Can I Bake Biscuits in Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer—and it’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven. With minimal preheating and easy cleanup, air fryer biscuits deliver golden, fluffy results in under 15 minutes, making them a game-changer for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer with great results and less time.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and a flaky texture.
• Use parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Space biscuits apart to allow proper air circulation and even browning.
• Cook at 320–350°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on size and model.
• Check doneness early to avoid overcooking due to faster air fryer heat.

Why Baking Biscuits in an Air Fryer Might Be Your New Go-To Move

Let’s be honest—baking biscuits used to mean preheating the oven, waiting 15 minutes just to get it to the right temperature, and then babysitting a timer while hoping they don’t burn. I remember standing in my kitchen one Sunday morning, craving warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits, only to realize I’d forgotten to preheat the oven. Cue the sigh of defeat.

Then, a friend casually mentioned, “Have you ever tried baking biscuits in your air fryer?” I paused. I had used my air fryer for fries, chicken wings, and even hard-boiled eggs, but biscuits? That felt like a stretch. But curiosity won out. After a few trial runs (and one slightly overcooked batch), I discovered that yes—you can bake biscuits in an air fryer, and it’s not only possible, it’s often faster, easier, and more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven.

How the Air Fryer Works for Baking Biscuits

The Science Behind Air Frying

An air fryer uses rapid air circulation and a heating element to create a convection effect. Hot air swirls around the food at high speed, cooking it evenly and creating a crispy exterior—similar to deep frying, but with little to no oil. This same principle works beautifully for baking biscuits, especially because biscuits benefit from even, consistent heat to rise properly and develop a golden crust.

Unlike a conventional oven, which heats from the bottom (sometimes unevenly), the air fryer surrounds the biscuits with heat. This means they cook more uniformly, with less risk of a burnt bottom or undercooked center. The compact size of the air fryer also means it heats up almost instantly—no more waiting around.

Why Biscuits Are a Great Fit for Air Frying

Biscuits are typically small, dense, and benefit from high, direct heat. The air fryer’s design is perfect for this. Here’s what makes it ideal:

• Quick preheat: Most air fryers reach temperature in 2–3 minutes.
• Even browning: The circulating hot air ensures the tops and sides brown nicely without flipping.
• Moisture control: Biscuits stay tender inside while developing a light crust.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity and heat up faster than ovens.

One thing I love? No need to rotate the pan halfway through. The air fryer does the work for you.

Common Misconceptions

Some people worry that air fryers “dry out” baked goods. But that’s not entirely true. While it’s true that air fryers can crisp things up, biscuits—especially when made with butter or buttermilk—retain their moisture just fine. The key is not overcooking and using the right settings.

Another myth: “You can’t bake anything in an air fryer.” Not true! From muffins to cookies to even small cakes, air fryers are surprisingly versatile. Biscuits are just one of the many baked goods that thrive in this appliance.

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

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these essentials:

• Your favorite biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Air fryer (basket or oven-style, both work)
• Air fryer-safe baking dish, parchment paper, or silicone liner
• Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing, if needed)
• Timer

Pro tip: If you’re using a basket-style air fryer (like a Philips or Ninja), line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. For oven-style air fryers (like the Cosori or Instant Vortex), a small cake pan or baking dish that fits inside works perfectly.

Preparing the Biscuit Dough

Whether you’re using a homemade recipe or canned dough, preparation is key.

• Homemade dough: Roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass. Don’t twist the cutter—this can seal the edges and prevent rising.
• Canned dough: Open the can, separate the biscuits, and gently place them on the liner. They’ll expand slightly, so leave about 1 inch between each.

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t overcrowd. Biscuits need space to rise and brown. In my 5.8-quart air fryer, I can fit 4–6 medium biscuits at a time. More than that, and they’ll steam instead of bake, losing that flaky texture.

Setting the Air Fryer

Here’s the golden rule: start low and slow.

• Set the temperature to 325°F (163°C).
• Preheat for 2–3 minutes.
• Place the biscuits in the basket or dish, leaving space between them.
• Set the timer for 10 minutes to start.

Why 325°F? It’s slightly lower than a typical oven biscuit temperature (375°F), but the air fryer cooks faster and more intensely. Starting lower prevents burning, especially on the bottom.

Cooking and Monitoring

After 10 minutes, check your biscuits. They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. If they’re pale, add 2–3 more minutes. If they’re browning too fast, reduce the temperature to 300°F and continue cooking.

Here’s a trick: brush the tops with melted butter halfway through cooking. This adds flavor and helps with browning. I do this with both homemade and canned biscuits, and the result is always richer and more restaurant-quality.

Total cook time usually ranges from 10 to 14 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. Smaller biscuits (like mini ones) may only need 8–10 minutes. Larger, thicker ones could take up to 16 minutes.

Cooling and Serving

Once done, remove the biscuits and let them cool for 2–3 minutes. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool. Serve warm with butter, honey, jam, or gravy. I love pairing them with scrambled eggs for breakfast or using them as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches.

Best Biscuit Recipes for the Air Fryer

Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

These are the gold standard—flaky, tender, and slightly tangy. Here’s my go-to recipe adapted for the air fryer:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Mix the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Turn onto a floured surface, pat to 1-inch thickness, cut, and air fry at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.

Result? Light, airy layers with a golden crust. No soggy centers, no burnt edges. Just pure biscuit joy.

Canned Biscuits (Yes, Really!)

Don’t knock it till you try it. Canned biscuits work surprisingly well in the air fryer. I’ve used Pillsbury Grands, Immaculate Baking, and store brands with great success.

• Separate the biscuits and place them on a parchment-lined basket.
• Air fry at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar for a quick “sugar biscuit” twist.

