Can You Bake Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for a faster, crispier twist on the classic treat—no oven required. Simply preheat the air fryer to 330°F, place biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fluffy inside. This method saves time and delivers perfectly baked biscuits with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer with great results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Adjust temperature: Use 320°F (not 350°F) to prevent burning.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits for optimal air circulation.
• Check early: Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• No oil needed: Pillsbury biscuits cook perfectly without added oil.

Why Baking Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: we’ve all stood in front of the oven, waiting for it to preheat, wondering if there’s a faster, more energy-efficient way to get those golden, flaky Pillsbury biscuits on the table. Maybe you’re juggling a busy morning routine, hosting last-minute guests, or just tired of the oven’s slow warm-up. That’s where the air fryer comes in—a kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook everything from fries to chicken wings. But can you bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer? Spoiler: yes, and the results might surprise you.

I first tried this method after a hectic Sunday brunch when my oven was occupied with a quiche. Desperate for a shortcut, I tossed a few Pillsbury Grands! into my air fryer basket, set it to 330°F, and walked away. Ten minutes later, I had perfectly golden, puffed-up biscuits with a crisp exterior and a soft, buttery center. No preheating, no babysitting. It felt like cheating—in the best way. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just loves efficiency, this method is worth exploring. But like any kitchen hack, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Let’s dive into the details, from temperature tweaks to troubleshooting common mistakes.

How Air Fryers Work: The Science Behind the Crisp

What Makes Air Frying Unique?

Before we jump into baking Pillsbury biscuits, let’s demystify how air fryers work. Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on radiant heat from heating elements, air fryers use rapid air circulation. A powerful fan blows superheated air around the food, creating a convection effect. This mimics deep-frying’s crispiness but with little to no oil. For biscuits, this means a golden crust and even browning—without greasy pans or soggy bottoms.

Think of it like a mini convection oven, but faster. Air fryers typically heat up in 2–3 minutes (vs. 10–15 for ovens) and cook food 20–30% quicker. This speed is why they’re perfect for frozen foods, leftovers, and—yes—canned biscuits. But there’s a catch: air fryers have smaller capacities, so spacing matters. Overcrowding the basket leads to steaming instead of crisping, which is the enemy of flaky biscuits.

Why Pillsbury Biscuits Are Ideal for Air Frying

Pillsbury’s canned biscuits are designed to rise and brown evenly in ovens, but their composition makes them even better for air frying. Here’s why:

• Pre-portioned dough: Each biscuit is the same size, ensuring uniform cooking.
• High fat content: The buttery layers respond well to rapid heat, creating a crisp exterior.
• Pre-baked dough: Since they’re partially baked in the can, air frying just finishes the job—no risk of undercooking.

Fun fact: Pillsbury’s original 1930s recipe included a “bake in a can” design, which aligns perfectly with air fryer efficiency. It’s almost like they were made for this!

Step-by-Step Guide: Baking Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Preparing Your Air Fryer and Biscuits

First things first: prep. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Check your model: Most air fryers (Ninja, Instant Vortex, Cosori, etc.) work well, but consult your manual for max capacity. Smaller baskets (3–4 quarts) fit 4–6 biscuits; larger ones (6+ quarts) can handle 8–10.
• Prep the basket: Lightly spray with oil or line with parchment paper (leave gaps for air circulation). Avoid non-stick sprays with PAM—they can damage coatings.
• Separate the biscuits: Pop the can and gently pull apart each biscuit. They’ll shrink slightly, so leave 1–2 inches between them.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, brush biscuits with melted butter or egg wash before cooking. This adds a restaurant-style shine.

Temperature and Timing: The Golden Ratio

This is where most people go wrong. Air fryers run hotter than ovens, so lower temperatures and shorter times are key. Here’s a general guideline:

Biscuit Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Pillsbury Grands! (8-count)	330–350	10–12	Shake basket at 6 min for even browning
Buttermilk Biscuits	325–340	9–11	Check at 8 min to prevent over-browning
Flaky Layers	320–330	11–13	Rotate biscuits halfway if your model has hot spots
Frozen Homestyle	340–360	14–16	Thaw 2–3 min first for even cooking

Start at the lower end of the range. If your air fryer runs hot (common in older models), go with 330°F. For newer models, 350°F is safe. Set a timer for 8 minutes, then check: biscuits should be puffed and golden. If not, add 1–2 minutes. Overcooking leads to dry, tough biscuits—so don’t walk away!

Post-Cooking: The Secret to Perfection

Don’t skip this step! Right after cooking:

• Transfer immediately: Use tongs or a spatula to move biscuits to a plate. Residual heat continues cooking them in the basket.
• Rest for 1–2 minutes: This lets the steam escape, preventing soggy centers.
• Add flavor: Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or serve with jam for a gourmet touch.

For leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll taste fresh, not stale!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Problem: Biscuits Are Burnt on the Outside, Raw Inside

Why it happens: Too high a temperature or overcrowding. Air fryers circulate heat aggressively, so 375°F will scorch biscuits before the center cooks.

