Can You Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer Fast Easy Tips

Yes, you can cook canned biscuits in an air fryer for a faster, crispier, and more evenly baked result than traditional ovens. Simply preheat the air fryer, space the biscuits properly, and cook at 320°F for 8–10 minutes—no thawing or special prep needed. This quick method delivers golden, fluffy biscuits in under 15 minutes, making it a game-changer for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook canned biscuits in an air fryer for faster, crispier results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to allow proper air circulation.
• Adjust time: Cook 6–9 mins; flip halfway for golden tops and bottoms.
• No oil needed: Air fryer crisps biscuits without extra oil or butter.
• Watch closely: Ovens vary—check early to avoid over-browning or burning.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have transformed modern kitchens by offering a healthier, faster, and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional deep frying and oven baking. With their ability to circulate hot air at high speeds, these countertop appliances create crispy, golden-brown textures on everything from chicken wings to mozzarella sticks—without the need for excessive oil. As home cooks continue to explore the versatility of air fryers, one popular question arises: Can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and the results are often better than baking them in a conventional oven. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who loves quick and easy meals, cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer is a game-changer.

Canned biscuits—those flaky, buttery, ready-to-bake staples from brands like Pillsbury, Annie’s, and Immaculate Baking—are a beloved shortcut for breakfast, snacks, or even dinner sides. Traditionally baked in an oven, they can sometimes come out unevenly cooked or overly dry. But with the air fryer’s rapid convection technology, canned biscuits cook faster, more evenly, and with a delightfully crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer, including optimal settings, timing, flavor variations, troubleshooting tips, and even creative recipes to elevate your biscuit game. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you fast, easy, and reliable tips to master this simple yet satisfying cooking method.

Why Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is speed. Traditional oven baking typically takes 10–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), and that doesn’t include preheating, which can add another 10–15 minutes. In contrast, air fryers heat up almost instantly and cook canned biscuits in just 6 to 9 minutes, depending on the model and size of the biscuits. This makes air frying ideal for rushed mornings, unexpected guests, or when you need a quick carb fix without waiting for the oven.

For example, if you’re preparing a weekday breakfast and need biscuits ready in under 10 minutes, the air fryer is your best friend. Simply open the can, place the biscuits in the basket, and set the timer. While they cook, you can scramble eggs, toast English muffins, or brew coffee—all without juggling multiple appliances.

Even Cooking and Crispy Texture

Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food, ensuring uniform heat distribution. This means your canned biscuits will rise evenly, with no undercooked centers or burnt edges. The high-velocity airflow also creates a slightly crisp outer layer, giving the biscuits a satisfying crunch that’s hard to achieve in a standard oven. The result? Golden-brown, flaky biscuits with a soft, buttery interior—just like they were baked by a professional baker.

Many home cooks report that air-fried biscuits have a more consistent texture than oven-baked ones, especially when using older ovens with hot spots. The air fryer’s compact cooking chamber ensures that heat reaches every surface, eliminating the need to rotate the pan halfway through cooking.

Energy and Space Efficiency

Air fryers use significantly less energy than full-sized ovens. Since they have a smaller cooking chamber, they require less time to heat up and maintain temperature. This not only saves electricity but also keeps your kitchen cooler—especially beneficial during summer months when turning on the oven can raise indoor temperatures.

Additionally, air fryers take up minimal counter space and are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, or office break rooms. You can cook a batch of biscuits without needing to clear counter space for a baking sheet or worry about oven racks.

Less Mess and Cleanup

Unlike ovens, which can drip grease onto the floor or racks, air fryers contain all mess within the basket and drip tray. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. Simply wipe down the basket with a damp cloth or toss it in the dishwasher after use. No more scrubbing baked-on biscuit residue from a baking sheet!