One time, I was short on time and needed a quick side for chili. I air-fried canned biscuits in 11 minutes—faster than the oven, and they were crisp on the outside, fluffy inside. My kids didn’t even notice the difference.

Savory Variations

Want to get creative? Try these air-fryer-friendly ideas:

• Cheese biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to your dough. Top with extra cheese before baking.
• Garlic herb: Mix in 1 tbsp dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary) and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
• Bacon cheddar: Fold in crumbled cooked bacon and cheese. These are a hit at brunch.

For a fun twist, make “biscuit sliders”: slice cooled biscuits in half, add ham and cheese, and warm in the air fryer for 2 minutes. Instant mini sandwiches!

Gluten-Free or Vegan Options

Yes, you can make gluten-free or vegan biscuits in the air fryer! Use gluten-free flour blends (like King Arthur Measure for Measure) and plant-based butter. For vegan buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup almond milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.

One friend with celiac disease tried this with a GF mix and said the texture was better than when baked in the oven—less crumbly, more cohesive. The air fryer’s even heat helps prevent dryness.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air-Fried Biscuits

Don’t Skip the Parchment

Even if your air fryer is non-stick, use parchment paper or a silicone liner. Biscuits can stick, especially if they’re buttery or sugary. Parchment makes cleanup easy and prevents frustration.

I learned this after my first batch—three biscuits fused to the basket. Not fun.

Size Matters

Keep biscuits similar in size. This ensures even cooking. If you have one giant biscuit and three small ones, the small ones will be overdone by the time the big one is ready.

Pro tip: Use a cookie scoop or small measuring cup to portion dough for uniform size.

Adjust Time and Temperature Based on Your Model

Not all air fryers are created equal. Some run hot, others run cool. Start with 325°F and 10 minutes, then adjust:

• If biscuits brown too fast: lower temp to 300°F.
• If they’re pale after 12 minutes: increase to 350°F for the last 2 minutes.
• If the bottom burns: elevate the biscuits on a trivet or small oven-safe rack.

I have a Cosori, which runs a bit hot, so I usually do 315°F for 11 minutes. A friend with a Ninja uses 325°F for 10 minutes. Test and tweak!

Batch Cooking for Meal Prep

Want to make a big batch? Bake in batches, but don’t let cooked biscuits sit too long. They’re best fresh, but you can:

• Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.

Perfect for busy mornings. I freeze extras and reheat them while making coffee—ready in under 5 minutes.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Baking

Biscuits can leave behind butter or flour residue. Clean the basket and liner after each use. Most are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with warm, soapy water works too.

Tip: Wipe down the heating element with a damp cloth (once cooled) to prevent smoke or odor buildup over time.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better for Biscuits?

Speed and Convenience

The air fryer wins hands-down for speed. No preheating. No waiting. You can go from “I want biscuits” to eating in under 15 minutes. With an oven, you’re looking at 25–30 minutes minimum (15 preheat + 10–15 bake).

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use about 50–75% less energy than ovens. Since they’re smaller, they heat up faster and waste less heat. For small batches, it’s the greener choice.

Texture and Flavor

Ovens give a more traditional “baked” texture—slightly softer crust, more even rise. But air fryers deliver a crispier exterior and faster browning, which many people prefer. It’s a trade-off, not a loss.

In a blind taste test with my family, 4 out of 5 preferred the air-fried version for its “crustier, more flavorful” bite.

Capacity Limitations

This is the air fryer’s downside. Most models can only fit 4–6 biscuits at a time. If you’re feeding a crowd, the oven is more practical. But for 1–4 people, the air fryer is perfect.

Cost and Space

Air fryers are compact and often cheaper than ovens. If you live in a small apartment or dorm, it’s a game-changer. Plus, you can use it for so much more—roasting veggies, reheating leftovers, even baking cookies.

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes	10–15 minutes
Bake Time (per batch)	10–14 minutes	12–15 minutes
Energy Use	Low	High
Batch Size	4–6 biscuits	8–12 biscuits
Cleanup	Easy (removable basket)	Moderate (baking sheet, oven interior)
Texture	Crispier crust, fluffier interior	Softer crust, even rise

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—and Should—Bake Biscuits in Your Air Fryer

So, can I bake biscuits in air fryer? Absolutely. And after trying it, I’m never going back to the oven for small batches. The speed, simplicity, and delicious results make it a kitchen hack worth mastering.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves warm, homemade biscuits without the fuss, the air fryer delivers. It’s not about replacing the oven—it’s about expanding your cooking options. Think of it as your new biscuit shortcut.

Start with a simple recipe—homemade or canned—and follow the steps above. Adjust as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. And most importantly, enjoy the process. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling golden, flaky biscuits out of a machine that fits on your countertop.

Next time you’re craving biscuits, skip the preheat. Fire up your air fryer. In less time than it takes to brew coffee, you’ll have a warm, buttery treat ready to eat. And trust me—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer! This method is faster than using a traditional oven and yields golden, flaky results with minimal preheating.

What temperature should I use to bake biscuits in an air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 330°F–350°F (165°C–175°C) for optimal baking. Cooking time typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on biscuit size and thickness.

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

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and a crisp exterior. While not always required, it improves the texture of your air fryer biscuits.

How do I prevent biscuits from drying out in the air fryer?

Lightly spritz biscuits with water before baking or place a small oven-safe dish of water in the air fryer basket. This adds moisture and keeps them soft inside.

Can I use canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Canned biscuits work great in an air fryer. Arrange them with space between each piece and cook at 330°F for 8–10 minutes for perfectly baked results.

What type of air fryer is best for baking biscuits?

Most air fryers—basket or oven-style—can bake biscuits successfully. Just ensure there’s enough space between biscuits for proper air circulation, which is key to even baking.