How to fix it: Lower the temperature by 25°F and reduce the batch size. For example, if you tried 375°F with 8 biscuits, try 350°F with 6. If it’s still an issue, flip the biscuits halfway through cooking.

Problem: Biscuits Stick to the Basket

Why it happens: Inadequate oil or parchment. Non-stick coatings degrade over time, and dough is sticky by nature.

How to fix it: Use a silicone liner or parchment paper (cut to fit, with holes for airflow). Lightly coat the basket with oil—just a thin layer. If biscuits still stick, let them cool 1 minute before removing; they release easier.

Problem: Uneven Browning

Why it happens: Air fryers have “hot spots” (areas with stronger airflow). Biscuits near the fan brown faster.

How to fix it: Rotate the basket halfway through cooking. For models with trays, swap the top and bottom positions. Alternatively, cook in smaller batches.

Bonus: What If Your Biscuits Are Frozen?

No problem! Frozen Pillsbury biscuits (like their Homestyle or Buttermilk varieties) work great. Just:

• Thaw 2–3 minutes first (to prevent ice crystals from steam-cooking the dough).
• Increase cooking time by 2–4 minutes.
• Check for a golden crust and internal temperature of 190°F (use a meat thermometer).

I once used this method for a last-minute potluck—frozen biscuits, 16 minutes in the air fryer, and they were a hit!

Beyond Basic Biscuits: Creative Air Fryer Hacks

Stuffed Biscuits: Elevate Your Game

Why stop at plain biscuits? Try stuffing them:

• Breakfast: Insert a slice of cooked bacon, ham, or a mini sausage patty between layers.
• Sweet: Add a spoonful of jam, Nutella, or cinnamon-raisin filling.
• Cheesy: Press a cube of cheddar or pepper jack into the center.

How to do it: Separate the biscuit layers (they’re designed to split!). Add the filling, then reassemble. Cook at 340°F for 12–14 minutes. The filling melts perfectly inside while the outside stays crisp.

Biscuit “Pizza” Bites: Kid-Friendly Fun

Cut biscuits into quarters, press each into a mini muffin tin, and add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Instant bite-sized pizzas! My nephew calls them “air fryer nachos”—and he’s not wrong.

Biscuit French Toast: A Brunch Twist

Slice biscuits in half, dip in egg mixture (2 eggs + 1/4 cup milk + cinnamon), and air fry at 330°F for 7–8 minutes. Serve with maple syrup. The layers soak up the custard beautifully—no sogginess!

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Ultimate Showdown

Speed and Convenience

The air fryer wins hands-down. Here’s a real-world example:

• Oven: Preheat 10 min + 12 min cooking = 22 min total.
• Air fryer: 2 min heat-up + 11 min cooking = 13 min total.

That’s a 40% time savings—perfect for busy mornings or impromptu snacks.

Texture and Flavor

Both methods produce great biscuits, but the differences are subtle:

• Air fryer: Crisper exterior, lighter crumb. Great for toasting with butter.
• Oven: Slightly denser, more traditional texture. Ideal for smothering in gravy.

I prefer the air fryer for “on-the-go” biscuits (like with coffee or as a sandwich base) and the oven for “sit-down” meals (like chicken and waffles).

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use 50–75% less energy than ovens. For a small batch, it’s a no-brainer. Plus, they don’t heat up your kitchen—a win in summer!

When to Choose the Oven

Air fryers aren’t perfect. Stick with the oven if:

• You’re cooking 12+ biscuits at once.
• You want a classic, oven-baked texture.
• Your air fryer basket is scratched (avoid metal tools).

But for most everyday needs, the air fryer is the MVP.

Conclusion: Should You Try Air Fryer Pillsbury Biscuits?

Absolutely! Baking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is fast, easy, and delicious. You’ll get crispy, flaky results in half the time of an oven, with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a snack for the kids, or a creative recipe (hello, biscuit pizza bites!), the air fryer delivers.

Just remember the key takeaways: lower temperatures, proper spacing, and checking early. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try different varieties, stuffings, or toppings. And if you mess up? No big deal. Even if a batch gets a little too crispy, you’re only 15 minutes from a do-over.

So grab that can of Pillsbury biscuits, fire up your air fryer, and see for yourself. You might just find yourself reaching for the air fryer instead of the oven—every single time. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer! This method cooks them faster than an oven while achieving a golden, flaky texture.

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

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the biscuits for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model.

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

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens. Reduce the recommended oven time by 2–3 minutes and check for doneness early to avoid over-baking.

Can I cook canned Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer without preheating?

While preheating ensures even cooking, you can skip it in a pinch. Add 1–2 minutes to the cook time if starting with a cold air fryer.

How many Pillsbury biscuits can I fit in my air fryer at once?

Most standard air fryers fit 4–6 biscuits at a time, depending on size. Leave space between them for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Are air-fried Pillsbury biscuits healthier than oven-baked ones?

Both methods use the same ingredients, but the air fryer requires no added oil. The main difference is faster cooking, not nutritional content.