Can I Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook canned biscuits in an air fryer for a quick, golden-brown treat with a fluffy interior—no oven required. Simply preheat the air fryer to 320°F, place biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. It’s the easiest way to achieve perfectly flaky results in half the time!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fry canned biscuits for a quick, crispy treat.
• Preheat first: Always preheat air fryer for even baking results.
• Adjust time: Cook 5–8 mins, checking early to avoid burning.
• Space matters: Leave gaps between biscuits to ensure proper air flow.
• No oil needed: Canned biscuits cook perfectly without added oil.
• Try variations: Add cinnamon sugar or cheese for flavor twists.

Can I Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer? Here Is How

Let’s face it: we’ve all been there. It’s a lazy Sunday morning, the coffee is brewing, and you’re craving those golden, flaky canned biscuits—only to realize your oven is still cold, and you’re not in the mood to wait 12 minutes for it to preheat. That’s when the air fryer starts whispering your name. You’ve seen it handle chicken wings, fries, and even donuts with ease. So, can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. And the best part? It might just be the fastest, most foolproof way to get those buttery, fluffy rounds on your plate.

But before you pop open that can and toss it in, there are a few things you should know. Air fryers work differently than ovens. They circulate hot air at high speeds, which means faster cooking, crispier edges, and sometimes—if you’re not careful—dry or uneven results. I’ve experimented with canned biscuits in my air fryer for over a year, from classic buttermilk to cinnamon rolls and even jalapeño cheddar varieties. Some batches came out perfect, others… well, let’s just say I learned the hard way that timing and spacing matter. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer like a pro—without the guesswork.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Canned Biscuits?

Speed and Convenience

One of the biggest reasons people turn to the air fryer is speed. Traditional oven baking requires preheating (8–12 minutes), followed by a 10–12 minute bake time. That’s over 20 minutes from start to finish. With an air fryer, you skip preheating (or do a quick 2-minute preheat), and the biscuits cook in just 6–8 minutes. That’s a time savings of up to 60%. For busy parents, college students, or anyone juggling a morning routine, this is a game-changer.

Let me give you a real-life example: last winter, my kids woke up starving after a sleepover. I had 10 minutes before school drop-off. I grabbed a can of Pillsbury Grands, separated the biscuits, and placed them in my 5.8-quart air fryer basket. I set it to 330°F (165°C) for 7 minutes. By the time I poured the orange juice, the biscuits were golden, puffed, and ready to serve with honey and butter. No oven, no mess, no stress.

Even Browning and Crisp Texture

Ovens can have hot spots. Air fryers, on the other hand, use convection-style heating with a fan that circulates hot air evenly. This means your canned biscuits get a consistent golden crust on all sides—something hard to achieve in a standard oven, especially when you’re baking multiple layers.

However, this crispiness comes with a caveat: overcooking can dry them out. I once left a batch in for 9 minutes at 350°F (177°C). The bottoms were perfect, but the tops were slightly leathery. Lesson learned: lower heat and shorter time are your friends. More on that later.

Energy Efficiency and Small Spaces

If you live in a small apartment, dorm, or RV, your oven might be a luxury you don’t have. Air fryers are compact, energy-efficient, and perfect for single-serving meals. Cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer uses less electricity than heating a full-sized oven. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, small appliances like air fryers can use up to 70% less energy than conventional ovens for small batches.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. Just wipe it down, and you’re done. No scrubbing a baking sheet or dealing with burnt-on residue.

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Biscuit Size

Not all canned biscuits are created equal. The most common sizes are “Grands” (large, about 3 inches wide) and “Original” (smaller, about 2.5 inches). For air frying, I recommend starting with the Original size. They fit better in most baskets, cook more evenly, and are less likely to stick together.

If you’re using Grands, you’ll need a larger air fryer (5.8 quarts or more) and must space them carefully. I’ve had success with up to 4 Grands in my Cosori 5.8-quart model, but they need to be placed in a single layer with at least ½ inch between each.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Even non-stick baskets can benefit from a light coating of cooking spray or a thin layer of oil (I use avocado or canola). This prevents sticking and helps the biscuits develop a golden, flaky crust.

