Can You Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer—and they come out golden, flaky, and perfectly cooked in less time than traditional baking. With no preheating required and easy cleanup, air fryer biscuits are a fast, fuss-free breakfast or snack option that delivers delicious results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer—it’s fast, easy, and yields crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and golden-brown tops.
• Use parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation.
• Adjust time and temperature based on biscuit size and air fryer model.
• Check doneness early—air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens.

The Air Fryer Revolution: A Fresh Way to Bake Biscuits

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. You’re craving warm, flaky biscuits, but the thought of heating up your oven for 20 minutes—just to bake for another 12—feels like overkill. Maybe it’s a hot summer day, or you’re in a tiny kitchen with no space for a full-sized oven. That’s when the humble air fryer swoops in like a kitchen superhero. But can you cook biscuits in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it might just change the way you bake forever.

I discovered this game-changer by accident. One lazy Sunday morning, I had frozen biscuit dough in the freezer and zero patience for preheating. On a whim, I popped a few into my air fryer basket, set it to 350°F, and crossed my fingers. Ten minutes later, I pulled out golden-brown, buttery biscuits that rivaled my grandma’s oven-baked ones. No soggy bottoms. No uneven browning. Just crispy edges and a soft, pillowy center. Since then, I’ve experimented with everything from store-bought dough to homemade recipes, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned—because if you’ve ever wondered, “Can you cook biscuits in an air fryer?” the answer is not just yes, but “yes, and here’s how to do it right.”

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Biscuits (And Why You Should Try It)

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Air fryers aren’t just for crisping fries or reheating leftovers. Their design—rapid air circulation, compact space, and precise temperature control—makes them ideal for baking biscuits. Here’s why:

Faster Than a Conventional Oven

Air fryers preheat in 2–3 minutes (vs. 10–15 for ovens), and biscuits cook 30–50% faster. For example, Pillsbury Grands take 10–12 minutes in an air fryer vs. 13–17 minutes in an oven. This is a game-changer for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Even Cooking Without Hot Spots

Traditional ovens often have uneven heat distribution, leading to burnt edges or undercooked centers. Air fryers circulate hot air 360° around the biscuits, ensuring consistent browning. I once tried baking a batch in my oven while air-frying another—the oven biscuits had a slightly pale top, while the air fryer ones were perfectly golden all over.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use 50–75% less energy than ovens. If you’re baking just 2–3 biscuits, this saves money and reduces your carbon footprint. Plus, no need to heat a whole oven for a small batch!

Versatility for All Kinds of Biscuits

Whether you’re using frozen dough, canned biscuits, or homemade recipes, the air fryer adapts. I’ve even used it to reheat stale biscuits—just 3 minutes at 320°F, and they’re revived!

Minimal Cleanup

No greasy baking sheets or parchment paper. Most air fryer baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Just wipe down the basket, and you’re done.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer (With Real Examples)

Now, let’s get practical. The key to air fryer biscuits is spacing, temperature, and timing. Here’s a foolproof method for any biscuit type, with tips from my trial-and-error experiments.

Step 1: Prep the Biscuits

• Frozen dough: No thawing needed! Place biscuits directly in the basket (e.g., 3–4 Pillsbury Grands for a 5.5-quart air fryer).
• Canned biscuits: Separate dough rounds and place them cut-side down.
• Homemade: Roll dough to 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Brush tops with melted butter for extra crispness.

Pro tip: Spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with a parchment liner to prevent sticking. I once skipped this with homemade biscuits—they adhered to the basket like superglue. Not fun.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

• Standard setting: 330–350°F for 10–12 minutes.
• For smaller biscuits: Reduce time by 1–2 minutes (e.g., 8–10 minutes).
• For extra crispness: Increase temperature to 360°F but check at 8 minutes.

Real example: When I baked Trader Joe’s frozen biscuits at 350°F, they took 11 minutes. At 370°F, they browned too fast and dried out at 9 minutes. Temperature control is everything!

Step 3: Arrange Biscuits for Even Airflow

Never overcrowd the basket. Biscuits need space for air to circulate. For a 5.5-quart air fryer:

• 3–4 large biscuits (Pillsbury Grands)
• 4–5 medium biscuits (homemade or store-bought)
• 6–8 mini biscuits (great for appetizers!)

Leave at least 1 inch between each biscuit. If you’re cooking a full batch, cook in 2 rounds. I tried stacking biscuits once—disaster. The bottom ones were undercooked, and the top ones burned.

Step 4: Monitor and Rotate (If Needed)

Most air fryers don’t require rotation, but if your model has hot spots (check your manual), flip biscuits halfway through. I use tongs to gently rotate them at the 6-minute mark for even browning.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Biscuits are done when:

• Top is golden brown.
• Bottom is crisp (lift gently with a spatula to check).
• Internal temperature reaches 190–200°F (use a meat thermometer).

Pro tip: If biscuits are browning too fast, tent them with aluminum foil for the last 2 minutes.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Which Biscuits Work Best?

Not all biscuits are created equal. Here’s how different types perform in the air fryer, based on my kitchen tests.

Store-Bought Canned Biscuits (Pillsbury, etc.)

Pros:

• Convenient and consistent.
• Perfect for quick breakfasts.
• Brown evenly at 350°F.

Cons:

• Can dry out if overcooked.
• Limited customization.

