Can I Make Pillsbury Biscuits in the Air Fryer Fast Easy Delicious

Yes, you can make Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer for a fast, easy, and delicious result! In just 8–10 minutes at 320°F (160°C), the air fryer delivers golden, flaky biscuits with a perfectly crisp exterior—no preheating or oven needed. Simply arrange the biscuits in a single layer, spray with oil, and enjoy bakery-quality treats in under 15 minutes total.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer for faster results.
• Preheat first: Ensures even browning and proper rise every time.
• Space them out: Leave room between biscuits to prevent sticking.
• Shorter cook time: Ready in 8–10 minutes, not 12–15 like ovens.
• Flip halfway: Promotes even browning for golden, flaky perfection.
• No thawing needed: Use frozen biscuits directly—just add 2–3 minutes.

Can I Make Pillsbury Biscuits in the Air Fryer? Fast, Easy, Delicious

Let’s be honest: mornings are hectic. You’re juggling coffee, kids, emails, and the dog’s sudden obsession with chewing your slippers. The last thing you want is to preheat your oven for 10 minutes just to bake a batch of flaky, golden Pillsbury biscuits. Enter the air fryer—your kitchen’s unsung hero that promises crispy, golden results in half the time. But can you really make Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer? And more importantly, will they taste as good as the oven-baked ones?

As someone who’s tried everything from air fryer pancakes to frozen burritos, I’ve tested the air fryer biscuit method more times than I care to admit (my dog now associates the air fryer’s beep with treats). The answer? Absolutely yes—with a few caveats. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with a tiny kitchen, or just someone who loves crispy edges, this guide will walk you through everything: from prep tricks to troubleshooting burnt bottoms. Spoiler: It’s faster, easier, and (in my humble opinion) more delicious than the oven. Let’s dive in.

Why Air Fryer Pillsbury Biscuits Are a Game-Changer

The Speed Advantage: From Fridge to Table in 12 Minutes

Traditional oven baking takes 15–20 minutes, plus 10–15 minutes of preheating. That’s 25+ minutes of waiting. The air fryer? No preheating required. Just pop in your Pillsbury biscuits and set the timer for 8–12 minutes. Why the difference? Air fryers use rapid, circulating hot air (like a mini convection oven) to cook food evenly and quickly. For busy mornings, this means you can have hot, flaky biscuits ready before your coffee finishes brewing. I’ve timed it: from opening the fridge to serving, it takes me 11 minutes flat. Try that with an oven.

Energy Efficiency: Save Money and Time

Ovens consume 2,000–5,000 watts per hour, while most air fryers use 1,200–1,700 watts. Baking a small batch of biscuits in an air fryer uses less than half the energy of firing up your oven. Plus, you’re not heating an entire 30-inch cavity for 6 tiny biscuits. My utility bill noticed the difference after switching to air fryer baking for small tasks. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet.

Texture Perks: Crispy Edges, Fluffy Centers

Oven-baked biscuits are great, but they often have a softer crust. The air fryer’s intense, focused heat creates a slightly crispier exterior while keeping the inside tender. I love this for dunking in gravy or slathering with jam—the edges hold up better without getting soggy. Pro tip: For extra crispiness, spritz the tops with a little oil before cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pillsbury Biscuits in the Air Fryer

What You’ll Need (The Basics)

• Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Biscuits (or any variety—we’ll cover options later)
• Air fryer (basket or oven-style—both work)
• Non-stick spray (or parchment paper liner)
• Tongs or silicone spatula (for flipping)

Note: No special tools required! Even my 10-year-old niece managed it solo.

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a perforated parchment paper liner. Why? Biscuits can stick if the basket is too hot, and the parchment prevents this while allowing airflow. I’ve tried both: parchment gives a cleaner release, but spray works fine if you’re in a hurry. Avoid regular parchment—it can block airflow and cause uneven cooking.

Step 2: Arrange Biscuits (Spacing Matters!)

Place biscuits in the basket, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each. Crowding = steam buildup = soggy biscuits. For a standard 6-biscuit can, use a 5.8-quart air fryer (like the Ninja Foodi). Smaller models? Cook in batches. I once tried cramming all six into a 3.5-quart basket—the result? Three perfect biscuits, three undercooked ones. Lesson learned.

Step 3: Set Time and Temperature

• Temperature: 325°F (163°C) for most air fryers. Some models (like Cosori) recommend 330°F—check your manual.
• Time: 8–12 minutes. Start with 8 minutes, then add 1–2 minutes as needed.

Pro tip: Shake the basket gently at the 6-minute mark to check browning. If the tops are golden, flip them for even cooking (optional but recommended).

Step 4: The Flip Test (Optional but Smart)

After 6 minutes, use tongs to flip each biscuit. This ensures the bottoms don’t burn while the tops brown evenly. I skip this if I’m lazy (and they’re still delicious), but flipping gives you that perfect “restaurant-style” crust.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Biscuits are done when:

• They’re golden brown on top and bottom
• A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• They’re puffed up and feel light

Undercooked? Add 1–2 more minutes. Overcooked? They’ll taste dry—so set a timer!

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems

Problem 1: Biscuits Are Burnt on the Bottom

Cause: The air fryer’s heating element is too close to the basket, and the bottoms cook faster than the tops.

Fix:

• Use a baking rack or air fryer liner to elevate biscuits slightly.
• Reduce temperature to 315°F and increase time by 1–2 minutes.
• Flip halfway through (as mentioned above).