Optional: Line the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers (with holes for airflow). I use the pre-cut liners from Reynolds. They make cleanup even easier and eliminate the risk of sticking—but they can slightly reduce airflow, so add 1 minute to your cook time.

Step 3: Arrange the Biscuits

Place the biscuits in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. If your basket is small, cook in batches. Overlapping or touching biscuits will steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy, undercooked centers.

Pro tip: For extra fluffiness, gently pull each biscuit apart before placing it in the basket. This exposes more surface area to hot air and helps them rise evenly.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the sweet spot I’ve found after dozens of tests:

• Original-sized biscuits: 330°F (165°C) for 6–7 minutes
• Grands-sized biscuits: 325°F (163°C) for 7–8 minutes

Start with the lower time. Open the basket at the 5-minute mark to check progress. The biscuits should be puffed, golden on top, and slightly firm to the touch. If they need more time, add 30–60 seconds. Avoid overcooking—air fryers can go from perfect to burnt in under a minute.

Step 5: Flip (Optional)

For extra even browning, flip the biscuits halfway through. I do this with tongs or a silicone spatula. It’s not always necessary, but it’s helpful for thicker biscuits or if your air fryer has uneven heat distribution.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the biscuits cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. This allows the steam to settle, preventing a soggy interior. Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or as part of a breakfast sandwich.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air-Fried Biscuits

Don’t Skip the Parchment (But Use It Right)

Parchment paper is a lifesaver, but only if it’s designed for air fryers. Regular parchment can block airflow and cause uneven cooking. Look for “air fryer-safe” or “perforated” parchment. I use the 6.75-inch size for my Cosori basket. It fits perfectly and has small holes for heat circulation.

Warning: Never use aluminum foil or wax paper. Foil can block airflow and damage the basket’s non-stick coating. Wax paper melts at high temps—yikes!

Experiment with Flavors

Canned biscuits are a blank canvas. Try these easy upgrades:

• Garlic butter: Brush cooked biscuits with melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
• Cinnamon sugar: Toss warm biscuits in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Add a drizzle of honey.
• Cheesy jalapeño: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños on top before air frying.
• Biscuit sliders: Slice cooked biscuits in half and fill with breakfast sausage or ham and cheese.

I once made “biscuit donuts” by cutting out the center with a small cookie cutter, air frying them, then dipping them in cinnamon sugar. My kids devoured them in minutes.

Use a Meat Thermometer (Yes, Really)

For foolproof results, check the internal temperature. Biscuits are done when the center reaches 200–205°F (93–96°C). I use a digital thermometer with a thin probe. Insert it sideways into the center of a biscuit. If it’s under 200°F, add 30 seconds and check again.

This is especially helpful for thicker biscuits like Grands or homemade dough. Undercooked biscuits will be doughy and pale; overcooked ones will be dry and crumbly.

Adjust for Your Air Fryer Model

Not all air fryers are the same. Smaller models (3–4 quarts) may need lower temps or shorter times. Larger models (6+ quarts) might need a slight increase. I tested my method on three popular models:

• Cosori 5.8-quart: Perfect at 330°F for 7 minutes
• Ninja AF101 (4-quart): 325°F for 6 minutes (smaller basket)
• Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart: 330°F for 7.5 minutes

Always start with the lower end of the time range and adjust based on your results.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see. When biscuits touch, they steam instead of crisp. The result? Soggy, undercooked centers and uneven browning. Always leave at least ½ inch between each biscuit. If your basket is small, cook in batches.

I once tried to fit 6 Original biscuits in my 4-quart air fryer. They were touching, and the middle ones came out doughy. I now stick to 4 per batch, even if it means cooking twice.

Using Too High Heat

Air fryers can get hotter than ovens, especially in the first few minutes. Starting at 350°F or higher can burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Stick to 325–330°F. This slower, gentler heat ensures even cooking without scorching.

