Can You Make Biscuits in Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer—and it’s a fast, foolproof method that delivers golden, flaky results in under 15 minutes. No oven preheating or guesswork required; just prep your dough, place it in the basket, and let the air fryer work its magic for perfectly cooked biscuits every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer—it’s quick, easy, and delivers crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for even baking and perfect texture.
• Use parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure golden, fluffy biscuits.
• Adjust time for frozen biscuits—add 2–3 minutes to the recommended cook time.
• Flip halfway through for uniformly browned tops and bottoms.

Can You Make Biscuits in an Air Fryer? The Short Answer is Yes!

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, warm biscuits wafting through your kitchen. Flaky, buttery, and golden on the outside—those little pillows of joy can turn any breakfast or dinner into a celebration. But what if I told you that you don’t need to preheat your oven, wait for it to reach temperature, or worry about uneven baking? What if your air fryer could do the job just as well—maybe even better?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I’ve been baking biscuits the old-fashioned way for years—rolling out dough on a floured counter, cutting perfect rounds, and sliding the tray into a hot oven. But after a particularly rushed Sunday morning where my oven took forever to heat up, I decided to experiment. I popped a few uncooked biscuits into my air fryer, crossed my fingers, and hit the start button. To my surprise, 12 minutes later, I had perfectly golden, flaky biscuits with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior. That’s when I knew: yes, you can make biscuits in an air fryer, and it’s not just possible—it’s actually pretty amazing.

Since that day, I’ve tested dozens of recipes, tweaked cooking times, experimented with different biscuit brands, and even made homemade versions. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how it works to the best methods, tips, and even a few common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own from scratch, your air fryer can be your new go-to for quick, delicious biscuits.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Biscuit Baking

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for biscuits is speed. Unlike your oven, which can take 10–15 minutes just to preheat, most air fryers heat up in 2–3 minutes. That means you can go from “I want biscuits” to “I’m eating biscuits” in under 20 minutes. For busy mornings, late-night cravings, or unexpected guests, that’s a game-changer.

Air fryers use rapid convection—circulating hot air around the food at high speed. This not only speeds up cooking but also promotes even browning. No more worrying about the top burning while the bottom stays pale. The hot air surrounds each biscuit from all sides, creating that golden crust we all love.

Energy Savings and Kitchen Comfort

Let’s talk about your energy bill and your kitchen temperature. Baking in a full-sized oven uses a lot of energy and can heat up your entire kitchen—especially in summer. An air fryer, on the other hand, is compact and efficient. It uses significantly less electricity and keeps the heat contained, so your kitchen stays cool and comfortable.

I live in a small apartment with no AC, and using the oven in July used to feel like running a sauna. Since switching to the air fryer for small-batch baking, I’ve saved both energy and sanity. Plus, cleanup is easier—most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.

Perfect for Small Batches

Ever made a full batch of biscuits only to realize you’re the only one eating them? Or worse—you only want one or two, but the oven feels like overkill? The air fryer is perfect for small batches. Most models can fit 3–6 biscuits at a time, depending on size and model. That means you can bake just what you need, reduce food waste, and enjoy fresh biscuits without leftovers going stale.

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

Choosing the Right Biscuits

You can make biscuits in an air fryer using both store-bought and homemade dough. Let’s break it down:

• Store-bought canned biscuits: Brands like Pillsbury, Hungry Jack, and Trader Joe’s work great. They’re consistent, easy to use, and come pre-shaped. Just pop them in the air fryer—no rolling or cutting needed.
• Homemade biscuit dough: If you love baking from scratch, you can use your favorite recipe. I’ve had great results with buttermilk biscuits, cheddar-garlic biscuits, and even vegan versions. Just make sure the dough isn’t too wet or sticky—air fryers don’t handle excess moisture as well as ovens.
• Frozen biscuits: Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits directly in the air fryer! No need to thaw. Just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.

Pro tip: If using canned biscuits, separate them carefully—they tend to stick together. A quick spray of non-stick cooking oil on the outside can help prevent sticking and improve browning.

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket

This step is crucial. You want to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Here’s what I do:

• Lightly grease the basket with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or a thin layer of oil. I prefer avocado oil or coconut oil for a neutral taste.
• Alternatively, use parchment paper liners or air fryer silicone mats. These are reusable, easy to clean, and eliminate the need for oil.
• Arrange biscuits with at least 1 inch of space between them. Crowding leads to uneven cooking and steaming instead of browning.

