Can You Make Biscuits in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can make biscuits in the air fryer—quickly and with deliciously crispy results. This method cuts down baking time while delivering golden, flaky layers, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks. With no preheating needed and easy cleanup, air fryer biscuits are a game-changer for home bakers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryer biscuits turn out golden, flaky, and perfectly cooked.
• Preheat for best results: Always preheat to ensure even browning and rise.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits to allow proper air circulation.
• Adjust time & temp: Cook at 320°F for 8–10 mins; check early to avoid overcooking.
• Use parchment or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
• Fresh or frozen work: Both types cook well—no need to thaw frozen biscuits.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Make Biscuits in the Air Fryer?

The air fryer has taken the culinary world by storm, transforming the way we approach cooking and baking. Once seen as a niche appliance for reheating frozen foods, it has evolved into a versatile kitchen powerhouse capable of roasting, baking, and even air-frying desserts. Among its many surprising applications, one question keeps popping up: Can you make biscuits in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and the results are often better than expected. With the right techniques, air fryer biscuits can be golden, flaky, and ready in under 15 minutes, making them the ultimate solution for busy mornings, last-minute brunches, or a comforting side dish to a weeknight dinner.

For home bakers and time-pressed families alike, the appeal of air fryer biscuits lies in their convenience and consistency. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, cooking food faster and more evenly. This convection effect is ideal for biscuits, which rely on quick, even heat to achieve their signature rise and crisp exterior. Whether you’re using store-bought dough, a classic homemade recipe, or even gluten-free or vegan alternatives, the air fryer offers a fast, fuss-free way to bake biscuits without preheating, monitoring, or sacrificing quality. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to master biscuit-making in your air fryer, from choosing the right dough to troubleshooting common issues and unlocking creative variations.

How Air Fryers Work and Why They’re Perfect for Biscuits

Understanding Air Fryer Technology

Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food by surrounding it with superheated air, typically ranging from 300°F to 400°F (149°C to 204°C). This mimics the effects of deep frying—crisp exteriors and moist interiors—without submerging food in oil. The heating element at the top of the appliance generates heat, while a powerful fan distributes it evenly throughout the cooking basket. This convection process is key to achieving the golden-brown crust and soft interior that define a perfect biscuit.

Unlike conventional ovens, which rely on radiant heat and take time to preheat and stabilize, air fryers reach optimal temperatures in just 2–3 minutes. This means you can go from mixing dough to eating fresh, hot biscuits in under 20 minutes. The compact cooking space also ensures that heat doesn’t dissipate, resulting in faster cooking times and better browning. For biscuits, which benefit from a quick, high-heat bake to activate leavening agents like baking powder, this environment is ideal.

Why Biscuits Excel in the Air Fryer

Biscuits are essentially quick breads, relying on baking powder or baking soda to create air pockets that give them their light, flaky texture. When exposed to high heat, these leavening agents react quickly, causing the dough to rise before the outer layer sets. The air fryer’s intense, focused heat accelerates this process, helping biscuits rise higher and develop a crisp crust in a fraction of the time.

• Speed: Most biscuits cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity than full-sized ovens, especially for small batches.
• Even browning: The circulating air ensures all sides of the biscuit cook uniformly, reducing the need to rotate or flip.
• No preheating required: Save 10–15 minutes by starting immediately.

Additionally, the air fryer’s basket design allows excess moisture to escape, preventing soggy bottoms—a common issue when baking biscuits in humid ovens. This is especially beneficial for homemade doughs, which often contain more moisture than pre-packaged versions.

Choosing the Right Biscuit Dough for Your Air Fryer

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dough

One of the biggest advantages of air fryer biscuit-making is flexibility. You can use almost any type of dough, but the choice impacts texture, flavor, and cooking time. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Store-Bought Dough (Canned or Frozen): These are the easiest to work with and ideal for beginners. Brands like Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, or Great Value offer pre-rolled, portioned biscuits that require no mixing. Simply separate the dough, place in the air fryer, and cook. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or as a base for savory toppings like ham and cheese. However, canned dough can sometimes be denser than homemade, so adjust cooking time by 1–2 minutes for a lighter texture.

