Can You Make Frozen Biscuits in the Air Fryer Perfectly

Yes, you can make frozen biscuits in the air fryer perfectly—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, in under 15 minutes. With no need to thaw, simply arrange the biscuits in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air fry at 330°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. This quick method delivers golden, bakery-quality results without the oven.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fry frozen biscuits perfectly with crisp exteriors and fluffy interiors.
• No preheating needed: Cook directly from frozen for quick, even results.
• Optimal temp: Air fry at 320°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Space matters: Arrange biscuits with room to expand for even browning.
• Check early: Adjust time based on your air fryer model and biscuit brand.
• Enhance flavor: Brush with butter or egg wash for golden, shiny tops.

Can You Make Frozen Biscuits in the Air Fryer Perfectly?

Imagine this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the smell of fresh biscuits wafts through the kitchen. You didn’t spend 20 minutes prepping dough or preheating the oven. Instead, you pulled a bag of frozen biscuits from your freezer, popped them into your air fryer, and 10 minutes later—*voilà*—golden, flaky, and warm biscuits ready to go. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, I’ve been there, and I’ve tested it. The answer is a resounding yes: you can make frozen biscuits in the air fryer perfectly—and often better than in a conventional oven.

As someone who lives for quick breakfast wins and hates waiting for the oven to heat up, I’ve experimented with air fryer frozen biscuits more times than I can count. From store-bought favorites like Pillsbury Grands to budget-friendly store brands, I’ve tried them all. And the results? Consistently impressive. Crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, with zero sogginess. If you’ve ever wondered whether your air fryer could handle frozen biscuits without drying them out or leaving them undercooked, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through everything: how to do it, what to expect, common mistakes, and even how to make them taste homemade—no one will guess they started frozen.

Why Air Fryers Are Ideal for Frozen Biscuits

How Air Fryers Work—And Why That Matters

An air fryer isn’t actually a fryer. It’s a compact convection oven that uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly. Think of it like a mini turbo oven. The fan circulates hot air around the food, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist. This is perfect for frozen biscuits, which often suffer from uneven cooking in a regular oven—either burnt on the outside or doughy in the center.

With an air fryer, the hot air wraps around each biscuit from all angles. No more flipping halfway through or worrying about hot spots. The result? Uniform browning and consistent texture. Plus, the small cooking chamber means faster preheating (if needed) and quicker cook times—ideal when you’re in a hurry.

Speed, Efficiency, and Energy Savings

Let’s talk practicality. Most frozen biscuits take 10–15 minutes in a conventional oven. In an air fryer? 8–12 minutes, depending on size and model. That’s a 20–30% time savings. And because air fryers don’t need to heat up a large cavity, they use less energy overall. For eco-conscious cooks or anyone trying to save on utility bills, this is a win.

I remember one busy morning when I had guests over and realized I’d forgotten to take the biscuits out to thaw. Panic? Nope. I grabbed the frozen biscuits, tossed them in the air fryer, and had them ready in under 10 minutes. My guests thought I’d baked them from scratch. That’s the magic of air frying.

Better Texture Than the Oven

Here’s something most people don’t realize: air fryers can actually improve the texture of frozen biscuits. In a regular oven, biscuits often steam slightly due to trapped moisture, leading to a softer, sometimes soggy bottom. In an air fryer, the constant airflow prevents steam buildup, giving you a crispier bottom and golden top—without sacrificing the fluffy interior.

I tested this side-by-side: one batch in my oven, one in my 5.8-quart Ninja Air Fryer. The oven biscuits were good, but the air fryer ones had a satisfying crunch on the crust and were more evenly risen. The difference was subtle but noticeable, especially when served with butter or jam.

How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

Start by ensuring your air fryer basket is clean and dry. Lightly spray the basket with oil (use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola) or line it with a perforated air fryer liner. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step can result in biscuits tearing when you try to remove them—especially the delicate, flaky ones.

