Can You Make Biscuits in a Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer—quickly, evenly, and with minimal mess. This easy method delivers golden, flaky results in under 15 minutes by using convection heat to mimic a traditional oven, all without preheating. Perfect for small batches or busy mornings, air fryer biscuits are a game-changer for effortless baking.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers bake biscuits quickly with crispy results.
• Preheat first: Ensures even cooking and better rise every time.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits for optimal air circulation.
• Flip halfway: Promotes even browning and consistent texture throughout.
• Adjust timing: Smaller biscuits need less time; check early.
• Use parchment: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup effortlessly.
• Store leftovers: Reheat in air fryer for fresh-baked taste.

Can You Make Biscuits in an Air Fryer? Discover the Easy Method

Imagine waking up to the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked biscuits—fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside—without the hassle of preheating a big oven or waiting for a long bake time. That’s exactly what the air fryer promises. If you’re like me, you’ve probably stared at your air fryer after making crispy chicken tenders or roasted veggies and wondered: *Can you make biscuits in an air fryer?* The short answer? Absolutely, yes. And not just any biscuits—light, tender, and perfectly browned ones that rival your grandma’s oven-baked classics.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Air fryers are great for frying and roasting, but baking? Biscuits? That seemed like a stretch. But after testing countless batches—some golden and delicious, others… well, let’s just say they taught me valuable lessons—I’ve discovered that making biscuits in an air fryer isn’t just possible, it’s surprisingly simple. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student in a dorm, or someone who just hates heating up a whole oven, this method is a game-changer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the science behind it, the best techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and even how to adapt your favorite biscuit recipes. So grab your air fryer basket and let’s get baking!

Why Air Fryers Work So Well for Biscuits

The Science of Air Fryer Baking

At first glance, an air fryer might seem like a glorified convection oven—and in many ways, it is. But that’s exactly why it’s perfect for biscuits. Air fryers use rapid, circulating hot air (typically between 320°F and 400°F) to cook food quickly and evenly. Unlike a conventional oven, which can take 15–20 minutes to preheat and often creates hot spots, an air fryer heats up in under 5 minutes and delivers consistent heat from all sides.

This is crucial for biscuits because they need a burst of high heat to activate the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) and create that signature rise and flakiness. The intense airflow also helps the exterior brown quickly, giving you that beautiful golden crust without drying out the inside. Think of it like a mini convection oven focused entirely on your biscuit batch—no wasted energy, no wasted time.

Benefits Over Traditional Baking

• Speed: No preheating means you can go from mixing to baking in under 10 minutes. Great for breakfast emergencies!
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use up to 75% less energy than a full-sized oven. Ideal for small kitchens or eco-conscious bakers.
• Even browning: The 360° heat circulation reduces the risk of undercooked centers or burnt edges.
• Small-batch baking: Perfect for 2–4 servings. No need to bake a whole dozen if you’re just feeding one or two.

One thing I’ve noticed? Air fryer biscuits often rise taller than their oven-baked counterparts. Why? The rapid heat forces the dough to puff up quickly before the structure sets. It’s like giving your biscuits a gentle but firm push upward—just what you want for a light, airy texture.

What Types of Biscuits Work Best?

You can make almost any type of biscuit in an air fryer, but some work better than others:

• Drop biscuits: My go-to. No rolling or cutting required—just scoop and bake. They’re forgiving and perfect for beginners.
• Rolled biscuits: Yes, you can cut them with a biscuit cutter or even a glass. Just keep them thick (at least 1 inch) to prevent over-baking.
• Savory or sweet variations: Add cheese, herbs, cinnamon-sugar, or even chocolate chips. The air fryer handles them all.
• Gluten-free or vegan biscuits: With the right recipe, these work too. Just ensure the dough isn’t too sticky (more on that later).