I once forgot to flip my biscuits and ended up with charcoal-bottoms. Now I set a phone reminder for the 6-minute mark.

Problem 2: Biscuits Are Undercooked in the Center

Cause: Air fryers vary in power. Some cook too fast on the outside, leaving raw dough inside.

Fix:

• Preheat the basket for 2–3 minutes (if your model allows it).
• Lower temperature to 300°F and cook 1–2 minutes longer.
• Check with a toothpick—if it’s sticky, keep cooking.

My Cosori air fryer runs hot, so I always cook biscuits 1 minute less than the package suggests.

Problem 3: Biscuits Stick to the Basket

Cause: Not enough non-stick prep or overcooking.

Fix:

• Use parchment paper liners (my go-to).
• Spray the basket and the biscuit tops lightly.
• Let biscuits cool 1–2 minutes before removing—they firm up slightly.

Once, I used olive oil spray and still had sticking. Switching to parchment solved it instantly.

Problem 4: Uneven Browning

Cause: Poor air circulation or overcrowding.

Fix:

• Leave space between biscuits.
• Rotate the basket halfway through (if your model allows).
• Use a basket with a mesh bottom for better airflow.

Flavor Hacks: Elevate Your Air Fryer Biscuits

Add Butter for Extra Richness

Before cooking, brush biscuit tops with melted butter (or olive oil). This boosts browning and adds a golden, glossy finish. For a savory twist, mix butter with garlic powder, rosemary, or grated Parmesan. I once added everything bagel seasoning—game-changer!

Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle and Melt

Halfway through cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or feta on top. The cheese melts into gooey pockets. Pro tip: Add cheese at the 7-minute mark to prevent burning.

Sweet Twists: Cinnamon Sugar or Jam

For dessert biscuits, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before cooking. Or, split cooked biscuits and fill with jam, Nutella, or peanut butter. My kids beg for “air fryer cinnamon rolls” (just Pillsbury biscuits + cinnamon sugar + a drizzle of icing).

Stuffed Biscuits: A Brunch Upgrade

Flatten a biscuit slightly, add a small piece of cooked bacon, sausage, or scrambled egg, then fold and seal. Air fry as usual. These are so good with gravy on the side.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Ultimate Biscuit Showdown

Time Comparison

Method	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
Air Fryer	1 minute	8–12 minutes	9–13 minutes
Oven	1 minute	15–20 minutes	26–31 minutes (with preheating)

Texture and Taste

• Air Fryer: Crispier edges, lighter interior, faster browning. Best for dunking.
• Oven: Softer crust, more even rise, classic “homemade” feel.

I prefer air fryer biscuits for weekday mornings but use the oven for holidays when I want a nostalgic, soft-crust vibe.

Energy Use and Cleanup

• Air Fryer: Uses 40–50% less energy. Basket wipes clean in 10 seconds.
• Oven: High energy use. Baking sheet needs scrubbing.

Batch Size

• Air Fryer: Best for 3–6 biscuits (depending on size).
• Oven: Can bake 12+ biscuits at once.

For big families, the oven wins. For solo diners or couples, the air fryer is perfect.

Bonus Tips for Air Fryer Biscuit Success

Freezer-Friendly Hack

Freeze uncooked Pillsbury biscuits (sealed in a ziplock) for up to 1 month. To cook, add 2–3 minutes to the air fryer time—no thawing needed! I keep a batch ready for surprise guests.

Reheating Leftovers

Got leftover biscuits? Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh. Microwave? Never. They’ll turn rubbery.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Wipe the basket with a damp cloth after each use. For stuck-on bits, soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. Avoid steel wool—it scratches the non-stick coating.

Alternative Biscuit Brands

Not all canned biscuits cook the same. Here’s what I’ve tested:

• Pillsbury Grands: Best for air fryer—flaky layers cook evenly.
• Immaculate Baking: Organic, but slightly denser (add 1 minute cook time).
• Great Value (Walmart): Budget-friendly, but stickier—use parchment.

When to Avoid the Air Fryer

• Baking more than 6 biscuits (unless you have a huge air fryer).
• Using butter-based doughs (like croissants)—they can melt and drip.
• Making large or thick biscuits—they’ll cook unevenly.

So, can you make Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer? 100% yes—and you should! It’s faster, easier, and (dare I say) tastier than the oven. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, a savory snack, or a sweet treat, the air fryer delivers golden, flaky perfection in minutes. Just remember: space your biscuits, flip them halfway, and embrace the crispiness. Your mornings will never be the same. And hey, if you burn a batch? No shame. I’ve been there (my dog still eats them, so it’s fine). Happy air frying! 🍳

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer! They cook faster than in a conventional oven and come out golden, flaky, and delicious with minimal effort.

What temperature should I use to cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) and cook the biscuits for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even browning without burning, perfect for air fryer Pillsbury biscuits.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time for Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens, so reduce the time by 2–4 minutes compared to package instructions. Check at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking—ideal for a quick air fryer biscuit recipe.

How many Pillsbury biscuits can I cook at once in the air fryer?

It depends on your air fryer size, but typically 4–6 biscuits fit without overcrowding. Leave space between them for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Can I make Pillsbury Grands! biscuits in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Pillsbury Grands! biscuits work great in the air fryer. Cook at 325°F for 9–12 minutes, rotating halfway, for fluffy, golden results.

Do I need to use oil or non-stick spray for air fryer Pillsbury biscuits?

No, Pillsbury biscuits already contain enough fat to cook perfectly without added oil. A light spray of non-stick coating on the basket helps prevent sticking.