Can You Make Grands Biscuits in the Air Fryer Try This Easy Hack

Yes, you can make Grands Biscuits in the air fryer—and they come out flaky, golden, and perfectly cooked in just 8–10 minutes. This easy hack saves time and delivers consistent results without sacrificing the classic buttery texture you love. No preheating, no mess—just pop them in and enjoy fresh, oven-style biscuits with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook Grands biscuits in the air fryer for a quick, crispy result.
• Adjust temperature: Set air fryer to 325°F to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Space matters: Leave room between biscuits for even air circulation and browning.
• Shorter cook time: Bake 8–10 minutes, checking early to avoid over-browning.
• No preheat needed: Save time—start cooking immediately with frozen or refrigerated dough.
• Brush with butter: Add richness and shine by basting after baking.

Why the Air Fryer Might Just Be Your Biscuit Game-Changer

Let’s be honest—there’s something magical about pulling a warm, flaky Grands biscuit out of the oven. That golden crust, the soft pull-apart layers, the smell that instantly makes your kitchen feel like home. But what if you could get that same magic with less mess, faster cooking, and no need to preheat a big oven? That’s where the air fryer comes in.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. When I first heard about making Grands biscuits in the air fryer, my inner skeptic raised an eyebrow. “How could a small appliance with hot air possibly replicate the oven-baked perfection of Pillsbury’s iconic canned biscuits?” But after a few trial runs—some hits, a couple of misses—I discovered something surprising: yes, you absolutely can make Grands biscuits in the air fryer, and when done right, they’re just as delicious (if not more convenient). Whether you’re cooking for one, short on time, or just love experimenting with kitchen hacks, this method is worth your attention.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic on Biscuits

Understanding Air Fryer Technology

The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation (convection) to cook food. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes it around the food at high speed. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist—similar to deep frying, but without the oil. For Grands biscuits, this means faster browning and a slightly crispier bottom and top than traditional oven baking.

Why Air Frying Works for Grands Biscuits

Grands biscuits are already pre-portioned and designed for even baking. Their size and shape (about 3 inches wide and 1 inch tall) make them perfect for the air fryer basket. Unlike smaller biscuits that might overcook or dry out, Grands have enough volume to retain moisture while still benefiting from the air fryer’s intense heat.

• Faster cooking: No preheating needed. Most air fryers are ready in 2–3 minutes.
• Even browning: The circulating air hits all sides, giving you a golden crust all around.
• Less mess: No baking sheet to clean, no oven to wipe down.
• Energy efficient: Uses less electricity than a full-sized oven.

One Caution: Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Here’s where I made my first mistake. I tried to fit all eight biscuits in my 5.8-quart air fryer at once. Big mistake. They touched each other, steamed instead of browned, and came out soggy in the middle. Lesson learned: air fryer space is precious. You need at least ½ inch between each biscuit for proper airflow. For most standard air fryers, that means cooking 3–4 biscuits at a time.

The Perfect Air Fryer Grands Biscuit Recipe (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need

• 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits
• Air fryer (4-quart or larger recommended)
• Optional: cooking spray, melted butter, or parchment paper liner
• Small bowl and pastry brush (for butter glaze, if desired)

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

While air fryers don’t require preheating like ovens, I’ve found that preheating for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) leads to more consistent results. It ensures the biscuits start cooking immediately, reducing the risk of undercooked centers. Just set your air fryer to 350°F and let it run while you prep the biscuits.

Step 2: Prep the Biscuits

Pop open the can and separate the biscuits. Gently pull them apart—don’t press or flatten them. If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. This helps achieve that golden-brown color without drying out the inside.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

Place 3–4 biscuits in the air fryer basket, leaving at least ½ inch between each. For a 5-quart air fryer, 3 biscuits fit well. In a 7-quart model, you might squeeze in 4. Never stack them. If you’re using parchment paper, cut a circle to fit the basket and poke a few holes for airflow. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes. Here’s the key: check at 6 minutes. Open the basket and look for a deep golden brown on the tops and sides. The bottoms should be crisp, not pale. If they’re still light, give them another 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking—Grands biscuits can go from perfect to tough in under 30 seconds.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the biscuits with tongs or a silicone spatula. Let them cool for 1–2 minutes. For an extra touch, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, cinnamon sugar, or everything bagel seasoning. Serve warm with honey, jam, or alongside eggs and bacon.

Pro Tips for Success

• Rotate halfway (optional): Some air fryers have hot spots. If your model is older or less powerful, pause at 4 minutes and rotate the biscuits 180 degrees.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfectionists, insert a digital thermometer into the center of a biscuit. It should read 190–200°F (88–93°C) when fully cooked.
• Batch cooking: Cook in batches. The second batch will cook slightly faster because the air fryer is already warm.
• Freeze extras: If you have leftovers, cool completely and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Real Differences

Cooking Time and Energy Use

Let’s talk numbers. Baking Grands biscuits in a traditional oven typically takes 12–15 minutes at 350°F, plus 10–15 minutes of preheating. That’s 22–30 minutes total and a lot of energy to heat a large oven for just a few biscuits.

In the air fryer? 6–8 minutes, no preheat. That’s a 70% time savings. And since air fryers use convection heating, they consume about 70–80% less energy than conventional ovens. If you’re cooking for one or two, this is a huge win.

Texture and Flavor

This is where opinions vary. Oven-baked biscuits tend to have a softer, more uniform texture—like classic bakery-style. The crust is crisp but not overly so.

Air fryer biscuits? They’re more dynamic. The circulating air creates a slightly crispier exterior, especially on the bottom and sides. The top gets a nice golden sheen. Some people love this extra crunch. Others miss the pillowy softness of the oven method. I fall in the first camp—I love the contrast between the crisp shell and the soft, layered interior.