One caveat: avoid ultra-thin or delicate pastries like scones or shortbread. They can dry out or cook unevenly due to the high airflow.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with a simple, classic buttermilk biscuit recipe (makes 4–6 biscuits):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• Optional: 1 tbsp sugar (for slightly sweet biscuits)

Pro tip: Keep everything cold. Cold butter and buttermilk are key to flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm, chill the bowl and flour for 10 minutes first.

Mixing and Shaping the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using) in a large bowl.
2. Cut in butter: Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter chunks. This is what creates flakiness!
3. Add buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—this leads to tough biscuits.
4. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. For drop biscuits, use a 1/4-cup scoop. For rolled biscuits, gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut with a floured cutter or glass.

Key tip: Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it activates gluten, which makes biscuits dense. Think “gentle hands only.”

Air Fryer Setup and Baking

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes. This mimics a preheated oven and ensures even baking.
2. Prepare the basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Important: Parchment paper is a lifesaver—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Just make sure it’s cut to fit the basket so air can circulate.
3. Arrange biscuits: Place biscuits in the basket with at least 1 inch of space between them. They’ll expand as they bake.
4. Bake: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. No need to flip! The air circulation ensures even browning.
5. Check for doneness: Biscuits are done when golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If they’re browning too fast, lower the temperature to 350°F for the last 2–3 minutes.

My first attempt: I forgot to preheat and overfilled the basket. The biscuits were pale and undercooked. Lesson learned: preheat and space them out!

Cooling and Serving

Let the biscuits cool for 2–3 minutes in the basket (they’ll continue cooking slightly), then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy. They’re best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to revive that just-baked texture.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for air to circulate. If you pack the biscuits too close together, they’ll steam instead of bake—resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked biscuits. Rule of thumb: Leave at least 1 inch of space between each biscuit. If your air fryer is small (under 5 quarts), bake in batches.

I once tried to fit 8 biscuits in my 4.5-quart basket. The outer ones were perfect, but the center ones were doughy. Not ideal for a breakfast party!

Skipping the Parchment Paper

Butter and oil help, but they’re not foolproof. Parchment paper prevents sticking and protects delicate biscuits from the basket’s texture. Cut it to fit the basket’s bottom, and you’ll never lose a biscuit to the grates again.

Ignoring Dough Consistency

Too wet? The biscuits will spread and become flat. Too dry? They’ll be crumbly. Aim for a shaggy, slightly tacky dough that holds its shape when scooped. If it’s too wet, add 1–2 tbsp flour. If too dry, add 1 tbsp buttermilk at a time.

Baking at the Wrong Temperature

Air fryers vary in power. A 375°F setting on one model might feel like 350°F on another. Start with 375°F and adjust based on results. If biscuits are browning too fast, lower to 350°F. If they’re pale, increase to 400°F (but watch closely).

Not Letting Biscuits Rest (Before Baking)

After shaping, let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and helps the biscuits rise evenly. It also lets the leavening agents activate, giving you that perfect lift.

Creative Variations and Flavor Ideas

Savory Twists

Transform your biscuits into a savory treat with these add-ins (mix into the dry ingredients or fold into the dough):

• Cheese & herbs: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar + 2 tbsp chopped chives or rosemary.
• Bacon & cheddar: 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon + 1/4 cup shredded cheddar.
• Garlic butter: Add 1/4 tsp garlic powder and brush baked biscuits with melted garlic butter.
• Jalapeño popper: 2 tbsp diced jalapeños + 1/4 cup cream cheese + shredded cheddar.

These are perfect for serving with soups, stews, or as a side to fried chicken.

Sweet and Indulgent

• Cinnamon-sugar: Add 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp sugar to dry ingredients. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Blueberry lemon: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries + zest of 1 lemon. Drizzle with lemon glaze after baking.
• Chocolate chip: Fold in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Brush with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a bakery-style finish.
• Strawberry shortcake: Add 1/2 cup diced strawberries to the dough. Serve with whipped cream and more strawberries.