Homemade Dough: For those who love scratch baking, the air fryer is a game-changer. Classic buttermilk biscuit recipes work exceptionally well, producing flakier, more tender results. The key is to keep the dough cold and handle it minimally to prevent gluten development. Ingredients like cold butter, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar create layers that puff beautifully in the air fryer’s high heat. Homemade dough also allows you to customize flavors—think cheddar and chive, cinnamon sugar, or rosemary and garlic.

Specialty Doughs: Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Low-Carb

The air fryer is surprisingly adaptable to dietary restrictions. For gluten-free biscuits, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (e.g., King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill) and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum to mimic gluten’s elasticity. Vegan bakers can substitute dairy with plant-based butter and milk (like almond or oat milk). For low-carb or keto biscuits, try almond flour, coconut flour, or a blend with added psyllium husk for structure.

Pro Tip: When working with specialty doughs, increase cooking time by 1–2 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick. These doughs often brown faster but take longer to cook through.

Size and Shape Considerations

Air fryer baskets vary in size, but most accommodate 4–6 standard biscuits (2–3 inches in diameter). For even cooking, avoid overcrowding. Leave at least 1/2 inch between biscuits to allow air circulation. If your basket is small, cook in batches. Shape matters too: flat, round biscuits cook more evenly than thick or irregular shapes. For drop biscuits (scooped directly from the bowl), flatten slightly before air frying to prevent a gooey center.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Biscuits

Preparing Your Air Fryer

Before adding dough, ensure your air fryer is clean and lightly greased. Use non-stick spray, parchment paper, or a silicone liner to prevent sticking. Parchment paper is highly recommended—it’s reusable, heat-resistant, and makes cleanup effortless. Cut it to fit the basket, leaving a small overhang for easy removal.

Preheating (Optional but Recommended): While not required, preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes ensures consistent cooking. This is especially helpful for homemade dough, which benefits from immediate heat exposure to activate leavening agents.

Cooking Process: Timing, Temperature, and Technique

Follow these steps for foolproof air fryer biscuits:

1. Prepare the dough: For canned dough, separate and place on parchment. For homemade, roll to 1-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter. Re-roll scraps once for extra biscuits.
2. Arrange in basket: Place biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy centers.
3. Set temperature: 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot for most biscuits. For crispier tops, increase to 360°F (182°C).
4. Cook time:
   • Canned biscuits: 8–10 minutes
   • Homemade buttermilk: 10–12 minutes
   • Gluten-free/vegan: 10–14 minutes
5. Check doneness: Biscuits are done when golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
6. Cool slightly: Let biscuits rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. This allows the interior to set.

Example: For Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle biscuits, cook at 350°F for 9 minutes. Rotate the basket halfway if your air fryer has hot spots.

Flavor Boosters and Add-Ins

Elevate your biscuits with mix-ins or toppings:

• Savory: Fold in shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, or chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme) into the dough.
• Sweet: Add cinnamon-sugar, blueberries, or chocolate chips. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
• Post-cooking: Brush with garlic butter, drizzle with honey, or serve with jam or gravy.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems

Undercooked Centers or Gooey Dough

This is the most frequent issue, especially with homemade or dense doughs. Causes include:

• Overcrowding: Biscuits steam instead of bake. Always leave space.
• Low temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to verify your air fryer’s accuracy. If it runs cool, increase time by 1–2 minutes.
• Thick dough: Roll to no more than 1 inch thick. For drop biscuits, flatten slightly before cooking.

Fix: If biscuits are browned but undercooked, reduce heat to 325°F and cook 2–3 minutes longer. Cover with foil to prevent further browning.

Burnt Tops or Uneven Browning

Air fryers with powerful top heating elements can overcook biscuit tops. Solutions:

• Use parchment paper: It acts as a heat buffer.
• Cover with foil: Loosely tent foil over biscuits after 6–7 minutes of cooking.
• Rotate the basket: Some models have hot spots. Rotate halfway for even browning.

Soggy Bottoms

Moisture buildup in the basket can cause this. Prevent it by:

• Using parchment: It absorbs excess moisture.
• Not over-greasing: Lightly spray the basket or use a silicone liner.
• Elevating biscuits: Place them on a small oven-safe rack or trivet inside the basket.