Consistency and Reliability

Ovens are predictable. Once you know your oven’s quirks, you can bake biscuits the same way every time. Air fryers? They vary a lot by brand and model. A 5-quart Ninja may cook faster than a 6-quart Cosori. Older models might have weaker fans. So your results might not match mine exactly—and that’s okay. The key is learning your appliance.

Batch Size and Flexibility

If you’re feeding a crowd, the oven wins. You can bake all eight biscuits at once on a sheet pan. The air fryer limits you to 3–4 per batch. But for small households, solo meals, or quick snacks, the air fryer is far more practical.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Overcrowding the Basket

I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: don’t pack the biscuits too tightly. If they touch, they’ll steam instead of crisp. The hot air needs to circulate. I once tried to fit four biscuits in a 4-quart basket—they came out pale and dense. Now I stick to three, and they’re always perfect.

2. Skipping the Preheat

While not mandatory, preheating helps. Cold air fryers take longer to reach temperature, which can lead to uneven cooking. Think of it like a car engine—it runs better when warmed up.

3. Overcooking the Tops

Because the air fryer circulates heat from all sides, the top of the biscuit browns faster than in an oven. I’ve burned more than a few by leaving them in too long. Set a timer for 6 minutes, then check. If the tops are golden, they’re likely done. If they’re still light, add 1–2 more minutes.

4. Using the Wrong Temperature

Some recipes suggest 375°F or even 400°F. I’ve tried it. The biscuits burn on the outside and stay raw inside. 350°F is the sweet spot. It gives you time to cook through without scorching the surface.

5. Not Brushing with Butter (If You Want Extra Flavor)

Grands biscuits are already buttery, but a light brush of melted butter before or after cooking adds shine and richness. I like to mix in a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs for savory versions. For sweet, try honey or cinnamon sugar.

6. Using Non-Stick Spray Too Generously

Too much spray can drip and smoke in the basket. A light mist is all you need. Better yet, use a silicone liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking without the mess.

Creative Twists: Beyond Basic Biscuits

Air Fryer Grands Breakfast Sandwiches

Split a cooked biscuit in half. Add a fried egg, cheese, and a slice of Canadian bacon. Return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve with hot sauce or maple syrup. Total time: under 10 minutes.

Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites

Cut a biscuit in half. Add a small piece of cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie works great) and a tiny dollop of maple syrup. Close the biscuit and air fry for 2–3 minutes at 350°F. The outside crisps, the inside stays gooey. Kids go crazy for these.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Aparts

Cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss in a bowl with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan. Arrange in the basket (don’t overcrowd!) and air fry at 350°F for 6–7 minutes. Serve with marinara for dipping. Perfect for game day.

Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread

Cut biscuits into quarters. Roll each piece in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Arrange in the basket, leaving space. Air fry at 350°F for 7–8 minutes. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze while warm. A sweet treat in under 15 minutes.

Cheesy Biscuit Bites (For Snacks)

Press a small piece of mozzarella or cheddar into the center of each biscuit before air frying. The cheese melts and creates a gooey surprise. Great with tomato soup or as a party appetizer.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Oven for Grands Biscuits

Factor	Air Fryer	Traditional Oven
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes (optional)	10–15 minutes (required)
Cook Time	6–8 minutes	12–15 minutes
Total Time	6–11 minutes	22–30 minutes
Batch Size	3–4 biscuits	8 biscuits
Texture	Crispier exterior, soft interior	Uniformly soft, slightly crisp
Energy Use	Low (~0.5–0.8 kWh)	High (~1.5–2.0 kWh)
Cleanup	Basket wipes clean; no sheet pan	Sheet pan and oven may need wiping
Best For	Quick meals, small portions, solo diners	Large groups, traditional baking

As you can see, the air fryer shines in speed, convenience, and energy efficiency. The oven still wins for large batches and classic texture. But for most everyday situations, the air fryer is a game-changer.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Making Grands Biscuits in the Air Fryer?

After dozens of tests, I can confidently say: yes, you can make Grands biscuits in the air fryer, and you probably should—especially if you’re short on time, space, or oven real estate. The results are delicious, the process is simple, and the cleanup is minimal. I now reach for my air fryer more than my oven for biscuits, and my family hasn’t noticed the difference (except for how fast they’re ready).

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re hosting brunch for six, fire up the oven. But if you’re cooking for one, want a midnight snack, or just love kitchen hacks that save time, the air fryer is your new best friend. The key is adjusting to your model, not overcrowding, and checking early and often.

So go ahead—pop open that can, fire up your air fryer, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to make Grands biscuits. And who knows? This easy hack might inspire you to experiment with other canned doughs, from crescent rolls to cinnamon rolls. The air fryer isn’t just for fries and chicken wings. It’s a baking tool waiting to be discovered.

Happy air frying—and even happier biscuit eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Grands biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make Grands biscuits in the air fryer! This quick method cuts down baking time while delivering golden, flaky results—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute sides.

What temperature should I use to air fry Grands biscuits?

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (165°C) for best results. Cooking at this temperature ensures the biscuits cook through evenly without burning the exterior.

How long do Grands biscuits take in the air fryer?

Air fry Grands biscuits for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check for a golden brown top and a cooked-through center.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time if making multiple Grands biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches if needed. Overlapping biscuits can lead to uneven cooking, so allow space for air circulation to ensure consistent results.

Can you make canned Grands biscuits in the air fryer without preheating?

While not required, preheating ensures even cooking and better rise. Skipping preheat may lead to denser biscuits, so we recommend a 3-minute preheat for optimal fluffiness.

How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer Grands biscuits?

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness and warmth.