Can I Bake Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer Fast Easy Guide

Yes, you can bake canned biscuits in an air fryer for a faster, crispier, and more convenient alternative to the oven—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks. Simply preheat, space them out, and cook at 330°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking halfway to avoid over-browning. This method saves time, uses less energy, and delivers golden, fluffy results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Bake canned biscuits in an air fryer for faster results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat air fryer for even baking and golden crust.
• Adjust temperature: Use 325°F to prevent burning while ensuring full rise.
• Space matters: Leave gaps between biscuits to allow proper air circulation.
• Check early: Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid over-baking.
• No oil needed: Canned biscuits cook perfectly without added grease.

Can I Bake Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer Fast Easy Guide

Imagine this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning. The coffee’s brewing, sunlight spills across the counter, and you’re craving something warm, flaky, and buttery. You open the fridge, and there they are—your trusty canned biscuits, just waiting to be baked. But the oven? It feels like it takes forever to preheat. The toaster oven? Too small. Then it hits you: Can I bake canned biscuits in an air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. And honestly, once you try it, you might never go back to the oven.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I’ve been a canned biscuit fan since my college days—those golden, buttery rounds were my go-to for quick breakfasts and midnight snacks. But the oven always felt like overkill for just a few biscuits. Then I got an air fryer. At first, I used it for crispy fries and reheating leftovers. But one day, with a half-empty fridge and a growling stomach, I decided to test the waters. I popped a couple of canned biscuits into the basket, set the timer, and waited. What came out was nothing short of magic: golden brown, fluffy on the inside, with a perfectly crisp exterior. And it took less than half the time. Since then, I’ve experimented, tweaked, and learned a lot—and now I’m sharing everything you need to know about baking canned biscuits in an air fryer, fast, easy, and deliciously reliable.

Why Air Fry Canned Biscuits? The Benefits You Didn’t Know You Needed

Speed: From Can to Crispy in Minutes

Let’s be real—time is precious. Whether you’re rushing to get the kids out the door or just want a quick bite before your morning Zoom call, waiting 10–15 minutes for the oven to preheat feels like a luxury. With an air fryer, you can skip preheating (most of the time) and go straight to cooking. Canned biscuits typically take 8–12 minutes in the air fryer, compared to 12–15 in a conventional oven. That’s a 25–40% time savings. And if you’re cooking just one or two biscuits, the difference feels even bigger.

For example, last Tuesday, I had 12 minutes before a meeting. I opened a can of Pillsbury Grands, placed two biscuits in the air fryer at 325°F, and set the timer for 10 minutes. By the time I poured my coffee and grabbed a plate, they were done—golden, puffy, and ready to slather with butter and jam. No muss, no fuss.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Air fryers use significantly less energy than full-sized ovens. A typical electric oven uses about 2,400 watts, while most air fryers range from 1,200 to 1,500 watts. That means you’re using up to 50% less power per batch. Over time, especially if you cook small meals frequently, this adds up.

Plus, air fryers heat up fast and cool down quickly. No more leaving the oven on for an hour after baking. If you’re eco-conscious or just trying to cut utility bills, air frying canned biscuits is a small but meaningful win.

Better Texture and Browning

Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around food, creating a convection effect that’s ideal for achieving that crispy, golden exterior without drying out the inside. With canned biscuits, this means less risk of soggy bottoms or uneven browning. The high airflow helps the dough rise evenly and develop a delicate crust that’s hard to match in a standard oven.

I’ve found that biscuits air-fried at the right temperature come out with a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy center—like a mini croissant. Try it with a can of flaky-layered biscuits, and you’ll notice the layers puff up beautifully.

Space-Saving and Convenience

Not everyone has a spacious kitchen. If you’re in a tiny apartment, dorm room, or RV, an air fryer is a game-changer. It takes up less counter space than an oven and can often handle multiple tasks—frying, roasting, baking, and reheating. Baking canned biscuits in an air fryer means you don’t need to pull out a baking sheet, wait for the oven, or clean up greasy pans. Just drop them in, set, and forget.