For homemade dough, shape the biscuits to be slightly smaller than usual—air fryers have less vertical space, and you don’t want them touching the top heating element.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here’s the sweet spot I’ve found after testing multiple models (Ninja, Instant Vortex, Cosori, and GoWISE):

• Temperature: 325°F to 350°F (160°C to 175°C)
• Time: 10–14 minutes for canned biscuits, 12–16 minutes for homemade or frozen
• Flip halfway (optional but recommended for even browning)

I usually start at 325°F for the first batch. If the tops are browning too fast but the centers are still doughy, I lower it to 315°F. If the bottoms are browning but the tops are pale, I increase to 350°F and flip halfway.

Tip: Air fryers vary in power. Use the first batch as a test. Check biscuits at the 8-minute mark and adjust as needed.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits

Enhance Flavor and Texture

Want to take your biscuits to the next level? Try these simple upgrades:

• Brush with melted butter before or after cooking. A quick brush adds richness and shine. For extra flavor, mix in garlic powder, dried herbs, or honey.
• Add cheese or herbs to the dough before cooking. I love folding in shredded cheddar and chopped green onions for savory biscuits.
• Sprinkle with coarse sugar or cinnamon-sugar for sweet biscuits. It creates a delicious crust.
• Use buttermilk or yogurt in homemade recipes. It adds tang and tenderness.

One of my favorite tricks? Sprinkle a pinch of everything bagel seasoning on top before cooking. It gives the biscuits a restaurant-style flavor with zero extra effort.

Preventing Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to avoid the most common issues:

• Biscuits sticking to the basket: Always grease or line the basket. If they still stick, let them cool for 1–2 minutes—they’ll release more easily.
• Uneven browning: Flip halfway or rotate the basket. Some air fryers have hot spots near the back.
• Dry or crumbly biscuits: Don’t overcook! Air fryers can dry out dough faster than ovens. Check early and often.
• Biscuits rising too tall: This happens when the dough is too warm or the leavening agent is overactive. Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking if it feels too soft.

I once left a batch in for 18 minutes (distracted by a phone call, oops), and they turned into hard little hockey pucks. Lesson learned: set a timer and check at the 10-minute mark.

Batch Cooking and Storage

If you’re cooking multiple batches, here’s what to do:

• Keep cooked biscuits warm in a low oven (200°F) or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
• Don’t stack hot biscuits—they’ll steam and get soggy. Let them cool slightly first.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.

For meal prep, I often make a double batch on Sunday, freeze half, and reheat them during the week. They taste just as good—maybe even better—after a quick air fryer refresh.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven Biscuits: A Side-by-Side Test

Curious how air fryer biscuits stack up against oven-baked ones? I ran a little experiment to find out. I used the same batch of Pillsbury Grands biscuits, cooked half in my oven (375°F for 12–15 minutes) and half in my air fryer (325°F for 12 minutes, flipped at 6).

Texture and Appearance

• Air fryer biscuits: Crisp, golden-brown exterior with a slightly crunchy crust. Interior was soft, fluffy, and evenly cooked. Slightly more “fried” texture—similar to a deep-fried biscuit.
• Oven biscuits: Softer crust, more uniform rise. Interior was tender but less crisp. Browning was even but less intense.

Visually, the air fryer biscuits looked more restaurant-style—crispy on the outside, soft within. The oven biscuits were more “classic” but lacked that satisfying crunch.

Cooking Time and Energy Use

The oven took 12 minutes to preheat + 13 minutes to cook = 25 minutes total. The air fryer heated in 3 minutes and cooked in 12 minutes = 15 minutes total. That’s a 40% time savings.

Energy-wise, the air fryer used about 70% less power. My smart plug showed 0.8 kWh for the oven vs. 0.25 kWh for the air fryer. That’s a big difference over time.

Flavor and Moisture

Both were delicious, but the air fryer biscuits had a richer, slightly nutty flavor—likely from the Maillard reaction happening faster due to intense convection. The oven biscuits were milder and more buttery (thanks to the longer, gentler bake).

Moisture retention was similar, but the air fryer biscuits had less “doughy” spots—likely because the hot air penetrates more evenly.