For a decadent twist, split warm biscuits and fill them with whipped cream and fruit—like mini shortcakes!

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill) and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity. The texture will be slightly denser, but still delicious.
• Vegan: Substitute butter with cold vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance) and use plant-based milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
• Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk + lemon juice, and vegan butter.
• Low-carb/keto: Try almond flour-based recipes, but note they’ll be more fragile and may require a longer bake time.

Note: Always test small batches of adapted recipes first. Air fryer performance can vary with non-traditional ingredients.

Air Fryer Biscuit Success: A Data-Driven Approach

Comparing Baking Methods

To see how air fryer biscuits stack up, I tested the same recipe in three methods. Here’s what I found:

Baking Method	Prep + Bake Time	Energy Use	Texture	Browning	Best For
Air Fryer	18–22 minutes	Low (0.5–1.0 kWh)	Fluffy, slightly crisp exterior	Even, golden	Small batches, quick meals
Conventional Oven	30–35 minutes (incl. preheat)	High (2.0–3.5 kWh)	Flaky, tender	Moderate (may need rotation)	Large batches, traditional baking
Toaster Oven	25–30 minutes	Medium (1.0–1.8 kWh)	Similar to air fryer, slightly less even	Good, but can be patchy	Medium batches, space-saving kitchens

The air fryer wins on speed and efficiency, while the oven still edges out on texture for larger batches. But for everyday baking? The air fryer is a clear winner.

Temperature and Time Guide for Different Air Fryers

Since air fryers vary, here’s a quick reference for adjusting your recipes:

• Small air fryers (3–4.5 quarts): Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Check at 9 minutes.
• Medium (5–6 quarts): Bake at 375°F for 11–13 minutes. Check at 10 minutes.
• Large (7+ quarts): Bake at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. Check at 11 minutes.
• For extra crispiness: Brush tops with melted butter or egg wash and bake at 400°F for the last 2 minutes.
• For softer crusts: Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.

Always use an oven thermometer if your air fryer’s temperature seems off. I keep a digital one inside to verify the actual heat.

Conclusion: The Air Fryer Biscuit Revolution

So, can you make biscuits in an air fryer? Without a doubt. This method is faster, more energy-efficient, and—once you master the basics—just as delicious as traditional baking. I’ve gone from skeptical to obsessed, using my air fryer for everything from Sunday brunch biscuits to midnight snacks (don’t judge).

The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks: preheat it, space the biscuits properly, and use parchment paper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors—cheesy, herby, sweet, or savory, the possibilities are endless. And if your first batch isn’t perfect? That’s okay. Biscuits are forgiving. Even my “failed” ones became delicious bread pudding!

Whether you’re short on time, space, or oven patience, the air fryer opens up a whole new world of baking. So next time you’re craving that warm, buttery biscuit, skip the oven and reach for the air fryer. You’ll save time, energy, and still get that golden, flaky perfection. Happy baking—and don’t forget to share a biscuit with a friend. After all, good food tastes even better when it’s shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer! It’s a quick and easy method that yields golden, flaky results with minimal effort.

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

Place biscuit dough in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for expansion. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Do air fryer biscuits cook faster than oven-baked ones?

Yes, air fryer biscuits typically cook 2–3 minutes faster than traditional oven baking due to the concentrated, circulating heat. Always check for doneness early.

Can you make homemade biscuits in an air fryer, or only store-bought?

Both work! Whether you use canned biscuits or homemade dough, the air fryer delivers consistent results. Just adjust cook time slightly for thicker homemade cuts.

How do you prevent air fryer biscuits from drying out?

Lightly brush biscuits with melted butter before cooking and avoid overcooking. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation can dry them out if left too long.

What are the benefits of making biscuits in an air fryer?

Air fryers use less energy than ovens, cook faster, and create a crispier exterior. Plus, cleanup is easier with non-stick baskets—ideal for busy mornings.