Pro tip: If you don’t have liners, use parchment paper with holes punched in it, or a silicone mat. Just make sure airflow isn’t blocked, or cooking will be uneven.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Place the frozen biscuits in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overcrowd. Each biscuit needs space for hot air to circulate. For most standard air fryers (4–6 quarts), 2–4 biscuits fit comfortably. If you’re making more, cook in batches.

I once tried fitting five Pillsbury Grands in my 5-quart fryer. The outer ones were perfect, but the center biscuit was undercooked and gummy. Lesson learned: when in doubt, cook fewer at a time. The extra few minutes is worth it for quality.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: 325°F (163°C) for 8–12 minutes. This is the sweet spot for most frozen biscuits. It’s high enough to crisp the outside but low enough to cook the inside without burning.

Start at 8 minutes for smaller biscuits (like mini Grands or store-brand “biscuit bites”) and 10–12 minutes for larger ones. Always check at the 8-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a firm, springy texture when lightly pressed.

Note: Some air fryers run hotter than others. If your model tends to overcook, try 315°F and add time if needed. Use the “shake basket” method—give it a gentle shake at 6 minutes to see if biscuits are separating and browning evenly.

Step 4: Check Doneness and Rest

At the end of cooking, open the basket and check. The biscuits should be puffed up, golden on top, and no longer icy in the center. If unsure, insert a toothpick into the center of one—it should come out clean with no wet dough.

Let the biscuits rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. This allows the steam to redistribute, making them fluffier. I’ve made the mistake of grabbing them right away, only to burn my fingers and crush the delicate layers. Patience pays off!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with butter, honey, jam, or gravy. For extra flair, brush the tops with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder or cinnamon sugar. I love doing this with store-brand biscuits—it elevates them to “homemade” status instantly.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits Every Time

Choose the Right Biscuits

Not all frozen biscuits are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Pillsbury Grands: The gold standard. They rise well and have a consistent texture. My go-to.
• Store brands (Kroger, Great Value, etc.): Often cheaper and surprisingly good. Just check the ingredient list—avoid ones with excessive preservatives.
• Mini biscuits or biscuit bites: Great for snacks or kids. Cook 1–2 minutes less than full-sized ones.
• Gluten-free or dairy-free options: Yes, they work! Just extend cook time by 1–2 minutes and check frequently.

Avoid biscuits labeled “homestyle” or “buttermilk” if they’re extra thick—they may need longer cook times and can dry out. Stick to standard sizes for best results.

Adjust for Air Fryer Size and Wattage

Air fryers vary. A 4-quart model may cook faster than a 6-quart one due to smaller air volume. If your fryer is under 4 quarts, reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes. If it’s over 6 quarts (like some XL models), add 1 minute.

Wattage matters too. Most air fryers are 1500–1800 watts. Lower wattage? Increase time slightly. Higher wattage? Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Use the “Double-Crisp” Method for Extra Texture

Want restaurant-quality crust? Try this trick: After the initial cook, brush the tops with melted butter, then cook for 1–2 more minutes at 350°F. This creates a golden, slightly caramelized crust without drying the inside. I use this for holiday brunches—it’s a game-changer.

Thaw? Don’t Thaw?

You can cook frozen biscuits straight from the freezer—no thawing needed. In fact, thawing can make them stickier and harder to handle. Just place them directly in the basket. However, if your biscuits are stuck together, let them sit for 1–2 minutes to separate, or use a butter knife to gently pry them apart.

Season Like a Pro

Frozen biscuits are a blank canvas. Try these easy upgrades:

• Garlic parmesan: Brush with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and grated parmesan before cooking.
• Cinnamon sugar: Mix 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon; brush with butter and coat after cooking.
• Everything bagel style: Top with everything seasoning before cooking.

I once made cinnamon sugar biscuits for a brunch and got asked for the recipe. When I said they were frozen, my friend didn’t believe me. That’s the power of a little seasoning!

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Overcrowding traps steam, leading to soggy biscuits and uneven cooking. Always leave space—about 1 inch between each biscuit. If your basket is full, cook in batches. It’s better than ruining a whole batch.