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

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• An air fryer (any size, but 3.5–5.8 quarts is ideal for 4–8 biscuits)
• A can of refrigerated biscuits (Pillsbury Grands, Buttermilk, Flaky, or Homestyle)
• Non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
• A pair of tongs or a fork (for handling hot biscuits)
• A cooling rack or plate

Note: Avoid using parchment paper with holes or silicone liners that block airflow, as they can prevent proper browning. If using parchment, make sure it’s air fryer-safe and has ventilation slits.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)

While not always required, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) can help achieve more consistent results. Preheating ensures the cooking chamber is at the right temperature from the start, leading to better rise and browning. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step—just add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

Tip: Some newer air fryer models have a “preheat” function, which automatically warms the basket before cooking. If yours does, use it!

Step 3: Prepare and Arrange the Biscuits

Open the can and separate the biscuits. Gently pull them apart to avoid tearing the layers. If the biscuits are sticking together, let them sit at room temperature for 1–2 minutes to soften slightly.

Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving about ½ inch of space between each one. Overcrowding prevents proper airflow and can lead to uneven cooking. For a 5-quart air fryer, 4–6 biscuits fit perfectly. If you have more, cook them in batches.

Optional: Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. This enhances browning and adds a rich, golden finish.

Step 4: Set Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature works well for most canned biscuits, allowing them to rise fully without burning.

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Start checking at 6 minutes—biscuits are done when they’re golden brown on top and puffed up. If they need more time, continue in 1-minute increments. Larger biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands) may need up to 9 minutes.

Tip: Avoid opening the basket too often, as this releases heat and can slow cooking. Instead, peek through the window or use the light function if your model has one.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Serve

Once the timer goes off, use tongs to carefully remove the biscuits. They should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. If the center feels doughy, return them for 1–2 more minutes.

Transfer the biscuits to a cooling rack or plate. Let them cool for 1–2 minutes before serving—this allows the steam to escape and prevents sogginess.

Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, gravy, or your favorite breakfast sides.

Best Settings and Timing for Different Air Fryer Models

Not all air fryers are created equal. Differences in wattage, basket size, fan speed, and heating element placement can affect cooking times and results. Below is a comparison table to help you tailor your approach based on your specific model.

Air Fryer Brand/Model	Recommended Temp	Cooking Time (4–6 biscuits)	Notes
Ninja Foodi (6.5 qt)	350°F	6–7 minutes	Even heat; preheat recommended
Cosori Smart Air Fryer (5.8 qt)	350°F	7–8 minutes	Use non-stick spray for crispier tops
Instant Vortex Plus (6 qt)	350°F	6–8 minutes	Check at 6 minutes; may need extra 1 min
Philips AirFryer (3.5 qt)	350°F	7–9 minutes	Smaller basket; cook in batches
Dash Compact (2.6 qt)	350°F	8–9 minutes	Best for 2–3 biscuits; longer cook time

As a general rule, higher-wattage air fryers (1500–1800W) cook faster than lower-wattage models (1000–1200W). If you’re using a smaller model, expect slightly longer cook times. Always use visual cues—golden color and puffiness—as your primary guide, rather than relying solely on the timer.

Pro Tips for Consistent Results

• Rotate the basket halfway through if your model doesn’t have a rotating function. This ensures even browning.
• Don’t stack biscuits—they’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Use the crisper plate (if included) to elevate biscuits and improve airflow underneath.
• Adjust for altitude: At high elevations, increase cook time by 1–2 minutes due to lower air pressure.

Creative Ways to Elevate Your Air-Fried Biscuits

Flavor Variations and Toppings

Plain biscuits are delicious, but why not jazz them up? Here are some easy flavor upgrades:

• Cheesy Herb Biscuits: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and dried parsley on top before cooking. Drizzle with garlic butter after baking.
• Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: Mix 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp melted butter. Brush on warm biscuits and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar.
• Garlic Parmesan: Brush with garlic butter and top with grated Parmesan before air frying. Add fresh parsley after.
• Everything Bagel Style: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before cooking.

Tip: For best results, add toppings before air frying so they adhere and caramelize properly.