Flat or Dense Biscuits

Causes include warm dough, overmixing, or expired leavening agents. Fix by:

• Chilling dough: Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before baking.
• Handling minimally: Overworking develops gluten, leading to toughness.
• Testing baking powder: Mix 1/2 tsp with hot water. If it bubbles, it’s active.

Creative Variations and Recipes to Try

Savory Air Fryer Biscuit Recipes

Cheddar and Chive Buttermilk Biscuits: Mix 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tbsp chopped chives into 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp baking soda. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter, then stir in 3/4 cup buttermilk. Drop by spoonfuls into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 11 minutes. Serve with sausage gravy.

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Biscuits: Flatten canned biscuit dough, place a slice of ham and cheese in the center, seal edges, and air fry at 350°F for 9 minutes. Perfect for breakfast on the go.

Sweet and Indulgent Options

Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: Roll homemade dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, roll up, slice into 1-inch rounds, and air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.

Blueberry Lemon Biscuits: Fold 1/2 cup fresh blueberries and 1 tbsp lemon zest into buttermilk biscuit dough. Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes. Drizzle with lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).

Diet-Specific Adaptations

Keto Almond Flour Biscuits: Mix 2 cups almond flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Form into 6 biscuits and air fry at 350°F for 13 minutes. Top with sugar-free jam.

Vegan Biscuits: Replace dairy butter with vegan butter and buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Add 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water as a binder. Air fry at 350°F for 11 minutes.

Comparing Air Fryer Biscuits to Oven-Baked: A Data Table

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Cooking Time	8–12 minutes	15–20 minutes
Preheating	Not required (or 3 minutes)	10–15 minutes
Energy Use	Low (uses ~50% less energy)	High
Browning	Even, crisp exterior	May require rotation
Moisture Control	Excellent (vents steam)	Can be soggy in humid ovens
Batch Size	4–6 biscuits (varies by model)	Unlimited (larger capacity)
Cleanup	Quick (parchment paper)	More involved (grease, crumbs)

The data clearly shows that air fryers outperform ovens in speed, energy efficiency, and moisture management—critical factors for perfect biscuits. While ovens allow larger batches, the air fryer’s advantages make it the superior choice for everyday baking.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Biscuits in Your Air Fryer

So, can you make biscuits in the air fryer? Absolutely—and with remarkable results. This appliance transforms biscuit-making from a time-consuming chore into a 15-minute endeavor, delivering flaky, golden treats that rival oven-baked versions. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, the air fryer’s speed, efficiency, and consistency make it an invaluable tool for creating everything from classic buttermilk biscuits to innovative savory and sweet variations.

To recap: choose the right dough for your needs, prepare your air fryer with parchment or a liner, cook at 350°F with proper spacing, and don’t shy away from troubleshooting—every baker faces hiccups, but they’re easily resolved with the tips above. Experiment with flavors, textures, and dietary adaptations to discover your signature recipe. From breakfast sandwiches to holiday sides, air fryer biscuits offer endless possibilities. So preheat (or don’t), grab your dough, and get ready to enjoy the fastest, flakiest biscuits of your life. The air fryer isn’t just a trend—it’s a biscuit revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make biscuits in the air fryer! It’s a quick and easy way to achieve golden, flaky results with less oil than traditional baking methods.

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

Place the refrigerated biscuits in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for expansion. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, for even browning.

Do air fryer biscuits cook faster than in an oven?

Yes, air fryer biscuits typically cook 20–30% faster due to the appliance’s concentrated heat and rapid air circulation. Always check a minute or two before the timer ends.

Can you make homemade biscuits in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Shape your homemade biscuit dough into rounds, place them in the air fryer, and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes until puffed and golden.

How do you prevent air fryer biscuits from drying out?

Brush the biscuits with melted butter or milk before cooking to add moisture. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even heat distribution and tender results.

Can you make canned biscuits in the air fryer without oil?

Yes, most canned biscuits cook well in the air fryer without added oil. The high heat crisps the outside while keeping the inside soft—just follow the recommended time and temperature.