Can You Cook Frozen Biscuits in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer perfectly every time with the right temperature and timing—no thawing required. Simply preheat your air fryer to 320°F, arrange biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes for golden, flaky results that rival oven-baked versions. This quick, hands-off method saves time while delivering consistent, delicious biscuits ideal for breakfast or sides.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer for quick, crispy results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even baking and golden tops.
• Space matters: Arrange biscuits with room to expand for consistent cooking.
• Flip halfway: Flip biscuits mid-cook for perfectly even browning on both sides.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure they’re fully cooked inside.
• Adjust timing: Cook 2–3 minutes less than package instructions to avoid over-browning.

Can You Cook Frozen Biscuits in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Let’s be real: mornings are hard. Between hitting snooze one too many times and trying to wrangle the kids (or the dog, or your own chaotic thoughts), the last thing you want is to wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat just to cook a batch of frozen biscuits. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen at 7:30 a.m., staring at that box of frozen dough like it’s mocking me. That’s when I started wondering: can you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer? Spoiler: yes, you absolutely can. And not just “can,” but should, because it’s faster, easier, and honestly, the results are better than the oven.

I’ve tested dozens of batches—some golden and flaky, others… well, let’s just say I learned from my mistakes. But after trial, error, and a few too many undercooked centers, I’ve cracked the code. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student surviving on coffee and convenience foods, or just someone who loves a warm, buttery biscuit with minimal effort, this guide is for you. We’re diving deep into the how, why, and what to avoid when cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer. By the end, you’ll know how to get that perfect golden crust and fluffy interior—every single time.

Why Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits Beat the Oven (And Why You Should Try It)

You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t the oven the standard way to cook frozen biscuits?” Sure, it is. But the air fryer? It’s like the oven’s cooler, more efficient younger sibling. Here’s why switching makes sense—and why I’ll never go back to the old method.

Speed and Efficiency: No Preheating, No Waiting

Traditional ovens take 10–15 minutes just to preheat. Add 12–15 minutes of baking, and you’re looking at nearly 30 minutes from frozen to flaky. With an air fryer, you skip the preheat entirely. Most models are ready to go in 2–3 minutes. I timed it: from opening the freezer to pulling out golden biscuits, it took me 14 minutes total using my air fryer. That’s half the time, and I didn’t have to wait around watching the oven thermometer climb.

Even Cooking and Crispier Texture

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food evenly. Unlike ovens, which can have hot spots, the air fryer surrounds the biscuits with heat from all sides. The result? A uniform golden crust and a tender, fluffy center. I noticed this especially with brands like Pillsbury Grands! and Great Value—they puffed up beautifully and didn’t dry out, even on the edges.

Less Mess, Less Cleanup

No baking sheet, no parchment paper, no drips. Most air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating, so biscuits slide right out. I once forgot to use parchment paper (oops), and the biscuits still came out clean—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and I was done. Compare that to scrubbing a sticky baking sheet after oven use. Game-changer.

Energy and Cost Savings

Air fryers use less energy than full-sized ovens. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that small countertop appliances like air fryers can use up to 50% less energy. If you’re cooking just one or two biscuits, the oven is overkill. The air fryer heats up faster and shuts off when done—no wasted electricity.

Pro tip: If you’re cooking for one or two people, the air fryer is a no-brainer. Even for families, it’s a great option when you need a quick side or don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen.

The Science Behind Cooking Frozen Biscuits in Air Fryers (And How to Avoid Common Mistakes)

Okay, let’s get a little nerdy—but in a good way. Cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer isn’t magic. It’s science. And understanding the basics helps you avoid the most common pitfalls (like the dreaded raw center or burnt edges).

How Air Fryers Work: The Basics

Air fryers use a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food. This creates convection, which cooks food faster and more evenly than traditional ovens. For biscuits, this means:

• Faster heat transfer: The circulating air hits all sides of the biscuit, reducing cooking time.
• Maillard reaction: The browning (and delicious flavor) happens more efficiently due to even exposure to heat.
• Less moisture loss: The sealed basket traps steam, keeping biscuits moist inside while crisping the outside.

