Can You Make Biscuits in Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer—it’s a quick, easy, and mess-free alternative to oven baking that delivers golden, flaky results in under 15 minutes. With minimal preheating and no need for excess oil, air fryer biscuits are a game-changer for busy kitchens and crispy texture lovers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Make biscuits in an air fryer with crispy results.
• Preheat first: Ensures even baking and better rise every time.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to prevent sticking.
• Adjust time: Cook 2–3 mins less than oven recipes recommend.
• Use parchment: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup effortlessly.
• Try frozen: Cook directly—no thawing needed for convenience.

Can You Make Biscuits in Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Let’s be honest: mornings can be chaotic. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and trying to find matching socks (seriously, where do they all go?), the last thing you want is a complicated breakfast routine. That’s why I was so excited when I first heard about making biscuits in the air fryer. Could it really be that simple? Could I skip the oven preheating, the greasy pans, and the constant checking to see if they’re done—all while still enjoying fluffy, golden biscuits?

After weeks of testing, tweaking, and even a few slightly overcooked disasters, I’m here to share what I’ve learned. Spoiler alert: yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer, and it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who burns toast (no judgment), this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the basics of air fryer baking to troubleshooting common issues. So grab your favorite coffee mug, and let’s dive in.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Biscuits?

You might be wondering: why bother using an air fryer when the oven works just fine? Great question. The truth is, the air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries and reheating leftovers. It’s a surprisingly versatile kitchen tool—especially when it comes to baked goods like biscuits.

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest perks? Speed. Most air fryers heat up in under 3 minutes, compared to 10–15 minutes for a conventional oven. That means less waiting and more eating. I remember one Sunday morning when my oven decided to take its sweet time heating up. While it struggled, I popped a batch of biscuits in the air fryer and had them ready in 12 minutes flat. My family didn’t even notice the switch—until they tasted them.

Energy Savings

If you’re trying to cut down on energy use (or just lower your electricity bill), the air fryer is a winner. It uses significantly less power than a full-sized oven, which is great for the environment and your wallet. Plus, it doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Perfect for Small Batches

Let’s face it: not every breakfast calls for a dozen biscuits. With the air fryer, you can make just 2–4 biscuits at a time without wasting space or energy. This is ideal for solo diners, couples, or anyone who wants fresh biscuits without leftovers going stale.

Even Browning and Crispy Bottoms

Thanks to the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air, biscuits develop a beautifully golden, slightly crispy bottom—something I struggled to achieve in my oven. The top stays soft and fluffy, while the bottom has just the right amount of crunch. It’s the best of both worlds.

What Types of Biscuits Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Not all biscuits are created equal, and some work better in the air fryer than others. The good news? You’ve got plenty of options—from store-bought to homemade.

Store-Bought Biscuits (Yes, Really!)

Let’s start with the easiest option: canned or refrigerated biscuits. Brands like Pillsbury Grands, Immaculate Baking, and even Trader Joe’s refrigerated biscuits cook beautifully in the air fryer. I’ve tried them all, and the results are consistently impressive.

• Pillsbury Grands: These puff up nicely and develop a golden crust in about 10–12 minutes.
• Immaculate Baking: A bit more delicate, so I recommend lowering the temperature slightly to 320°F to avoid over-browning.
• Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Biscuits: These have a richer flavor and stay moist inside, thanks to the buttermilk. Just watch them closely—they brown faster than others.

Pro tip: Always separate the biscuits before cooking. If you cook them stuck together, the middle ones will be doughy.

Homemade Biscuits (From Scratch)

If you love baking, making biscuits from scratch in the air fryer is totally doable. I’ve tested several recipes, and the key is keeping the dough slightly thicker than you would for oven baking. This helps them hold their shape and rise properly.

• Use a standard biscuit recipe (buttermilk, flour, butter, baking powder, salt).
• Roll or pat the dough to about 1 inch thick.
• Cut into rounds or drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper.
• Chill for 10–15 minutes before cooking—this prevents spreading.

I once tried skipping the chilling step, and my biscuits turned into flat, sad pancakes. Learn from my mistake: chill your dough!

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Good news for those with dietary restrictions: gluten-free and vegan biscuits work just as well in the air fryer. I’ve had great success with gluten-free baking mixes (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill) and plant-based buttermilk (made with almond milk + lemon juice).

The trick? Use a bit more leavening (baking powder) and don’t overmix. Overworking gluten-free dough can make it tough.

Creative Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative! Try:

• Cheese biscuits: Add shredded cheddar and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Herb & butter biscuits: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, and melted butter.
• Sweet cinnamon rolls: Roll out biscuit dough, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and roll up. Slice and air fry for mini cinnamon rolls!

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

Now that we’ve covered the types of biscuits, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how to actually cook them. I’ll walk you through the process step by step, with tips to avoid common mistakes.

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer Basket

First things first: prep your basket. You’ve got two options:

• Parchment paper: Cut a round to fit the bottom. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I use pre-cut parchment liners—they’re a game-changer.
• Light oil spray: If you don’t have parchment, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil (I use avocado oil for high heat). Avoid flour or butter—they can burn.

Note: Never line the basket with foil. It blocks airflow and can cause uneven cooking.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Place the biscuits in the basket, leaving about 1 inch between them. This is crucial! Crowding prevents proper air circulation and leads to soggy, undercooked centers.

