Can You Cook Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer Fast and Easy

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for a faster, crispier result than traditional baking. Simply preheat the air fryer to 325°F, place biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes—no thawing needed for refrigerated dough. This method delivers golden, flaky biscuits in under 15 minutes total, making it a quick and easy breakfast or side dish hack.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for faster results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat to 320°F for even baking.
• Space matters: Leave gaps between biscuits to avoid overcrowding.
• Adjust time: Cook 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway for golden tops.
• No thawing needed: Use frozen biscuits directly from the freezer.
• Check doneness: Biscuits should be golden and sound hollow when tapped.

Why Air Fryers and Pillsbury Biscuits Are a Match Made in Heaven

Let’s face it: we’ve all been there. It’s 7 a.m., you’re still half-asleep, and the smell of fresh, flaky biscuits is calling your name. But your oven takes forever to preheat, and the last thing you want is a kitchen that feels like a sauna before breakfast. Enter the air fryer—your new kitchen superhero. And guess what? Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer. In fact, it might just be the fastest, easiest, and most satisfying way to get those golden, buttery layers on your plate without breaking a sweat.

I discovered this little trick during a hectic weekend when I had guests over and zero time to spare. I had a can of Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers in the fridge, and my oven was already occupied with a casserole. Out of desperation (and a hint of curiosity), I popped a few biscuits into my air fryer. The result? Crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and ready in under 10 minutes. No preheating. No mess. No stress. That moment sparked my obsession with air fryer baking—and today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can do it too, fast and easy.

What Happens When You Air Fry Pillsbury Biscuits?

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, mimicking the crispiness of deep frying—but with little to no oil. When you place Pillsbury biscuits inside, the intense, focused heat surrounds each one, creating a golden crust while keeping the inside fluffy. Unlike a conventional oven, which heats the entire cavity, the air fryer’s compact space means faster cooking and better browning.

Think of it like a mini convection oven with turbocharged airflow. The biscuits go from cold (or room temp) to golden perfection in a fraction of the time. Plus, the air fryer’s basket design allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a slightly lighter texture—ideal if you’re watching your oil intake.

Texture and Taste: What to Expect

One of the biggest questions I get is: Do they taste the same as oven-baked biscuits? The short answer: almost, but with a delightful twist. Air fryer biscuits develop a slightly crispier exterior, almost like a buttery croissant edge, while the inside remains soft and airy. Some people even say they’re flakier because the hot air separates the layers more efficiently.

For example, I tested Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk Biscuits in both my oven and air fryer side by side. The oven version took 12 minutes at 375°F and had a classic, even golden color. The air fryer version took just 8 minutes at 350°F and had a deeper, slightly more rustic crust. The flavor was identical, but the air fryer ones had a satisfying crunch that my kids loved. It’s not better or worse—just different, and in a good way.

Common Concerns (and Why They’re Not a Big Deal)

• Biscuits sticking to the basket? A light spray of non-stick oil or a parchment liner solves this. I use a reusable silicone liner—it’s eco-friendly and works like a charm.
• Uneven cooking? Rotate the basket halfway through if your model doesn’t have even airflow. Most mid-range air fryers handle this well.
• Overcooking? Start with a lower temperature (350°F) and shorter time. You can always add 30 seconds, but you can’t uncook a biscuit.

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

Prepping Your Air Fryer and Biscuits

First things first: don’t preheat the air fryer. Unlike ovens, air fryers don’t need a warm-up. In fact, starting with a cold basket helps prevent the biscuits from browning too quickly on the outside before the inside cooks through. Here’s your prep checklist:

• Separate the biscuits and place them on a plate. Don’t overcrowd—they’ll expand as they cook.
• Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil. I use avocado oil spray—it’s high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Optional: Line the basket with a parchment liner or small piece of foil with holes poked for airflow. This makes cleanup a breeze.

Cooking Time and Temperature (The Sweet Spot)

After testing dozens of batches, I’ve found the perfect air fryer settings for Pillsbury biscuits:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes
• Flip halfway (around 4–5 minutes) for even browning. Use tongs or a fork—don’t pierce the center.

For smaller biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands! Jr.), reduce time to 6–7 minutes. For larger ones (e.g., Southern Homestyle), go up to 10–11 minutes. Always check at 8 minutes—air fryers vary, and overcooking leads to dry, crumbly biscuits.

Pro Tips for Flawless Results

• Space them out: Leave at least 1 inch between biscuits. They’ll rise and spread, and touching biscuits can fuse together.
• Brush with butter: After cooking, brush the tops with melted butter. This adds shine, flavor, and a hint of crispiness.
• Add cheese or herbs: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, garlic powder, or fresh thyme before cooking for a gourmet twist.
• For extra fluffiness: Place biscuits in the air fryer with a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom. The steam helps create a lighter texture (works best in basket-style fryers).

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better for Pillsbury Biscuits?

Speed and Convenience

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a quick comparison of cooking Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers in both appliances:

Appliance	Preheat Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Energy Use
Conventional Oven	10–15 min	12 min	22–27 min	High (heats entire oven)
Air Fryer	0 min	8 min	8 min	Low (heats small space)

That’s a 14–19 minute time savings! Plus, the air fryer uses less electricity—great for your wallet and the planet. If you’re making a single serving or a small batch, the air fryer wins hands down.