Example: Pillsbury Grands take 10–12 minutes at 350°F. I added a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking—delicious!

Frozen Biscuit Dough

Pros:

• No prep work—just pop in the basket.
• Often more flavorful than canned (e.g., Trader Joe’s buttermilk biscuits).
• Great for meal prep (freeze extra dough).

Cons:

• May need 1–2 extra minutes vs. canned.
• Some brands (like Costco’s) are too large for standard baskets.

Example: Trader Joe’s frozen biscuits took 13 minutes at 350°F. Worth the wait!

Homemade Biscuits

Pros:

• Customize flavors (add cheese, herbs, or garlic).
• Control ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc.).
• Flakier texture with proper technique.

Cons:

• Requires prep time.
• May need adjustments (e.g., thinner dough for faster cooking).

Example: My go-to homemade recipe (buttermilk, butter, flour) works best at 330°F for 10 minutes. Brush with egg wash for shine!

Gluten-Free and Vegan Biscuits

Yes, they work! But adjust temperature to 320°F to prevent drying. I tried a gluten-free recipe from a friend—cooked at 320°F for 11 minutes. Slightly denser but still delicious.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the right tools, mistakes happen. Here are the top errors I’ve made—and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket

Problem: Biscuits steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy bottoms.

Solution: Follow the spacing guidelines above. If you must cook more, do it in batches.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Temperature

Problem: Too high = burnt edges. Too low = pale, doughy biscuits.

Solution: Start at 350°F and adjust based on your air fryer’s quirks. My Ninja Foodi runs hotter, so I use 340°F.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Preheat

Problem: Biscuits cook unevenly or take longer.

Solution: Preheat for 2–3 minutes. I skip this only for frozen dough (it thaws slightly while preheating).

Mistake 4: Not Checking Doneness

Problem: Overcooked = dry. Undercooked = raw dough.

Solution: Set a timer for 8 minutes, then check every 1–2 minutes. Use a thermometer for precision.

Mistake 5: Skipping the Grease

Problem: Biscuits stick to the basket.

Solution: Always use cooking spray, oil, or parchment. I keep a roll of air fryer parchment liners handy.

Data Table: Biscuit Cooking Times & Temperatures

Here’s a quick-reference guide based on my tests. Note: Times may vary by air fryer model (always check your manual).

Biscuit Type	Size	Temp (°F)	Time (min)	Notes
Pillsbury Grands (canned)	Large	350	10–12	Brush with butter before baking
Trader Joe’s (frozen)	Large	350	12–14	No thawing needed
Homemade (buttermilk)	Medium	330	9–11	Add egg wash for shine
Mini Biscuits	Small	340	7–9	Ideal for appetizers
Gluten-Free (homemade)	Medium	320	10–12	Check for doneness early
Reheating Stale Biscuits	Any	320	3–5	Spray with water first

Beyond Breakfast: Creative Ways to Use Air Fryer Biscuits

Biscuits aren’t just for breakfast! Here are fun, unexpected ways to use your air fryer creations.

Biscuit Pizzas

Split a biscuit in half, spread with marinara, add toppings, and air fry at 360°F for 5 minutes. I made mini pepperoni pizzas for my nieces—they devoured them!

Biscuit Grilled Cheese

Place cheese between two biscuits, brush with butter, and air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Crispy outside, melty inside.

Biscuit Doughnuts

Cut a hole in the center of a biscuit, air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar. A sweet twist on a classic.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Top a biscuit with a fried egg, bacon, and cheese. No toasting needed—the air fryer does it all!

Biscuit Bread Pudding

Tear leftover biscuits into pieces, mix with custard, and air fry at 320°F for 15 minutes. Dessert in a flash.

Final Thoughts: Should You Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

So, can you cook biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re using canned dough, frozen biscuits, or a homemade recipe, the air fryer handles it all with ease. The key is to respect its quirks: space biscuits properly, monitor doneness, and adjust temperature as needed.

From my experience, the air fryer isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a tool that expands what’s possible in your kitchen. I’ve used it to bake biscuits for brunches, quick snacks, and even holiday sides (hello, Thanksgiving stuffing!). The only limit is your imagination—and maybe your basket size.

Next time you’re craving biscuits, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, follow the tips here, and enjoy golden, flaky perfection in minutes. And if you’re still skeptical? Try it once. I promise you’ll be hooked—just like I was that lazy Sunday morning. After all, the best kitchen discoveries happen by accident… but they stick around for a reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer! The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, similar to oven baking but faster.

How do you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Place canned biscuits in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Always check the packaging for specific instructions.

What temperature should you use to cook biscuits in an air fryer?

For most biscuits, preheat the air fryer to 325-350°F (160-175°C). Cooking time typically ranges from 8-12 minutes, depending on size and thickness. Adjust time for desired crispiness.

Can you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry frozen biscuits at 330°F (165°C) for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway. No need to thaw—just add 2-3 minutes to the cook time compared to refrigerated biscuits.

Do air fryer biscuits taste as good as oven-baked ones?

Air fryer biscuits are just as delicious, with a slightly crispier crust due to rapid air circulation. The inside remains tender, and cooking is faster, making them a convenient alternative.

Can you bake homemade biscuit dough in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Shape homemade biscuit dough and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes, ensuring even spacing for proper air circulation and browning.