Breakfast Biscuit Sandwiches

Turn your air-fried biscuits into handheld breakfasts:

• Split biscuits and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon.
• Make a breakfast “biscuit BLT” with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
• Create a mini biscuit pizza: spread pizza sauce, add pepperoni and mozzarella, and air fry for 2 more minutes.

For a sweet twist, try biscuit French toast: slice biscuits in half, soak in egg-milk mixture (add cinnamon and vanilla), then air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes per side.

Sweet and Savory Twists

• Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls: Flatten each biscuit, spread with cinnamon sugar, roll up, and air fry for 7 minutes. Drizzle with icing.
• Biscuit Donuts: Use a small round cutter to make holes, then air fry both the donut and hole. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze.
• Biscuit Sliders: Use mini biscuits as buns for pulled pork, chicken salad, or ham and cheese.

These creative ideas show that canned biscuits are far more versatile than you might think—especially when air fried to golden perfection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues and Pro Tips

Biscuits Are Undercooked or Doughy

If the center is still soft or raw, it’s likely due to:

• Overcrowding: Biscuits need space to rise and cook evenly. Cook in smaller batches.
• Low temperature: Ensure your air fryer is set to 350°F. Use an oven thermometer if you suspect calibration issues.
• Old or expired biscuits: Check the expiration date. Old dough may not rise properly.

Solution: Return undercooked biscuits to the air fryer for 1–2 more minutes. Cover with foil if the top is browning too fast.

Biscuits Are Burnt or Too Crispy

This usually happens when:

• Temperature is too high: Lower to 330–340°F next time.
• Too much oil or spray: Excess fat can cause rapid browning. Use sparingly.
• Cooking too long: Set a timer and check early.

Tip: If the top is browning too fast but the inside is raw, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue cooking.

Biscuits Are Sticking to the Basket

Non-stick baskets can still have adhesion issues, especially with buttery dough. Prevent sticking by:

• Lightly spraying the basket with oil before adding biscuits.
• Using a silicone liner (if compatible) or air fryer parchment paper with holes.
• Letting biscuits cool slightly before removing—they release easier.

Maximizing Fluffiness and Rise

For the fluffiest biscuits:

• Don’t over-handle the dough—gentle separation preserves layers.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure a quick rise.
• Use the original can size—larger biscuits need more time, smaller ones cook faster.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And You Should!

So, can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you absolutely should. This simple, fast, and foolproof method delivers golden, flaky, restaurant-quality biscuits in under 10 minutes, with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a fun snack, or a creative meal, the air fryer transforms canned biscuits into something truly special.

From speed and energy efficiency to even cooking and endless customization, the benefits are clear. With the right temperature (350°F), proper spacing, and a few creative touches, your air-fried biscuits will impress everyone at the table. No more waiting for the oven to preheat or worrying about uneven browning. Just pop open a can, load the basket, and let the air fryer work its magic.

As air fryer technology continues to evolve, so do the possibilities. Experiment with flavors, toppings, and recipes to discover your favorite combinations. Try savory garlic herb biscuits for dinner, cinnamon sugar for dessert, or biscuit sandwiches for a portable lunch. The only limit is your imagination.

Next time you’re craving warm, buttery biscuits, skip the oven and reach for your air fryer. It’s fast, easy, delicious—and a testament to how modern kitchen tools can simplify our lives without sacrificing flavor. So go ahead: open that can, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy the perfect biscuit, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook canned biscuits in an air fryer for a quick and crispy result. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, giving the biscuits a golden-brown finish without the need for deep frying.

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

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for best results. This temperature ensures the biscuits cook through without burning the exterior.

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

Canned biscuits typically take 8–10 minutes in an air fryer. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning and consistent texture.

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

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes helps achieve even cooking. This step is especially important for fluffy, well-risen canned biscuits.

Can you stack canned biscuits in an air fryer?

It’s best not to stack canned biscuits in the air fryer to ensure proper airflow. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each for even cooking.

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

Air-fried canned biscuits use less oil than traditional frying, making them a slightly healthier option. However, they’re still processed, so enjoy them in moderation.