Can I Bake Biscuits in My Air Fryer The Surprising Answer

Yes, you can bake biscuits in your air fryer—and they come out golden, fluffy, and perfectly cooked in less time than a conventional oven. With the right temperature (325°F–350°F) and a quick 8–12 minute cook time, your air fryer delivers crispy edges and tender centers without the wait, making it a game-changer for quick breakfasts or last-minute snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer—it’s faster and more energy-efficient than an oven.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and consistent results every time.
• Use parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 300°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on size.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—allow space for air circulation and golden browning.
• Check doneness early—air fryers vary, so monitor closely to avoid over-baking.

Can I Bake Biscuits in My Air Fryer? The Surprising Answer

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. You’re craving warm, golden-brown biscuits—maybe for breakfast, maybe for a snack, maybe just because it’s Tuesday. But the oven is still cold, the thought of preheating feels like a chore, and you’re eyeing your air fryer like it might hold the key to a faster, easier solution. You’ve probably asked yourself, “Can I bake biscuits in my air fryer?”—and if you haven’t, you’re not alone. It’s a question that’s quietly bubbling up in kitchens across the world, especially among busy parents, college students, and anyone who just wants fresh-baked goods without the fuss.

The good news? Yes, you *can* bake biscuits in your air fryer. But it’s not quite as simple as tossing them in and pressing “start.” The answer isn’t just a yes or no—it’s a “yes, but…” with a few caveats, tricks, and a whole lot of potential. I’ve spent weeks testing everything from store-bought dough to homemade buttermilk biscuits in my air fryer, and what I’ve found might surprise you. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or someone who just pulled theirs out of the box, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from temperature settings and cook times to texture, flavor, and how to avoid common pitfalls. So let’s dive in and find out if your air fryer can truly become your new biscuit best friend.

Why Your Air Fryer Might Be the Perfect Biscuit Oven

When most people think of air fryers, they picture crispy fries, chicken wings, or maybe even a quick reheat of last night’s pizza. But the truth is, air fryers are far more versatile than they get credit for. At their core, air fryers are compact convection ovens—using rapid, circulating hot air to cook food evenly and quickly. This makes them surprisingly well-suited for baking, especially when it comes to small, dense items like biscuits.

How Air Fryers Cook Biscuits Differently Than Ovens

Traditional ovens rely on radiant heat, which takes time to warm up and can create hot spots. Air fryers, on the other hand, use a fan to push hot air around the food. This means:

• Faster preheating: Most air fryers are ready in 2–3 minutes, compared to 10–15 for a standard oven.
• More even browning: The circulating air helps biscuits develop a golden crust on all sides, not just the top.
• Smaller footprint: You’re only heating a small chamber, not an entire oven cavity—great for saving energy and time.

But there’s a catch: the air is *very* fast. In a regular oven, biscuits rise slowly and evenly. In an air fryer, they can rise too quickly or brown too fast on the outside while staying undercooked inside. That’s why timing and temperature are critical.

Energy Efficiency and Convenience

Let’s say you’re making just two or three biscuits. Firing up a full-sized oven for that feels like overkill. The air fryer uses about 60–70% less energy than a conventional oven for small batches. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—most air fryer baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. I once made a single biscuit for my daughter’s school snack, and from start to finish, it took 12 minutes (including preheating). Try doing that with an oven.

What Types of Biscuits Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Not all biscuits are created equal—and not all do well in an air fryer. The key lies in the dough’s density, moisture content, and how it responds to rapid air circulation. Let’s break it down.

Store-Bought Refrigerated Biscuits

These are the easiest and most consistent choice. Think Pillsbury Grands, Annie’s Organic, or Trader Joe’s buttermilk biscuits. They’re already portioned, pre-rolled, and designed to hold their shape during baking. In my tests, they cooked beautifully in the air fryer with a few adjustments:

• Space them out: Leave at least 1 inch between each biscuit so air can circulate.
• Use a liner or lightly grease: Even nonstick baskets can stick, especially with sugary or buttery doughs.
• Expect slightly crispier edges: The air fryer gives them a nice crunch, which some people love (others may find it too much).

I found that Pillsbury Grands cooked in 10–11 minutes at 320°F (160°C), while flaky layers emerged perfectly. One tip: brush the tops with melted butter *after* cooking for that classic bakery shine.

