits into the air fryer basket, set the timer, and held my breath. What came out? Golden, puffy, flaky perfection—crisp on the outside, tender inside, and ready in under 15 minutes. No preheating, no soggy bottoms, no mess. That moment sparked my obsession with air frying frozen dough, and I’ve been experimenting ever since. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves fast, tasty food, this method is worth your attention.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Perfect for Frozen Biscuits)

Understanding Air Fryer Mechanics

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Air fryers use rapid air circulation and high heat to cook food quickly and evenly. A heating element at the top warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes it down through the food in a swirling motion. This mimics the crisping effect of deep frying—without the oil. Think of it like a mini convection oven, but faster and more efficient.

For frozen biscuits, this is ideal. The intense, direct heat hits the cold dough and starts the rising process immediately. The hot air circulates all around the biscuit, cooking the exterior while the inside stays moist and fluffy. Unlike a microwave (which turns biscuits soggy) or a conventional oven (which takes 20+ minutes), the air fryer strikes a perfect balance between speed and texture.

Why Frozen Biscuits Thrive in This Environment

• Even heat distribution: No hot spots mean no burnt edges or undercooked centers.
• Quick start: No preheating required—your air fryer reaches cooking temperature in 1–2 minutes.
• Minimal oil needed: A light spray or brush of oil adds crispness without making them greasy.
• Compact space: The tight basket forces steam to escape, preventing sogginess.

One thing I love? You can cook 2–4 biscuits at a time without overcrowding, which is a big win for small families or solo eaters. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, you can batch-cook in under 30 minutes total. Compare that to an oven, which might take 40 minutes including preheat time, and it’s a no-brainer.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Frozen Biscuits

What You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this method: you only need a few things. No special tools or skills required.

• Frozen biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
• Air fryer
• Cooking spray or oil (optional, but recommended)
• Tongs or fork (for handling hot biscuits)
• Plate or cooling rack

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Start by lightly greasing the air fryer basket. Use a non-stick spray (like canola or avocado oil) or brush on a thin layer of olive or vegetable oil. This prevents sticking and helps the crust crisp up beautifully. If you forget, don’t panic—most biscuits won’t stick, but a little oil makes cleanup easier and improves texture.

Step 2: Arrange Biscuits Properly

Place the frozen biscuits in the basket, leaving about ½ inch of space between each one. Overcrowding is the #1 mistake people make. If biscuits touch, they’ll steam instead of crisp, leading to a gummy texture. For standard-sized biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands), 2–3 fit comfortably in a 5-quart air fryer. Smaller ones (like mini buttermilk biscuits) can fit 4–5.

Pro tip: If your air fryer has a wire rack insert, use it! It elevates the biscuits, allowing hot air to circulate underneath and cook the bottoms evenly. No more “doughy bottoms”—a common issue with oven baking.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s where things get flexible. Most frozen biscuits cook best between 320°F and 350°F. I recommend starting at 330°F for 10 minutes, then checking progress. Here’s why:

• Too high (375°F+): Exterior burns before interior cooks.
• Too low (300°F or less): Biscuits steam instead of crisp.

After 10 minutes, flip each biscuit gently using tongs. This ensures even browning on both sides. Return to the basket and cook for another 2–5 minutes, depending on your desired crispness.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

How do you know they’re done? Look for these signs:

• Golden brown exterior (not pale or dark)
• Internal temperature reaches 190°F–200°F (use a meat thermometer if unsure)
• Center is no longer doughy when pressed lightly

Let them cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. This helps the structure set and prevents burns.

Best Practices and Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choosing the Right Frozen Biscuits

Not all frozen biscuits are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Size: Standard (2–3 inches) works best. Avoid mini or jumbo unless you adjust time/temp.
• Ingredients: Check for butter or lard—they crisp better than all-vegetable shortening.
• Brand: Pillsbury Grands, Annie’s, and Trader Joe’s are reliable. Store brands work too!

I’ve had great luck with Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle—they puff up beautifully and have a buttery flavor. For a healthier option, try Annie’s Organic Buttermilk Biscuits. They’re slightly smaller, so reduce time by 1–2 minutes.

Oil vs. No Oil: Which Is Better?

You don’t *need* oil, but a light coating makes a big difference. Here’s my take:

• No oil: Biscuits cook faster (10–12 minutes total), but the crust is softer and less golden.
• With oil: 10–15 minutes total. The crust is crispier, more flavorful, and visually appealing.

For the best of both worlds? Spray the tops only. This gives you a golden crown without making the bottom soggy. If you’re watching calories, skip the oil—just know the texture will be more like steamed biscuits.

Flipping: Yes or No?

Flipping is optional, but I highly recommend it. Here’s why:

• No flip: Bottom cooks faster than top (since heat comes from above). Result: uneven browning.
• With flip: Both sides get direct heat. Result: restaurant-quality crust.

Flip after 10 minutes, when the bottom is golden but the top is still pale. Use tongs or a fork—don’t stab the biscuits, or they’ll deflate.