Texture and Browning

Oven-baked biscuits have a more uniform, golden color. Air fryer biscuits develop a deeper, almost caramelized crust, which some love and others find slightly intense. I prefer the air fryer’s crispiness, especially when serving with jam or gravy—it holds up better without getting soggy.

However, if you’re making a large batch (6+ biscuits), the oven might be more practical. Air fryers typically hold 4–5 biscuits comfortably, depending on size. You can cook in batches, but that adds time and means some biscuits cool while you finish.

Versatility and Cleanup

Air fryers win again here. No hot oven to clean, no baking sheets to scrub. Just wipe the basket (or toss the liner) and you’re done. Plus, the air fryer’s compact design means it’s perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or camping (with a generator or power inverter).

Creative Twists: Beyond Plain Pillsbury Biscuits

Flavor Upgrades (Without Fuss)

Want to jazz up your air fryer biscuits? Try these easy ideas:

• Cheesy Garlic: Sprinkle shredded parmesan and garlic powder on top before cooking.
• Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Brush on after cooking.
• Sweet Cinnamon: Dust with cinnamon-sugar before air frying. Serve with honey or apple butter.
• Bacon Cheddar: Crumble cooked bacon and shredded cheddar over the biscuits halfway through.

Biscuit-Based Air Fryer Recipes

Pillsbury biscuits aren’t just for breakfast. Turn them into full meals with these creative uses:

• Mini Pizzas: Flatten a biscuit, add pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. Kid-approved!
• Sloppy Joe Sliders: Cut biscuits in half, add Sloppy Joe filling, and top with the other half. Air fry for 5 minutes to warm through.
• Monkey Bread: Cut biscuits into quarters, toss with cinnamon-sugar, and layer in a greased air fryer-safe pan. Cook at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Cook biscuits, split, and add a fried egg and Canadian bacon. Toast in the air fryer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options?

Unfortunately, Pillsbury doesn’t offer gluten-free or keto-friendly refrigerated biscuits (yet). But if you’re experimenting with homemade versions, the air fryer works great! I’ve tried almond-flour-based biscuits—they cook in 9–10 minutes at 325°F (lower temp to prevent burning). Just be sure to check them early.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Issues

Biscuits Are Too Dark or Burnt

Cause: Too high temperature or too long cook time.
Fix: Lower the temp to 330°F and reduce time by 1–2 minutes. Use the air fryer’s “shake” function (if available) to rotate biscuits mid-cook.

Biscuits Are Doughy Inside

Cause: Undercooked or overcrowded basket.
Fix: Add 1–2 minutes of cook time. Ensure biscuits aren’t touching—they need airflow to cook evenly. If one side is pale, flip it for the last 2 minutes.

Biscuits Stick to the Basket

Cause: Inadequate greasing or high-sugar toppings.
Fix: Always grease the basket, even if it’s non-stick. For sugary toppings (like cinnamon-sugar), use a liner. Pro tip: Sprinkle toppings after cooking to avoid caramelizing too quickly.

Uneven Browning

Cause: Poor air circulation or hot spots in the basket.
Fix: Flip biscuits halfway. If your air fryer has a tray, place biscuits on it instead of the basket for more even exposure. Rotate the tray if needed.

The Final Verdict: Is the Air Fryer Worth It for Pillsbury Biscuits?

After months of testing, I can confidently say: yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer—and you should. It’s not just faster; it’s more efficient, easier to clean, and delivers a texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, a last-minute side, or a fun recipe twist, the air fryer turns a simple can of biscuits into something special.

That said, it’s not perfect. The oven still wins for large batches and ultra-uniform results. But for most everyday situations—especially when time, energy, or space is limited—the air fryer is the clear winner. Plus, it opens the door to creativity. Who knew a humble Pillsbury biscuit could become a canvas for mini pizzas, monkey bread, or even savory breakfast sandwiches?

So, the next time you’re craving flaky, golden biscuits, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, pop open that can, and enjoy a fast and easy meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when really, it took less than 10 minutes. Trust me, your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for a quick, golden-brown result. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C), place the biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best way to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?

The best way to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer is to space them out to allow even air circulation. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes until puffed and lightly browned, checking for doneness at the 5-minute mark.

Do Pillsbury biscuits cook faster in an air fryer than in an oven?

Yes, Pillsbury biscuits cook faster in an air fryer due to the rapid circulation of hot air. While oven baking takes 10–15 minutes, air frying typically takes just 6–8 minutes, saving time and energy.

Can you cook Pillsbury Grands biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Pillsbury Grands biscuits fit well in most air fryers. Cook them at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, ensuring they’re fully puffed and cooked through.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for Pillsbury biscuits?

Preheating the air fryer is recommended for consistent results, but it’s not mandatory. If skipping preheat, add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time and monitor closely to avoid undercooking.

Can you stack Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer?

Stacking biscuits in an air fryer isn’t ideal, as it blocks air circulation and causes uneven cooking. Always arrange them in a single layer with space between each for the best, fluffiest results.