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

These are trickier but totally doable. The issue? Homemade dough is often more delicate and less uniform. But with a few tweaks, you can get great results:

• Chill the dough before cutting: This helps prevent spreading and keeps the layers intact.
• Cut into smaller sizes: 2-inch rounds work better than 3-inch in most air fryer baskets.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Tough biscuits don’t rise well in fast heat.

I tried a classic buttermilk biscuit recipe (flour, baking powder, butter, buttermilk) and found that 12 minutes at 325°F gave me tender interiors with a light golden crust. The only downside? They were slightly denser than oven-baked versions—likely due to the rapid rise. But flavor? Still buttery, flaky, and delicious.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Biscuits

Good news: air fryers are surprisingly forgiving with alternative flours. I tested a gluten-free blend (rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch) and a vegan version (using plant milk and coconut oil). Both worked, but:

• Gluten-free biscuits needed 1 extra minute and benefited from a parchment liner to prevent sticking.
• Vegan biscuits were slightly drier but improved with a post-cook butter spray.

Pro tip: Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum to gluten-free dough for better structure in the air fryer’s fast airflow.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Biscuits in Your Air Fryer

Now that you know what works, let’s walk through a foolproof method. This applies to most biscuit types, with minor adjustments based on dough and size.

1. Prep Your Air Fryer Basket

Start with a clean, dry basket. Line it with parchment paper (cut to fit) or use a silicone liner. Alternatively, lightly spray with oil—but avoid aerosol sprays that can degrade nonstick coatings over time. I use avocado oil spray, which has a high smoke point and works well.

2. Portion and Space the Biscuits

For refrigerated biscuits: separate them gently and place in the basket with 1 inch between each. For homemade: cut into 2-inch rounds and place seam-side down. Overcrowding = steamed, not baked. I once tried to fit six biscuits in a 5.8-quart basket—result: uneven cooking and one sad, underdone middle biscuit.

3. Set Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: 320–330°F (160–165°C) for 10–12 minutes. Why lower than oven temps? Air fryers cook faster and hotter due to air circulation. Start at 320°F and increase by 5°F if needed. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp: 190–200°F means they’re done.

4. Cook in Batches (If Needed)

Most air fryers can hold 4–6 standard biscuits. If you’re making more, cook in batches. Let the basket cool for 2 minutes between batches to avoid temperature drops. I keep a timer on my phone and rotate the basket halfway for even browning—especially in older models with less consistent airflow.

5. Check and Finish

After 10 minutes, peek in. The biscuits should be puffed and lightly golden. If they’re browning too fast, tent with a small piece of foil. If they need more time, add 1–2 minutes. Once done, let them rest 2 minutes in the basket—this helps them firm up before handling.

Real-life example: I made a batch for brunch using store-bought dough. Preheated for 2 minutes, cooked at 325°F for 11 minutes, rotated halfway, and brushed with butter after. Result: crisp outside, soft inside, and ready in 15 minutes total. My guests couldn’t tell they weren’t oven-baked.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues—and how to avoid them.

Biscuits Are Too Dry or Crumbly

This usually happens when the air fryer is too hot or the cook time is too long. The fast air dries out the exterior before the inside cooks through. Fix: Lower the temperature to 315°F and check at 8 minutes. For homemade dough, brush with buttermilk before cooking to add moisture.

Edges Are Burnt, Center Is Raw

A classic air fryer problem. The edges get hit with direct heat while the center lags. Fix: Use a lower temperature (320°F max) and rotate the basket halfway. If your model has a “shake” reminder, use it. Also, avoid overcrowding—this creates hot spots.

Biscuits Stick to the Basket

Even nonstick baskets can fail, especially with sugary doughs. Fix: Always use parchment or a silicone liner. If you forget, spray with oil *before* adding dough. If they still stick, let them cool 1–2 minutes—this often loosens them naturally.

Dough Doesn’t Rise Properly

Rapid heat can “set” the dough before it rises. Fix: Let the air fryer preheat fully. Don’t open the basket during the first 7 minutes—this drops the temperature and kills rise. For homemade dough, ensure your baking powder is fresh (test it: mix 1 tsp with 1/3 cup hot water—it should bubble vigorously).

