Can You Cook Pillsbury Biscuits in the Air Fryer Fast Easy

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer for a faster, crispier result than baking. Simply preheat the air fryer to 320°F, place biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes—no flipping required. This method delivers golden, fluffy biscuits in under 15 minutes total, making it the ultimate time-saving kitchen hack.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer for faster results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even, golden browning.
• Adjust temperature: Use 320°F (160°C) to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to ensure proper air circulation.
• Shorter cook time: Bake for 5–7 minutes, checking early to avoid overcooking.
• No oil needed: Pillsbury biscuits cook perfectly without added fat or spray.

Why Air Frying Pillsbury Biscuits Might Just Change Your Breakfast Game

Let’s be honest—mornings are hectic. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and trying to sip coffee before it gets cold, the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot oven waiting for biscuits to rise. That’s where the air fryer comes in. It’s become the kitchen MVP for busy families, college students, and anyone who wants fast, crispy results without the fuss. But can you cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer? And more importantly—should you?

I remember the first time I tried it. I was rushing to prep breakfast before a Zoom meeting, and my oven was already occupied with a casserole. I had a can of Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers in the fridge and a brand-new air fryer that had been sitting on the counter for weeks. On a whim, I decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, the biscuits came out golden, flaky, and ready in under 15 minutes. No preheating. No flipping. Just grab, place, and press a button. That moment sparked my curiosity: could this be the easiest way to make Pillsbury biscuits?

How Air Frying Pillsbury Biscuits Works (And Why It’s Faster Than Your Oven)

You might be wondering, “How does an air fryer cook Pillsbury biscuits so fast?” It all comes down to how air fryers work. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on radiant heat and take time to preheat, air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food evenly from all sides. This means your biscuits get a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior—without the long wait.

The Science Behind the Speed

Air fryers operate like mini convection ovens. A heating element warms the air, and a fan blows it rapidly around the food. This creates a “wind tunnel” effect that speeds up cooking by up to 25–30% compared to a standard oven. For Pillsbury biscuits, which typically take 13–17 minutes in a 350°F oven, the air fryer can cut that time to just 10–12 minutes—and that’s without preheating.

What Happens to the Dough?

Pillsbury biscuits are made with layers of dough and fat (usually butter or shortening), which is what gives them their flaky texture. In the air fryer, the hot air hits the surface of the biscuit first, sealing in moisture and creating a golden crust. Meanwhile, the heat penetrates inward, cooking the inside evenly. Because the air is moving constantly, there’s less risk of hot spots or undercooked centers.

Real-World Example: My First Attempt

The first time I tried air frying Pillsbury biscuits, I used the Grands! Southern Homestyle variety. I placed three biscuits in the basket, leaving space between them (more on that later), and set the air fryer to 330°F for 11 minutes. At the 9-minute mark, I peeked in—and they were already golden brown. I let them finish, and they came out perfect: crisp on the outside, tender inside. My kids didn’t even notice they weren’t oven-baked.

Pro tip: If you’re using a smaller air fryer (like a 3.5-quart model), you might need to cook in batches. But that’s okay—each batch only takes a few minutes, and you can keep the first batch warm on a plate covered with foil.

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

Now that you know it works, let’s walk through the exact steps to get the best results. I’ve tested this with several Pillsbury varieties, and the process is nearly identical every time. Here’s how to do it right.

What You’ll Need

• Air fryer (any size, but larger ones hold more biscuits)
• Can of Pillsbury biscuits (Grands!, Flaky Layers, Buttermilk, etc.)
• Air fryer basket (non-stick is ideal)
• Parchment paper or air fryer liner (optional, but helpful)
• Oven mitts (for handling the hot basket)

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, don’t preheat your air fryer. Unlike baking, air frying Pillsbury biscuits works best when you start from room temperature. This prevents the outside from burning before the inside cooks through. Just plug it in, set the temperature, and move to the next step.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Open the can and separate the biscuits. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with at least 1 inch of space between each one. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking and steam buildup, which makes the biscuits soggy. If you have a small basket, cook 2–3 at a time.

Tip: For easier cleanup, line the basket with a parchment paper liner or a silicone mat. Just make sure it doesn’t block airflow.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 330°F. This temperature is ideal for Pillsbury biscuits—it’s hot enough to create a golden crust but not so hot that it burns. Start with 10 minutes for regular-sized biscuits (like Grands!). For smaller varieties (e.g., Pillsbury Mini Biscuits), reduce to 8–9 minutes.

Step 4: Check and Rotate (If Needed)

After 8–9 minutes, open the basket and check the biscuits. They should be golden brown on top. If your air fryer has a light or clear window, use it. If not, gently lift one with a silicone spatula to check the bottom. If the bottom is pale, give the basket a quick shake or rotate the biscuits 180 degrees. This ensures even browning.

Step 5: Let Them Rest

Once the timer goes off, let the biscuits sit in the basket for 1–2 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from being too crumbly when you remove them. Then, use a spatula to transfer them to a plate.

Bonus tip: For extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter or garlic herb spread right after they come out. They’ll soak it up instantly.