Creative Air Fryer Biscuit Ideas Beyond the Basics

Sweet Varieties

Who says biscuits have to be savory? Try these sweet twists:

• Cinnamon roll biscuits: Roll out canned biscuit dough, spread with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, roll up, and slice. Cook in the air fryer for 12–14 minutes. Drizzle with glaze.
• Stuffed berry biscuits: Flatten a biscuit, add a spoonful of jam or fresh berries, seal the edges, and bake. Serve with whipped cream.
• Chocolate chip biscuits: Mix mini chocolate chips into homemade dough. Bake as usual. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.

I made cinnamon roll biscuits for a friend’s brunch, and they were gone in minutes. The air fryer gave them that perfect gooey center with a crisp top—no soggy mess.

Savory Twists

For dinner or appetizers, try these ideas:

• Garlic parmesan biscuits: Add garlic powder, dried parsley, and grated parmesan to the dough. Brush with garlic butter after cooking.
• Biscuit sliders: Cut cooled biscuits in half, fill with pulled pork, BBQ chicken, or breakfast sausage. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
• Breakfast biscuit bombs: Wrap a biscuit around a cooked sausage patty and a slice of cheese. Bake and serve with maple syrup.

My kids love the sliders—they’re like mini sandwiches with a fun twist. Plus, they’re easy to eat with hands.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

Good news: air fryers are great for dietary restrictions!

• Use gluten-free biscuit mixes like King Arthur or Pamela’s. They work just as well in the air fryer—just watch the cook time (often 2–3 minutes less).
• For dairy-free, swap butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk in homemade recipes.
• Brands like Glutino and Enjoy Life make ready-to-bake gluten-free and allergen-free biscuits that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

I’ve made gluten-free biscuits for my sister-in-law, and she couldn’t tell the difference. The air fryer actually helped the GF dough hold its shape better than the oven.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Biscuits in Your Air Fryer?

So, can you make biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and produces delicious, restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re using canned dough or making your own, the air fryer delivers crisp exteriors, fluffy interiors, and golden browning that rivals (and sometimes beats) the oven.

Is it perfect for every situation? Not quite. If you’re feeding a crowd, the oven might still be more practical. And some delicate, high-rising recipes might need adjustments. But for everyday use—breakfast, snacks, side dishes, or quick treats—the air fryer is a total win.

After months of testing, I now reach for my air fryer first. It’s changed how I think about baking. No more waiting, no more wasted energy, and no more dry or uneven biscuits. Just fresh, hot, flaky goodness in minutes.

So go ahead—grab that can of biscuits, fire up your air fryer, and give it a try. I promise, once you taste that first crispy, buttery bite, you’ll be hooked. And who knows? You might just start making biscuits more often—because now, it’s actually easy.

Happy air frying!

Biscuit Type	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Prep Tips
Canned (e.g., Pillsbury)	325°F	10–14 min	Separate carefully, spray with oil
Homemade Buttermilk	325–350°F	12–16 min	Chill dough 10 min, don’t overmix
Frozen Biscuits	350°F	14–18 min	No thawing needed, space well
Gluten-Free	325°F	10–12 min	Check early, may dry faster
Sweet (e.g., Cinnamon Roll)	325°F	12–14 min	Use parchment, watch sugar

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 convenient method that yields golden, flaky results in less time than a conventional oven. Just adjust the temperature and cooking time for best results.

How long do you cook biscuits in an air fryer?

Most biscuits take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer at 330°F–350°F (165°C–175°C). Check them halfway through to avoid over-browning, as air fryers circulate heat more efficiently than ovens.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for biscuits?

Preheating isn’t required, but it helps ensure even cooking. For best results, preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 330°F before adding the biscuits, especially if using store-bought dough.

Can you use store-bought biscuit dough in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought biscuit dough works perfectly in an air fryer. Place the dough portions in the basket, leaving space between them, and cook at 330°F for 8–10 minutes.

What’s the best way to prevent air fryer biscuits from drying out?

To keep biscuits moist, brush them with melted butter or milk before cooking. Avoid overcooking—check them 1–2 minutes before the recommended time, as air fryers vary in intensity.

Can you make homemade biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, homemade biscuits turn out great in an air fryer. Drop spoonfuls of dough or shape them into rounds, then cook at 330°F for 10–12 minutes. The air fryer gives them a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.