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Biscuits

Not all canned biscuits are created equal. Most popular brands—Pillsbury, Annie’s, Great Value, and Trader Joe’s—work great in the air fryer. However, the size and shape matter. Standard-sized biscuits (about 2.5 inches in diameter) fit best. Avoid extra-large or jumbo varieties unless you’re willing to cut them or adjust cooking time.

Pro tip: If you’re using flaky-layered biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands), make sure they’re separated before cooking. They tend to stick together, and cooking them fused can lead to undercooked centers.

Step 2: Preheat or Not? The Great Debate

Some recipes say to preheat the air fryer, others say skip it. Here’s the truth: preheating isn’t always necessary, especially for canned biscuits. They cook fast enough that the air fryer reaches the right temperature by the time they’re done. However, if your air fryer has a preheat function or you want maximum crispiness, go ahead and preheat for 2–3 minutes at 325°F. It can help with even browning.

My rule of thumb: if I’m making a full batch (4–6 biscuits), I preheat. For 1–2, I skip it. Both work—just adjust time slightly if not preheating.

Step 3: Arrange Biscuits for Airflow

Air fryers need space to circulate hot air. Never overcrowd the basket. Leave at least ½ inch between each biscuit. If you’re using a small air fryer (3.5–4 quarts), stick to 2–3 biscuits. Larger models (5–6 quarts) can handle 4–6.

Place them seam-side down. The seam is the folded edge of the dough. This helps them rise evenly and prevents one side from cooking faster.

Step 4: Set Temperature and Time

The sweet spot for canned biscuits is 325°F for 8–12 minutes. Start at 10 minutes and check. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with dry crumbs, not wet dough).

Here’s a quick guide:

• 8 minutes: Soft, pale, slightly underbaked (good for reheating later)
• 10 minutes: Perfect balance—golden, fluffy, fully cooked
• 12 minutes: Crispy exterior, ideal for those who like crunch

Note: If your air fryer runs hot (some do), reduce time by 1–2 minutes. If it runs cool, add 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Flip or Not? Optional but Helpful

Flipping isn’t required, but it can help with even browning, especially if your air fryer has a weaker top heating element. After 5–6 minutes, gently flip the biscuits using tongs or a spatula. This ensures both sides get that golden color. I do this when I want restaurant-level perfection, but I skip it when I’m in a hurry.

Temperature and Time Guide: What Works Best?

Standard Canned Biscuits (Pillsbury, etc.)

For most store-bought canned biscuits (2.5-inch diameter, 160–180 calories per biscuit), here’s a tried-and-tested guide:

Biscuit Size	Air Fryer Temp	Time (Preheated)	Time (Not Preheated)	Notes
Regular (2.5″)	325°F	8–10 min	9–11 min	Flip halfway for even browning
Flaky-Layered	325°F	9–11 min	10–12 min	Separate layers before cooking
Buttermilk	325°F	10–12 min	11–13 min	Denser dough, needs extra time
Small (1.75″)	325°F	7–9 min	8–10 min	Great for mini appetizers
Jumbo (3.5″+)	325°F	12–15 min	13–16 min	May need to cut or split

Remember, every air fryer is slightly different. Use this as a starting point, then adjust based on your model and preferences. I have a Ninja Foodi, and it cooks a bit faster than my old Instant Vortex. Always check at the minimum time and add more if needed.

What About Gluten-Free or Homemade Canned Biscuits?

Gluten-free canned biscuits (like those from Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) can be air-fried, but they’re more delicate. Reduce temperature to 300°F and increase time by 1–2 minutes. Watch closely—they brown faster and can dry out.

