Can You Do Biscuits in an Air Fryer Discover the Crispy Truth

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer—and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. With the right temperature and timing, air-fried biscuits achieve a golden, flaky texture faster than traditional baking. It’s a quick, mess-free method that delivers delicious results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers can bake biscuits—perfectly crispy with less oil.
• Preheat the air fryer for even browning and consistent results.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Space biscuits apart to ensure optimal air circulation and crispness.
• Adjust time and temperature based on biscuit size and brand.
• Check early for doneness—air fryers cook faster than ovens.

The Air Fryer Revolution: A Biscuit Lover’s Dream?

Remember the first time you tried an air fryer? Maybe it was the crispy, guilt-free French fries or the juicy chicken wings that sold you. But here’s a question that might have crossed your mind: Can you do biscuits in an air fryer? If you’ve ever stood over a hot oven, waiting for your flaky buttermilk biscuits to brown perfectly, only to find the edges burnt and the center doughy, you’re not alone. That’s where the air fryer comes in—a kitchen gadget that promises faster cooking, less mess, and crispy results with less oil. But can it truly deliver on the humble biscuit? Let’s find out.

For many of us, biscuits are more than just a breakfast side—they’re a comfort food staple. Whether you’re a fan of Southern-style buttermilk, fluffy drop biscuits, or even store-bought varieties, the idea of achieving that golden, flaky texture in half the time is tempting. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation and compact cooking space seem like the perfect match. But does it live up to the hype? In this post, we’ll explore the science, the techniques, and the real-world results of baking biscuits in an air fryer. Spoiler: The answer is a resounding yes—but with a few caveats.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Biscuits

Air fryers have taken the kitchen world by storm, and for good reason. They use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, creating a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. But how does this technology translate to biscuits? Let’s break it down.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Biscuits

Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on radiant heat and can create hot spots, air fryers use a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food. This means:

• Faster cooking times: Biscuits can go from raw to golden in 10-15 minutes (vs. 15-20 in an oven).
• Even browning: The circulating air ensures all sides get crispy, reducing the risk of burnt edges or undercooked centers.
• Less oil required: A light spray of oil or a brush of butter is enough to achieve that classic biscuit shine and crunch.

Think of it like a mini convection oven—but with better airflow and more precision. For biscuits, which rely on a balance of crispness and fluffiness, this is a big win.

Benefits Beyond Speed

Speed isn’t the only perk. Here’s why air fryer biscuits are worth your attention:

• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than preheating a full-sized oven.
• No preheating needed: Most models start cooking immediately, saving time on busy mornings.
• Compact cooking space: Perfect for small batches (2-4 biscuits) or when you don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen.

One reader shared, “I used to make biscuits only on weekends because the oven took forever. Now I do them in my air fryer every Sunday—and sometimes even on weeknights!”

How to Bake Biscuits in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try it? Baking biscuits in an air fryer isn’t rocket science, but a few key steps will make the difference between “meh” and “wow.” Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Choose Your Biscuit Type

Not all biscuits are created equal—and some work better in an air fryer than others:

• Homemade drop biscuits: These are forgiving and adapt well to air frying. Try a basic buttermilk recipe.
• Store-bought canned biscuits: A great shortcut! Brands like Pillsbury or Immaculate Baking work well.
• Gluten-free or vegan biscuits: Air fryers are excellent for alternative flours, as they prevent overcooking.

Pro tip: Avoid delicate, layered biscuits (like croissants) unless you’re experienced—they can dry out.

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

This is crucial for even cooking and easy cleanup:

• Line the basket: Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking. No liner? Lightly grease the basket with nonstick spray or butter.
• Leave space: Biscuits need room to expand. Arrange them so they don’t touch each other or the sides.
• Preheat (optional): Some models benefit from a 2-3 minute preheat at 350°F (175°C), but it’s not always necessary.

Step 3: Cook Time and Temperature

Here’s the sweet spot for most biscuits:

• Temperature: 325°F to 350°F (160°C to 175°C). Lower temps prevent burning; higher temps crisp faster.
• Time: 10-12 minutes for homemade, 12-15 minutes for canned. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Example: For Pillsbury Grands! biscuits, set to 350°F and cook for 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully and develop a golden crust.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

How do you know when they’re ready? Look for:

• Golden-brown tops: A crisp, even color.
• Firm edges: Gently press the side—it should feel springy, not doughy.
• Internal temp: Use a thermometer if you’re unsure. Biscuits are done at 190°F (88°C) inside.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits Every Time

Even with a great method, a few tweaks can take your biscuits from good to unforgettable. Here are the insider secrets I’ve learned after dozens of air fryer biscuit experiments.

Tip 1: Brush with Butter for Extra Flavor

A quick brush of melted butter (or olive oil) before cooking adds shine, richness, and helps the crust crisp up. For a sweet twist, try a honey-butter glaze. One reader raved, “I brushed my drop biscuits with garlic butter—game changer!”

Tip 2: Rotate or Flip for Even Cooking

Air fryers can have hot spots. To avoid uneven browning:

• Flip halfway: Use tongs or a spatula to turn biscuits over at the halfway mark.
• Rotate the basket: If your model has a front-facing fan, rotate the basket 180 degrees mid-cook.

Note: Flipping works best with sturdy biscuits (like canned or drop biscuits). Delicate homemade ones may break.