Best Pillsbury Biscuit Varieties for the Air Fryer (And Which to Avoid)

Not all Pillsbury biscuits are created equal—and some work better in the air fryer than others. I’ve tested a few popular types, and here’s what I found.

Top Picks: Biscuits That Shine in the Air Fryer

• Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers: These are the gold standard. They puff up beautifully and develop a crisp, flaky crust. Perfect for breakfast sandwiches or with jam.
• Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk: Slightly tangier and softer inside, but still crisp outside. Great with honey or gravy.
• Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle: Thicker and heartier. Holds up well to toppings like fried chicken or sausage.
• Pillsbury Mini Biscuits: Ideal for kids or snacks. Cook in 8 minutes—perfect for a quick bite.

Varieties to Use with Caution

• Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls: These can work, but the icing melts quickly and can drip into the basket. Use a liner and watch closely. Reduce time to 9–10 minutes.
• Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Biscuits (e.g., Blueberry or Chocolate Chip): The sugar content makes them more likely to burn. Lower the temperature to 315°F and check at 8 minutes.
• Pillsbury Grands! Cheese-Filled: The cheese can leak out and create smoke or stick to the basket. Use a liner and clean the basket immediately after.

What Doesn’t Work: The “No-Go” List

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: These spread out and stick to the basket. They’re better suited for baking or a toaster oven.
• Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Supreme (with fillings): The fillings (like sausage or cheese) can leak and create a mess. Not worth the cleanup.

Personal note: I once tried the cheese-filled ones and ended up with a gooey, smoky basket. It took an hour to clean. Learn from my mistake!

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even though air frying Pillsbury biscuits is simple, a few common mistakes can ruin the results. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to fix it.

Mistake #1: Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to fit as many biscuits as possible, but don’t. When they’re too close, steam builds up and the biscuits become soggy. They also don’t brown evenly. Always leave at least 1 inch of space between each biscuit.

Mistake #2: Setting the Temperature Too High

Some people crank it to 375°F to speed things up, but that’s a recipe for disaster. The outside burns before the inside cooks through. Stick to 330°F for best results.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Early

Air fryers vary in heat intensity. My 5.8-quart model cooks faster than my friend’s 3.5-quart one. Always check at the 8-minute mark. If the tops are browning too fast, reduce the temperature by 10–15°F for the remaining time.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Rotate or Shake

Even high-end air fryers have hot spots. If you don’t rotate or shake the basket halfway through, one side might be golden and the other pale. A quick shake at 5–6 minutes fixes this.

Mistake #5: Using Metal Tongs or Forks

Metal tools can scratch the non-stick coating on your basket. Always use silicone or wooden utensils to handle the biscuits.

Quick fix: If you do burn a batch, don’t panic. The air fryer basket is usually easy to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.

Time & Temperature Guide: Air Fryer Pillsbury Biscuit Settings

Here’s a handy reference table to help you cook any Pillsbury biscuit variety perfectly. I’ve tested these settings across different air fryer models, and they work reliably.

Biscuit Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Grands! Flaky Layers	330°F	10–11 min	Rotate at 6 min
Grands! Buttermilk	330°F	10–11 min	Brush with butter after
Grands! Southern Homestyle	330°F	11–12 min	Check bottom at 9 min
Mini Biscuits	330°F	8–9 min	No rotation needed
Cinnamon Rolls	315°F	9–10 min	Use liner; watch for icing drip
Sweet Biscuits (Blueberry, etc.)	315°F	8–9 min	Check at 7 min to prevent burning

Note: Times are for a 5-quart or larger air fryer. For smaller models (3.5-quart), reduce time by 1–2 minutes and check early.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Frying Pillsbury Biscuits?

So, can you cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, easier, and often produces better results than the oven. You get the same flaky, golden biscuits in less time, with less cleanup and no preheating. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a snack, or a base for breakfast sandwiches, the air fryer delivers.

That said, it’s not magic. You still need to follow a few key rules: don’t overcrowd, use the right temperature, and check early. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven.

And here’s the best part: this method works for so much more than just biscuits. You can air fry frozen snacks, leftovers, even homemade treats—all with the same speed and crispiness. But if you’re just starting out, Pillsbury biscuits are the perfect “gateway food.” They’re foolproof, delicious, and a great way to get comfortable with your air fryer.

Next time you’re in a rush, skip the oven. Grab that can of Pillsbury, pop it in the air fryer, and enjoy warm, flaky biscuits in minutes. Your mornings will never be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer for a fast, easy, and flaky result. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F, place the biscuits in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long do you cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer at 320°F for 8-10 minutes, turning them over after 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Do air fryer Pillsbury biscuits taste different than oven-baked?

Air fryer Pillsbury biscuits have a crispier exterior and stay soft inside, with a slightly faster cook time than oven baking. The result is a delicious, golden-brown biscuit with minimal effort.

Can you cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer. Increase the cook time to 12-14 minutes at 320°F, flipping halfway, until fully cooked and golden brown.

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

For best results, cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer at 320°F. This temperature ensures even baking without burning, giving you fluffy, golden biscuits every time.

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

Preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 320°F is recommended for consistent results. It helps the biscuits cook evenly and achieve a perfectly flaky texture.