• For 4–6 biscuits: Use a medium-sized air fryer (5–6 quarts).
• For 2–3 biscuits: A smaller model (3–4 quarts) works perfectly.

If your biscuits are frozen, no need to thaw—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s where many people go wrong. Air fryers vary, so start with these general guidelines and adjust as needed:

• Store-bought: 320°F–340°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Homemade: 330°F–350°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Gluten-free: 320°F–330°F for 11–13 minutes (lower heat prevents drying).

I recommend starting at the lower end of the range. You can always add more time, but you can’t undo burnt biscuits.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After 8–10 minutes, open the basket and check. Look for:

• Golden brown tops and bottoms.
• Firm, springy texture when lightly pressed.
• No wet dough visible at the center (use a toothpick if unsure).

If they’re not done, close the basket and cook in 1–2 minute increments.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the biscuits cool for 2–3 minutes in the basket. This helps them firm up. Then transfer to a wire rack or plate. Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite breakfast spread.

Bonus Tip: Reheating Leftovers

Got leftover biscuits? Reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste just like fresh—no soggy microwave mess!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

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

Biscuits Are Too Dry

This usually happens when:

• The temperature is too high.
• They’re overcooked.
• The dough is too lean (not enough fat).

Fix it: Lower the temp by 10–20°F, reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes, and brush the tops with butter or milk before cooking. For homemade biscuits, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.

Biscuits Are Soggy in the Middle

Soggy centers mean:

• The biscuits were too crowded.
• The dough was too wet.
• The air fryer didn’t circulate air properly.

Fix it: Leave more space between biscuits, chill the dough first, and ensure your air fryer’s vents aren’t blocked. If using a basket with a solid bottom, prop it up with a trivet to improve airflow.

Biscuits Burn on the Bottom

Burnt bottoms are a sign of:

• Too much direct heat.
• No parchment paper or oil.

Fix it: Always use parchment or a light oil spray. If your air fryer has a “bake” or “air crisp” setting, use that instead of “fry.” You can also place a small metal trivet at the bottom to lift the biscuits slightly.

Biscuits Don’t Rise

If they’re flat and dense, it could be due to:

• Old or expired baking powder.
• Overmixing the dough.
• Not chilling the dough (for homemade).

Fix it: Test your baking powder by mixing 1 tsp with 1/3 cup hot water—it should bubble vigorously. Handle the dough gently, and chill it for at least 10 minutes before cooking.

Uneven Cooking

Some biscuits brown more than others? This happens when:

• The air fryer basket is too full.
• The biscuits are different sizes.
• The unit has hot spots.

Fix it: Rotate the basket halfway through cooking. For homemade, use a biscuit cutter to ensure uniform size. If your model has hot spots, note where they are and avoid placing biscuits there.

Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Time & Temperature Table

To help you get it right every time, here’s a quick-reference table based on my testing with different air fryer models (Ninja, Cosori, Instant Vortex, and Philips).

Biscuit Type	Temperature (°F)	Cook Time (Minutes)	Notes
Pillsbury Grands (Refrigerated)	330	10–12	Separate before cooking; use parchment
Immaculate Baking	320	11–13	Lower heat prevents over-browning
Homemade (Buttermilk)	340	12–15	Chill dough 10+ minutes first
Gluten-Free Mix	325	11–13	Add 1 tsp extra baking powder
Frozen Biscuits	330	12–15	No thawing needed; add 2–3 mins
Vegan Biscuits	330	12–14	Use plant-based milk + lemon juice

Remember: Every air fryer is different. Use this as a starting point, then adjust based on your model and preferences.

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

After testing dozens of batches, I can confidently say: yes, you should absolutely make biscuits in your air fryer. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and often yields better results than the oven—especially for small batches.

Is it perfect for every situation? Not quite. If you’re feeding a crowd, the oven might still be your best bet. And if you’re making delicate, flaky pastry-style biscuits, the oven’s gentle heat might give you a slight edge. But for everyday breakfasts, quick snacks, or when you’re short on time? The air fryer wins every time.

The best part? Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with flavors, toppings, and even savory fillings (think sausage and cheese stuffed biscuits). It’s a fun, flexible way to add a little joy to your mornings—without the hassle.

So go ahead: dust off that air fryer, grab some biscuits, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite breakfast hack. And hey, if you burn the first batch? Don’t worry—I did too. The second one will be perfect. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient method that yields golden, flaky results in less time than a traditional oven.

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

Most biscuits cook well at 325°F–350°F (160°C–175°C) in the air fryer. Adjust based on your model and biscuit size, checking for a golden top and cooked center.

How long do biscuits take to cook in an air fryer?

Air-fried biscuits typically take 8–12 minutes, depending on size and brand. Flip them halfway for even browning and ensure they’re no longer doughy in the center.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for biscuits?

Preheating for 3–5 minutes helps achieve consistent results, especially for store-bought biscuit dough. However, some recipes skip this step—always follow your specific instructions.

Can you make homemade biscuits in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works well in the air fryer. Shape into rounds, space evenly, and cook at 325°F for 10–12 minutes until puffed and golden.

How do you prevent biscuits from drying out in the air fryer?

To avoid dry biscuits, brush the tops with butter or milk before cooking and avoid overcooking. Use parchment paper liners to reduce direct heat exposure and retain moisture.