Homemade canned-style biscuits (like those from a local bakery or DIY dough rolled and canned) follow the same rules, but check the dough thickness. Thicker dough may need 12–14 minutes at 325°F.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 rookie mistake. When biscuits are too close, they steam instead of bake. The result? Soggy bottoms, uneven rise, and disappointment. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cook all six biscuits from a can in my 3.7-quart air fryer. The ones in the center were pale and undercooked. Now, I cook in batches of 3 and reheat the extras for 2–3 minutes later.

Solution: Space them out. If you only have a small air fryer, embrace the batch method. It’s better than ruining a whole batch.

Ignoring the Seam Side

Placing biscuits seam-side up can cause them to split unevenly or rise lopsided. The seam is where the dough is folded. When it faces up, it can trap heat and moisture. Flip it down, and the biscuit rises evenly, with a smooth top.

Not Adjusting for Air Fryer Variability

Air fryers aren’t all the same. Some have stronger fans, others have dual heating elements. If your biscuits are browning too fast but still raw inside, lower the temperature to 300°F and add 2–3 minutes. If they’re taking too long, increase to 350°F (but watch closely—they can burn).

My friend Sarah has a Cosori 5.8-quart. Her biscuits cook perfectly at 325°F for 10 minutes. But my cousin’s smaller Dash model needs 350°F for 8 minutes. Know your machine.

Skipping the Check

Don’t assume the timer means “done.” Always check with a toothpick or press lightly with a fork. If it springs back and feels firm, they’re ready. If it feels doughy or leaves wet residue, add 1–2 more minutes.

Forgetting to Grease or Use Parchment

While canned biscuits are usually non-stick, the air fryer basket can be sticky. Lightly spray with oil or use parchment paper with holes (for airflow). I use a reusable silicone liner—it’s eco-friendly and easy to clean.

Creative Ideas: Beyond Plain Biscuits

Breakfast Biscuit Sliders

Split air-fried biscuits in half. Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage. Return to air fryer for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese. Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts.

Cheesy Garlic Knots

Cut biscuits into strips, roll into knots, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Air fry at 350°F for 7–8 minutes. Serve with marinara.

Mini Pizza Bites

Flatten each biscuit, add a spoonful of pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Fold over and pinch edges. Air fry at 325°F for 9–10 minutes. Like a calzone, but faster.

Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

Roll out a biscuit, spread with butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, roll up, and slice into rounds. Air fry at 325°F for 8–9 minutes. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.

Reheating Leftovers

Got cold biscuits? Don’t microwave—they’ll get soggy. Air fry at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. They come back to life, crispy on the outside, soft inside.

Final Thoughts: Should You Air Fry Canned Biscuits?

Absolutely. Baking canned biscuits in an air fryer is fast, easy, and consistently delicious. It’s perfect for busy mornings, small kitchens, or when you just don’t want to wait for the oven. The texture is often better—crisp outside, fluffy inside—and you save time, energy, and effort.

But it’s not magic. You still need to follow basic rules: don’t overcrowd, check doneness, and adjust for your air fryer’s quirks. Once you get the hang of it, though, it becomes second nature. I now reach for the air fryer first, whether I’m making biscuits for a crowd or just one for myself.

And the best part? No more dry, oven-baked biscuits. No more waiting. No more wasted energy. Just golden, buttery perfection in under 12 minutes. So go ahead—pop open that can, drop them in the basket, and taste the difference. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake canned biscuits in an air fryer for a faster, crispier result than traditional oven baking. The air fryer’s hot air circulation ensures even browning and a fluffy texture in less time.

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

Cook canned biscuits in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and biscuit size.

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

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent results and helps the biscuits rise evenly. While not mandatory, it improves texture and reduces cooking time.

Can I bake canned biscuits in an air fryer without oil?

Yes, canned biscuits don’t require added oil since they already contain fat. The air fryer’s non-stick basket or parchment liner prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

What temperature should I use to air fry canned biscuits?

Set your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for baking canned biscuits. This temperature balances browning and thorough cooking without burning the edges.

Can I cook frozen canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen canned biscuits in an air fryer—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time. No thawing is needed, making it a convenient option for quick snacks.