My mistake: I once used expired baking powder in a batch of homemade biscuits. They rose slightly but collapsed in the air fryer. Lesson learned: check your leavening agents!

Data Table: Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Guide

Biscuit Type	Size (Diameter)	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Store-Bought (e.g., Pillsbury)	2.5–3 inches	320°F (160°C)	10–11 minutes	Brush with butter after cooking
Homemade Buttermilk	2 inches	325°F (163°C)	11–12 minutes	Chill dough 10 mins before cutting
Gluten-Free	2 inches	320°F (160°C)	12–13 minutes	Use parchment liner
Vegan	2 inches	320°F (160°C)	11–12 minutes	Spray with oil post-cook
Frozen (e.g., store-bought)	As packaged	330°F (165°C)	13–15 minutes	No need to thaw

This table is based on testing in 5 different air fryer models (Cosori, Ninja, Instant Vortex, etc.). Results may vary slightly, so always check early and adjust.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ways to Use Your Air Fryer for Biscuits

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried and loved.

Biscuit Pizzas

Split a baked biscuit, add marinara, cheese, and pepperoni, then air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Kids go crazy for these, and they’re ready in 15 minutes total. I call them “biscuit sliders” and serve them at game night.

Biscuit French Toast

Soak a split biscuit in egg/milk/cinnamon mixture, then air fry at 320°F for 8 minutes. Flip halfway. Top with syrup or fruit. A game-changer for lazy Sunday mornings.

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Biscuits

Roll out biscuit dough, spread with cinnamon-sugar and melted butter, roll up, slice, and air fry at 320°F for 10 minutes. Drizzle with icing. My family calls these “air fryer cinnamon bombs”—and they’re right.

You can even make biscuit donuts by cutting holes in the centers, frying, and dusting with sugar. The air fryer gives them a crisp exterior without the oil of deep frying.

The key is to think of your air fryer not just as a “fryer,” but as a compact, efficient mini-oven. With a little creativity, biscuits become the canvas for endless delicious experiments.

Final Thoughts: Should You Bake Biscuits in Your Air Fryer?

So, back to the original question: Can I bake biscuits in my air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—with a few important nuances. The air fryer won’t give you *exactly* the same texture as a traditional oven (slightly crispier edges, denser crumb in some cases), but it offers unmatched speed, convenience, and energy efficiency for small batches. For busy mornings, quick snacks, or when you just don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat, it’s a fantastic option.

After testing dozens of batches, my takeaway is this: the air fryer is ideal for store-bought biscuits, small homemade batches, and creative biscuit-based recipes. It’s less suited for large quantities (more than 6 at once) or delicate, high-rising doughs that need slow, even heat. But for everyday use? It’s a winner.

Remember the golden rules: lower temperature, don’t overcrowd, check early, and use a liner. And don’t be afraid to experiment. I never thought I’d be making biscuit French toast in my air fryer—but now I can’t imagine going back. Whether you’re a biscuit purist or an adventurous home cook, your air fryer has more baking potential than you think. So go ahead, preheat that basket, and bake up a batch. Your taste buds (and your energy bill) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake biscuits in my air fryer without drying them out?

Yes, you can bake biscuits in your air fryer while keeping them soft and fluffy. The key is to avoid overcrowding and use a lower temperature (320°F/160°C) for even cooking.

What’s the best way to air fry store-bought biscuit dough?

For store-bought dough, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, place biscuits in a single layer, and cook at 330°F (165°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway for golden tops.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before baking biscuits?

Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures even baking and helps biscuits rise properly. This step is especially important for achieving a flaky texture when baking biscuits in an air fryer.

Can I use parchment paper or foil in my air fryer for biscuits?

Yes, perforated parchment paper or foil prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Just ensure it’s secured so it doesn’t block airflow during cooking.

How long do homemade biscuits take in an air fryer?

Homemade biscuits typically cook in 10-12 minutes at 325°F (163°C). Check for a golden-brown top and a firm center to confirm they’re done.

What’s the biggest mistake when baking biscuits in an air fryer?

Overcrowding the basket is the most common error—it leads to uneven cooking. Leave space between biscuits for hot air to circulate, ensuring they bake evenly.