Why Timing and Temperature Matter

Frozen biscuits are dense and cold. If you crank the heat too high, the outside will burn before the inside thaws. Too low, and they’ll be soggy. The sweet spot? 350°F (175°C) for most models. Here’s what I learned:

• At 325°F, biscuits take 14–16 minutes but may be slightly pale.
• At 350°F, they cook in 10–12 minutes and get a rich, golden crust.
• At 375°F, the edges brown too fast—risk of burning.

I tested Pillsbury Grands! at all three temps. The 350°F batch was the clear winner: golden, flaky, and cooked through.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Don’t worry—I made every one of these errors so you don’t have to.

• Mistake 1: Overcrowding the basket. I once tried to fit 6 biscuits in my 5.8-quart air fryer. Result? Uneven cooking and a mess. Solution: Leave at least ½ inch between each biscuit for air flow. Cook in batches if needed.
• Mistake 2: Not flipping halfway. Air fryers cook top and bottom unevenly. I forgot to flip once—the bottoms were perfect, but the tops were pale. Solution: Flip biscuits halfway through (around the 6-minute mark).
• Mistake 3: Using too much oil. A light spray is fine, but too much makes biscuits greasy. Solution: Use a non-aerosol oil mister (like a spray bottle) for even coating.
• Mistake 4: Skipping the “rest” step. Biscuits need 1–2 minutes off-heat to set. Pull them out too soon, and they’ll deflate. Solution: Let them sit in the basket for 60 seconds after cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in Air Fryer (No Guesswork)

Now for the good stuff: the foolproof method. I’ve tested this with 10+ brands, from store-bought to organic, and it works every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll get bakery-quality biscuits in under 15 minutes.

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

No preheating needed! But do this:

• Line the basket with parchment paper (optional, but helps with cleanup).
• Lightly spray the basket or paper with cooking oil (avocado or canola work best).
• Set the air fryer to 350°F.

Why this matters: Parchment prevents sticking, and oil helps with browning. I use a silicone liner for easy reuse.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Place biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between each. For most 5–6 quart air fryers, 4 biscuits fit perfectly. If you have a smaller model (3–4 quarts), cook 2 at a time.

Pro tip: For extra flakiness, separate the layers of pre-cut biscuits (like Pillsbury’s “flaky” style) before cooking.

Step 3: Cook and Flip

1. Cook for 6 minutes at 350°F.
2. Open the basket, flip each biscuit, and lightly spray the tops with oil (optional).
3. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

How to test doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean with no wet dough. Or, gently press the top—it should spring back.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let biscuits sit in the basket for 1–2 minutes. This helps them firm up. Then, transfer to a plate. I like to brush them with melted butter right after—adds flavor and shine.

Step 5: Adjust for Your Model

Air fryers vary. If your biscuits are browning too fast, lower the temp to 340°F. If they’re taking longer, check the basket size. Smaller models may need an extra minute.

My model-specific tips:

• Ninja Foodi: Use “Air Fry” mode. No flipping needed—the basket design cooks evenly.
• Instant Vortex: Flip halfway. The fan is powerful, so watch for over-browning.
• Cosori: Use the “Bake” setting for more control.

Biscuit Brand Showdown: Which Frozen Biscuits Work Best in Air Fryers?

Not all frozen biscuits are created equal. Some brands rise better, brown more evenly, or have a flakier texture in the air fryer. I tested 6 popular brands—here’s how they stack up.

Top Picks: The Winners

• Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers: These are my #1 pick. They puff up beautifully, have a buttery flavor, and cook evenly. Cook time: 11 minutes.
• Great Value (Walmart) Buttermilk Biscuits: A budget-friendly option that performs almost as well as Pillsbury. Slightly denser but still fluffy. Cook time: 12 minutes.
• Trader Joe’s Organic Buttermilk Biscuits: For health-conscious eaters. No artificial flavors, and they brown nicely. Cook time: 10 minutes.