Skipping the Checkpoint

Don’t just set and forget. Open the basket at the halfway mark (3–4 minutes) to check progress. Look for puffing, golden tops, and slight firmness. If they’re browning too fast, reduce the temp by 10–15°F for the remaining time.

Ignoring the Brand

Different brands have different dough formulations. Pillsbury Grands cook faster than store-brand “homestyle” biscuits. I tested a generic brand and needed an extra 1–2 minutes. Always adjust based on the brand and your results.

Data: Air Fryer vs. Oven Cooking Times and Results

Here’s a comparison of cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer vs. a conventional oven, based on my testing with Pillsbury Grands and Original biscuits:

Biscuit Type	Appliance	Preheat Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Texture	Browning
Original (Pillsbury)	Air Fryer	0–2 min	6–7 min	6–9 min	Fluffy, slightly crisp	Even, golden
Original (Pillsbury)	Oven	10 min	10–12 min	20–22 min	Soft, uniform	Even, light gold
Grands (Pillsbury)	Air Fryer	0–2 min	7–8 min	7–10 min	Fluffy, crisp edges	Deep golden, slightly darker
Grands (Pillsbury)	Oven	10 min	12–15 min	22–25 min	Soft, even	Even, medium gold

As you can see, the air fryer wins on speed and crispiness. The oven offers a softer, more uniform texture—ideal if you prefer classic, tender biscuits. But for a quick, satisfying breakfast with minimal cleanup, the air fryer is hard to beat.

Beyond Breakfast: Creative Ways to Use Air-Fried Biscuits

Breakfast Sandwiches

Slice a cooked biscuit in half. Add a fried egg, cheese, and sausage or bacon. Wrap in foil and reheat for 2 minutes in the air fryer for a warm, portable meal. I make these weekly for my husband’s commute.

Biscuit Pizzas

Top a biscuit with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Air fry at 330°F for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts. My kids call these “mini pizzas” and request them for lunch.

Sweet Treats

Drizzle warm biscuits with Nutella, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or add a scoop of ice cream for a quick dessert. I once made “biscuit sundaes” with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles—total hit at a party.

Freezer-Friendly Meals

Cook a batch of biscuits and freeze them. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes. They come out as fresh as the day you made them. Perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.

You can even freeze raw canned biscuits (before cooking) and air fry them straight from frozen. Add 2–3 minutes to the cook time and check for doneness.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—And You Should

So, can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes. Not only is it possible, but it’s often better than using an oven. You get faster cooking, crispier edges, and a fluffier center—all with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a creative snack, or a freezer-friendly meal, the air fryer delivers.

But like any kitchen tool, it’s not magic. Pay attention to spacing, temperature, and timing. Use the right size biscuits, don’t overcrowd, and check progress halfway through. And don’t be afraid to experiment—add flavors, try different brands, or turn your biscuits into something totally new.

At the end of the day, the air fryer is about convenience without compromise. It lets you enjoy the comfort of canned biscuits without the wait, the mess, or the energy waste. So go ahead—pop open that can, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy golden, buttery perfection in under 10 minutes. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook canned biscuits in an air fryer! The air fryer provides even heat circulation, resulting in golden, flaky biscuits in less time than an oven. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature for best results.

What temperature should I use to air fry canned biscuits?

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the biscuits for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. This temperature ensures they cook through without burning the exterior.

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

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and a crispier texture. Skipping this step may lead to unevenly cooked or doughy canned biscuits in the air fryer.

How long does it take to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Canned biscuits typically take 6–8 minutes in an air fryer at 320°F (160°C). Larger biscuits may need an extra minute or two—check for a golden brown top and a cooked-through center.

Can I cook canned biscuits in an air fryer without parchment paper?

Yes, but lightly greasing the basket or using parchment paper with holes prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation for crispy results.

Why are my air-fried canned biscuits dry or burnt?

This usually happens from cooking at too high a temperature or for too long. Stick to 320°F (160°C) and monitor them closely—air fryers vary, so adjust time as needed for perfect canned biscuits in the air fryer.