Batch Cooking for Meal Prep

Love leftovers? Cook 4–6 biscuits at once, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as fresh! I do this every Sunday for weekday breakfasts. Pro tip: Wrap cooled biscuits in foil before storing to retain moisture.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Biscuits Are Burnt on the Outside, Raw Inside

Cause: Temperature too high or no flip.
Solution: Lower temp to 320°F and flip halfway. If it’s already happening, tent the biscuits with foil for the last 2 minutes.

Biscuits Are Soggy or Dense

Cause: Overcrowding, too much oil, or low temp.
Solution: Give each biscuit space. Use a wire rack. Cook at 330°F or higher. If using oil, spray lightly—don’t drench.

Biscuits Stick to the Basket

Cause: No oil or old basket coating.
Solution: Always grease the basket. If sticking persists, line the basket with parchment paper (cut to fit) or use a silicone liner. Avoid non-stick sprays with PFOA—they damage coatings.

Biscuits Don’t Rise Properly

Cause: Old dough or overhandling.
Solution: Check the expiration date on frozen biscuits. Don’t thaw them before cooking—frozen is best. Handle gently when placing in the basket.

Uneven Cooking (One Biscuit Done, Others Raw)

Cause: Irregular basket shape or biscuits touching.
Solution: Rotate the basket halfway through cooking. Use a round air fryer if possible—square baskets have dead corners.

Comparing Methods: Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Microwave

Performance Breakdown

Let’s compare the three most common ways to cook frozen biscuits. I tested Pillsbury Grands using each method and rated them on speed, texture, and convenience.

Method	Time	Texture	Convenience	Best For
Air Fryer	12–15 min (no preheat)	Golden, crisp crust; fluffy inside	★★★★★ (fast, easy cleanup)	Quick breakfasts, small batches
Oven	20–25 min (10 min preheat)	Even rise; slightly softer crust	★★★☆☆ (good for large batches)	Family meals, meal prep
Microwave	2–3 min	Soggy, chewy, no crisp	★★☆☆☆ (fast but disappointing)	Emergency only (e.g., power outage)

When to Choose Each Method

• Air fryer: When you want fast, crispy biscuits without turning on the oven. Perfect for 1–4 people.
• Oven: When cooking 6+ biscuits or using the oven for other dishes. Better for even, large batches.
• Microwave: Only if you’re in a pinch. I’ve used it once—never again.

One reader shared a great tip: “I cook 2 biscuits in the air fryer and the rest in the oven. Best of both worlds!” If you’re feeding a crowd, this hybrid approach saves time without sacrificing quality.

Creative Ways to Use Air-Fried Frozen Biscuits

Beyond Breakfast

Air-fried biscuits aren’t just for breakfast! Here are some fun ideas:

• Biscuit sandwiches: Split and fill with ham, cheese, or fried chicken.
• Mini pizzas: Top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Air fry 3–4 minutes.
• Stuffed biscuits: Hollow out the center and fill with scrambled eggs or sausage.
• Sweet treats: Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve with honey.

I once made “biscuit sliders” for a party—mini ham-and-cheese sandwiches on air-fried biscuits. They were a hit! The crisp crust held up to the filling without getting soggy.

Flavor Hacks

• Garlic parmesan: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parmesan. Brush on before cooking.
• Everything bagel: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning after flipping.
• Herbs: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the oil spray.

For a decadent twist, try biscuit French toast: slice air-fried biscuits in half, dip in egg batter, and pan-fry. Top with maple syrup and berries. It’s like dessert for breakfast!

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—and You Should!

So, can frozen biscuits be cooked in air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, crispier, and more convenient than any other method. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just getting started, this technique is a total game-changer. No more waiting for the oven to preheat. No more soggy microwave disasters. Just golden, flaky, delicious biscuits in under 15 minutes.

But here’s the real takeaway: cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience. It’s about reclaiming time. Time to sip your coffee slowly. Time to chat with your kids before school. Time to enjoy the little moments that make life sweet. And honestly? That’s worth every second of experimentation.

Next time you’re staring at that box of frozen biscuits in the freezer, don’t reach for the oven. Grab your air fryer. Spray the basket. Pop in the biscuits. Set the timer. And get ready for a breakfast that feels like a treat—without the hassle. You’ll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen biscuits be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen biscuits can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer! This method yields golden, flaky results in less time than a conventional oven, making it a convenient option for quick meals or snacks.

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

Cook frozen biscuits in a preheated air fryer at 330°F (165°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model and biscuit size.

Do you need to thaw frozen biscuits before air frying?

No, you can cook frozen biscuits directly from the freezer—no thawing required. Cooking them frozen helps maintain their shape and ensures even rising.

What’s the best way to prevent air-fried frozen biscuits from drying out?

Lightly spray or brush the biscuits with oil or butter before cooking to keep them moist. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even browning.

Can you cook store-bought frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen biscuits like Pillsbury or Great Value work great in an air fryer. Follow the same temperature and timing guidelines for consistent results.

How do you reheat leftover frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Reheat pre-cooked frozen biscuits in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes. This restores their crisp exterior and fluffy interior without overcooking.