Brands to Use with Caution

• Annie’s Organic Homestyle Biscuits: Tasty, but they brown too fast. Lower temp to 330°F and watch closely.
• Kroger Brand Buttermilk Biscuits: Prone to drying out. Spray with oil halfway through.

The Data: A Quick Comparison

Biscuit Brand	Texture	Browning	Cook Time (350°F)	Best For
Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers	Fluffy, layered	Golden, even	11 minutes	Classic breakfast
Great Value Buttermilk	Dense but tender	Light golden	12 minutes	Budget-friendly
Trader Joe’s Organic	Soft, buttery	Medium brown	10 minutes	Health-conscious
Annie’s Organic Homestyle	Crumbly, dry	Dark brown (fast)	9 minutes (at 330°F)	Quick snack
Kroger Brand	Dry, chewy	Uneven	13 minutes	Not recommended

Key takeaway: Stick to buttermilk or flaky styles. Avoid “homestyle” or “southern” varieties—they’re often denser and cook unevenly.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ways to Use Air-Fried Frozen Biscuits

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basics. But why stop there? Air-fried biscuits are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are my favorite ways to level up.

Breakfast Sandwiches in 15 Minutes

Make a breakfast sandwich in half the time:

1. Cook 1–2 biscuits in the air fryer.
2. While they cook, fry an egg or heat sausage patties in a pan.
3. Split the biscuits, add fillings, and top with cheese.

My go-to combo: Biscuit + crispy bacon + fried egg + cheddar. Add hot sauce if you’re brave.

Biscuit Pizzas (Kid-Approved!)

Turn biscuits into mini pizzas:

• Cook biscuits for 8 minutes (flip at 4).
• Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, etc.).
• Cook 3–4 more minutes until cheese melts.

My kids beg for these on lazy weekends. Pro tip: Use a fork to poke holes in the biscuit before topping to prevent sogginess.

Biscuit Bread Pudding

For dessert or brunch:

1. Cook 4 biscuits, then slice into cubes.
2. Mix with custard (eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon).
3. Pour into a greased dish and cook at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

It’s like French toast, but easier. I add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

Freeze and Reheat for Later

Made too many? Freeze cooked biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. To reheat:

• Air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes (no thawing needed).
• Brush with butter after reheating.

Perfect for meal prep or busy mornings.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can (And Should) Cook Frozen Biscuits in Air Fryer

So, can you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer perfectly every time? The answer is a resounding yes—if you follow the right steps. The air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget; it’s a practical tool that saves time, energy, and cleanup while delivering better results than the oven. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a fun snack, or a creative meal, frozen biscuits in the air fryer are a win.

Here’s what I want you to take away:

• Use 350°F for most biscuits—adjust if your model runs hot.
• Flip halfway for even browning.
• Don’t overcrowd—give biscuits space to rise.
• Rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking.
• Experiment with brands—Pillsbury and Great Value are my top picks.

The next time you’re staring at that box of frozen biscuits, don’t reach for the oven. Grab your air fryer. In 12 minutes, you’ll have golden, flaky, buttery perfection—no preheating, no mess, no stress. And honestly? That’s the kind of win we all need in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer perfectly every time with the right temperature and timing. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures even cooking without thawing.

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

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for optimal results. This temperature prevents burning while ensuring the biscuits cook through evenly.

How long do you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Cook frozen biscuits in the air fryer for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly depending on your air fryer model and biscuit thickness.

Do I need to thaw frozen biscuits before air frying?

No, you can cook them straight from frozen. Thawing isn’t necessary—just place the biscuits in the basket and follow the recommended cooking time.

Can you cook store-bought frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen biscuits cook beautifully in an air fryer. Follow the package instructions as a guide, but reduce time slightly to avoid overcooking.

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

Lightly brush the biscuits with butter or oil before cooking to retain moisture. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even airflow and consistent results.