Tip 3: Add Toppings Strategically

Want cheesy, herby, or sweet biscuits? Here’s how to do it:

• Cheese biscuits: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top during the last 2 minutes.
• Herbs and spices: Mix dried herbs (rosemary, thyme) into the dough or sprinkle on top before cooking.
• Cinnamon sugar: For sweet biscuits, brush with butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar before air frying.

Warning: Avoid wet toppings (like jam or syrup) before cooking—they can make the crust soggy.

Tip 4: Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Got leftover biscuits? Air fryers reheat them better than microwaves:

• Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
• Brush with butter before reheating to restore moisture.

One reader shared, “I reheated my leftover biscuits in the air fryer—they tasted almost as good as fresh!”

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Let’s be real: Air fryer biscuits can go wrong. I’ve been there—burnt edges, soggy centers, biscuits sticking to the basket. Here’s what to watch out for.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Biscuits need space to rise and crisp. If they’re touching:

• They’ll steam instead of crisp: The air can’t circulate properly.
• They’ll stick together: Making them hard to remove.

Solution: Cook in batches. For a 5-quart air fryer, 2-3 biscuits at a time is ideal.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Temperature

Too hot? Burnt tops. Too cold? Doughy centers. The sweet spot is:

• 325°F (160°C) for delicate biscuits (e.g., gluten-free).
• 350°F (175°C) for most standard recipes.

Pro tip: If your biscuits brown too fast, reduce the temp by 25°F and add 1-2 minutes.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Flip (or Rotating)

Without flipping, one side may cook faster than the other. This leads to:

• Uneven browning: One side golden, the other pale.
• Uneven texture: Crispy on one side, soft on the other.

Solution: Set a timer for halfway and flip/rotate. It takes 30 seconds but makes a big difference.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Air Fryer’s Quirks

Not all air fryers are the same. Some have:

• Hot spots: Test yours with a slice of toast to see if one side browns faster.
• Different basket shapes: Round baskets may need rotation; square ones might not.

Solution: Experiment with small batches to learn your air fryer’s behavior.

Beyond Biscuits: What Else Can You Air Fry?

Once you master biscuits, you’ll wonder what else your air fryer can handle. The answer? A lot. Here’s a quick guide to other breakfast and snack staples that work great.

Breakfast Favorites

• Breakfast sandwiches: Toast English muffins, cook sausage patties, and melt cheese—all in the air fryer.
• Hash browns: Crisp up frozen or homemade hash browns in 8-10 minutes.
• French toast sticks: Coat bread in egg mixture, air fry for 6-8 minutes, and dust with powdered sugar.

Snacks and Sides

• Muffins and scones: Bake in silicone molds for a quick treat.
• Popovers: Achieve that classic hollow interior with a golden crust.
• Cornbread: A moist, crumbly texture with crispy edges.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cooking Times for Common Baked Goods

Item	Temperature (°F)	Cook Time (Minutes)	Notes
Buttermilk Biscuits (Homemade)	350	10-12	Flip halfway; brush with butter
Canned Biscuits	350	12-15	Rotate basket if needed
Drop Biscuits (Cheese)	325	11-13	Add cheese in last 2 minutes
Cornbread (Individual)	350	15-18	Use silicone molds
French Toast Sticks	375	6-8	Spray with oil for crispness

One reader shared, “I air fry everything now—from biscuits to banana bread. It’s faster, cleaner, and just as tasty.”

Conclusion: The Crispy Truth About Air Fryer Biscuits

So, can you do biscuits in an air fryer? The answer is a definitive yes—but with a few caveats. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation delivers crispy, golden biscuits in record time, with less energy and less mess than a traditional oven. It’s perfect for small batches, quick breakfasts, or when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.

But it’s not magic. Success depends on:

• Choosing the right biscuit type (drop biscuits and canned work best).
• Prepping the basket properly (line it, space it, and don’t overcrowd).
• Mastering the temperature and timing (350°F for 10-15 minutes, flip halfway).
• Adapting to your air fryer’s quirks (every model is different).

Is it a perfect replacement for oven-baked biscuits? For everyday cooking, absolutely. For large batches or special occasions, you might still want the oven. But for most of us, the air fryer is a game-changer—one that brings the joy of fresh, flaky biscuits to your table faster than ever.

So go ahead, give it a try. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you. And who knows? You might just discover that the air fryer isn’t just for fries and wings—it’s also your new biscuit-making best friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do biscuits in an air fryer without drying them out?

Yes, you can! Air fryers cook biscuits evenly with minimal moisture loss. Use parchment paper or a liner to prevent sticking and retain softness.

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

Set your air fryer to 320°F–350°F (160°C–175°C) for 8–12 minutes, depending on size. Adjust time for golden tops without over-browning.

Can you do biscuits in an air fryer from frozen?

Absolutely! Skip thawing and cook frozen biscuits at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Do air-fried biscuits taste as good as oven-baked ones?

Yes! Air fryers create a crisp crust while keeping the inside tender, similar to convection ovens. Just avoid overcrowding for even browning.

How do I keep homemade biscuits from burning in the air fryer?

Lightly spray biscuits with oil and check them 2–3 minutes before the timer ends. Lowering the temperature slightly (300°F) also helps prevent scorching.

Can you reheat leftover biscuits in an air fryer?

Definitely! Reheat at 300°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Wrap them in foil to avoid drying out, and enjoy them fresh again.