Setting the Temperature Too High

350°F or higher? Risk of burnt tops and raw centers. Frozen biscuits need gentle, even heat. Stick to 325°F unless your model runs cool. If you’re impatient (we’ve all been there), just set a timer for 8 minutes and check—don’t crank the heat.

Skipping the Basket Prep

Even non-stick baskets can cause sticking. A quick spray or liner saves you from biscuit breakage. I learned this when a Pillsbury Grand stuck to the basket and tore in half—heartbreaking!

Not Checking Doneness

Every air fryer is different. Relying on the package time can lead to over- or under-cooked biscuits. Always check at the minimum time (8 minutes) and add more if needed. Use visual cues: golden top, puffed up, no ice crystals inside.

Ignoring Rest Time

Resting lets the biscuits finish cooking from residual heat and improves texture. Skip it, and you might end up with a slightly doughy center. 1–2 minutes makes a difference.

Data Table: Air Fryer Frozen Biscuit Cooking Times

Biscuit Type	Size	Temp (°F)	Cook Time (min)	Notes
Pillsbury Grands	Large (2.5 oz)	325	10–12	Brush with butter for golden crust
Store Brand “Jumbo”	Large (2.3 oz)	325	11–13	May need extra 1 min if thicker
Mini Biscuits/Bites	Small (0.8 oz)	325	7–9	Great for snacks or kids
Gluten-Free	Standard	325	12–14	Check early; can dry out
Canned Biscuits (e.g., Pillsbury)	Medium	325	8–10	Use parchment to prevent sticking

Note: Times are based on a 1500-watt air fryer. Adjust ±1–2 minutes for different wattage.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ideas and Variations

Make a Breakfast Sandwich

Cook your biscuits, split them, and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a slice of bacon or sausage. I call this the “Air Fryer McMuffin”—ready in under 15 minutes. For a veggie version, use sautéed spinach and feta.

Turn Them into Mini Pizzas

Split a biscuit, spread with marinara, add cheese and pepperoni, then air fry for 2–3 minutes at 350°F. Kids love these, and they’re perfect for game day.

Sweet Twists

Make a dessert biscuit: Fill with Nutella and sliced bananas, or top with whipped cream and berries. For a decadent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Freeze and Reheat Like a Pro

Cooked biscuits can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, air fry at 325°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as when they came out of the freezer.

I keep a batch of cooked, unsliced biscuits in the freezer for last-minute needs. When guests arrive, I reheat them, slice, and serve with butter—no one knows they weren’t made that morning.

Making frozen biscuits in the air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s ideal. You get speed, convenience, and better texture than the oven, all with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, rushing to get ready for work, or just craving a warm, flaky biscuit, your air fryer delivers. The key is simple: don’t overcrowd, don’t overheat, and don’t skip the butter.

So next time you’re staring at a bag of frozen biscuits and thinking, “Can I really air fry these?”—the answer is yes. And now you know how to do it perfectly. From golden crusts to fluffy insides, your air fryer turns frozen convenience into breakfast magic. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes. I’ll be here, sipping coffee and eating a warm biscuit—probably made in my air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make frozen biscuits in the air fryer without thawing them first?

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in the air fryer straight from the freezer—no thawing needed. This method saves time and yields a crisp exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.

What temperature and time should you use to air fry frozen biscuits?

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the frozen biscuits for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly depending on your air fryer model and biscuit size.

Do frozen biscuits cook evenly in the air fryer?

Yes, when arranged in a single layer with space between them, frozen biscuits cook evenly in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure consistent browning and texture.

Can you make frozen biscuits in the air fryer if they’re store-bought or brand-specific?

Absolutely—most store-bought frozen biscuits (like Pillsbury or Great Value) work well in the air fryer. Follow the same guidelines, but check for doneness a minute or two early for smaller brands.

Why are my frozen biscuits in the air fryer turning out dry or hard?

This usually happens from overcooking or high heat. Stick to 320°F and monitor closely; lightly brushing biscuits with butter before or after cooking can also improve moisture.

Can you reheat leftover cooked biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is perfect for reheating biscuits. Use 300°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness without drying them out—great for leftovers or meal prep.