Can Pillsbury Dough Go in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. They offer a convenient, quick, and healthier way to prepare foods that are traditionally deep-fried or baked. One of the latest trends is using air fryers for cooking Pillsbury dough. But can Pillsbury dough go in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes, and this article will walk you through everything you need to know to master this delicious cooking technique.

Whether you’re cooking Pillsbury biscuit dough, croissant dough, or even cookie dough, an air fryer can make the process quicker and easier, while giving you crispy, golden-brown results. In this guide, we’ll discuss step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to help you make the most out of your Pillsbury dough and air fryer.

Before diving into the details, let’s also take a look at some other useful air fryer resources:

• Ramen Revolution: Cooking Ramen in an Air Fryer — A great read on how to use an air fryer for other unexpected foods.
• Perfectly Reheated Pizza: Mastering the Art in Your Air Fryer — Learn how to reheat leftovers in an air fryer without compromising taste.

Understanding Pillsbury Dough and Air Fryer

What is Pillsbury Dough?

Pillsbury dough products are some of the most popular pre-made dough items found in grocery stores. They come in various types, including:

• Biscuit dough
• Croissant dough
• Cinnamon roll dough
• Cookie dough

These doughs are typically rolled up in cans and are designed to be baked in an oven. Pillsbury doughs are convenient and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for quick meals, snacks, or breakfast. But, the big question is, can they be cooked in an air fryer?

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

An air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food. It’s similar to a convection oven, but much faster and more energy-efficient. Air fryers typically feature a heating element and a fan that circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy, golden texture without the need for deep frying. When used with Pillsbury dough, an air fryer can quickly bake the dough, giving it that crispy, flakey texture everyone loves.

If you’re curious about other cooking methods, take a moment to explore this article on how to reheat pizza in an air fryer—another air fryer technique worth mastering.

Can You Use Pillsbury Dough in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Pillsbury dough is well-suited for air frying. However, the cooking method varies depending on the type of dough you’re using. Some doughs require a bit more care and attention, but in general, all Pillsbury dough products can be cooked in the air fryer. Let’s break down the most common types and their air fryer compatibility:

1. Pillsbury Biscuit Dough

Pillsbury biscuits are by far the most popular dough product to cook in an air fryer. These biscuits puff up beautifully and develop a golden, crispy crust. The air fryer cooks them faster than traditional baking, making them a great option for a quick breakfast or snack.

2. Pillsbury Croissant Dough

Croissants are another dough that can easily be cooked in an air fryer. The key to getting that perfect flaky texture is to make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket and adjusting the time and temperature properly.

3. Pillsbury Cookie Dough

While baking cookies in an oven is a common method, cookie dough can also be air fried. The result is a crispy edge with a soft center, making for a delightful treat.

4. Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Dough

Cinnamon rolls are another favorite for air frying. The air fryer helps cook them quickly, giving the outside a perfect texture while the inside stays gooey and soft.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pillsbury Dough in an Air Fryer

Now that you know the types of Pillsbury dough that can go into an air fryer, it’s time to get into the details of cooking them. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make your air fryer dough experience as seamless as possible.

Preparing the Dough for Air Frying

• Unroll and Separate: Start by carefully unrolling the dough. If you’re using biscuit dough or croissants, separate them into individual pieces. If you’re using cookie dough, scoop out small portions and roll them into balls.
• Shape the Dough: Depending on the dough type, you may need to form them into the desired shape. For example, croissant dough should be rolled into its classic crescent shape.
• Grease the Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking.

Setting Up the Air Fryer

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer isn’t always necessary, but it can help you achieve a more even cook. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for most Pillsbury dough products, except for cookie dough, which might require a slightly lower temperature to ensure the insides cook evenly.
• Temperature Settings: Here’s a quick breakdown of the temperature settings for different types of dough:
  • Biscuit dough: 330°F (165°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  • Croissant dough: 330°F (165°C) for 6-8 minutes.
  • Cookie dough: 320°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes.
  • Cinnamon roll dough: 330°F (165°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• Check for Doneness: As your dough cooks, keep an eye on it. Air fryers can sometimes cook unevenly, so it’s important to check that the dough is golden and fully cooked through.

Cooking Pillsbury Dough in the Air Fryer

Once your dough is prepped and the air fryer is ready, it’s time to cook:

• Place Dough in Basket: Carefully place your dough in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space between each piece to allow the air to circulate properly.
• Cook: Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature and cook for the appropriate amount of time, as mentioned earlier. For best results, check halfway through and flip or shake the dough to ensure it cooks evenly.

After cooking, allow the dough to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Post-Cooking Steps: Cooling and Serving

Once your Pillsbury dough is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer carefully:

• Let the dough cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps preserve the crispy texture.
• Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.

Variations and Tips for Best Results of Pillsbury Dough in the Air Fryer

Creative Variations to Try

• Stuffed Dough: Add fillings like cheese, ham, or chocolate to the dough before air frying for a more gourmet treat.
• Flavor Twists: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to Pillsbury biscuit dough for a quick cinnamon twist, or try adding chopped nuts to cookie dough before cooking.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a healthier option, here are some tips:

• Use Whole Wheat Dough: If you can find whole wheat Pillsbury dough, it will give you a more nutritious base for your air fryer creations.
• Add Fruits or Nuts: For cookies, try adding dried fruits or nuts to improve the fiber and nutrient content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pillsbury dough turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcrowding the Basket: Don’t pile too much dough into the air fryer basket. It will block air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
• Incorrect Temperature: Make sure you’re using the right temperature for each type of dough. Too high of a temperature can cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked.

FAQs About Cooking Pillsbury Dough in the Air Fryer

How Long Should I Cook Pillsbury Dough in the Air Fryer?

The cooking time for Pillsbury dough in an air fryer depends primarily on the type of dough you’re using. Each variety of dough has unique characteristics, and adjusting the cooking time and temperature can help you achieve the best results. Here are the recommended cooking times for different types of Pillsbury dough:

• Biscuit Dough: To cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer, set the temperature to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. This time will give you a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. Keep in mind that thicker biscuits might need a slightly longer cooking time.
• Croissant Dough: For croissants, set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes. The croissants should puff up beautifully, and the edges will turn crispy and golden. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket so the air can circulate well around the dough.
• Cookie Dough: If you’re making Pillsbury cookies, air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to ensure the edges become crispy while the center remains soft and chewy. The air fryer’s heat cooks the cookies more evenly than a conventional oven.
• Cinnamon Roll Dough: For cinnamon rolls, air fry at 330°F (165°C) for about 8-10 minutes. The rolls will cook quickly, giving them a slightly crisp outer layer while preserving their gooey, sweet center. Be sure to check them halfway through for even cooking.

Additional Air Fryer Tips

Can I Use Refrigerated Dough in the Air Fryer?

Yes, refrigerated Pillsbury dough works perfectly in the air fryer. In fact, using cold dough from the fridge helps to maintain the structure of the dough, allowing it to cook evenly and develop that perfect texture. Just follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for each type of dough.

Should I Preheat the Air Fryer Before Cooking Pillsbury Dough?

Preheating the air fryer is not strictly necessary, but it can be very helpful for even cooking. If your air fryer has a preheat function, it’s a good idea to use it. Preheating the air fryer allows the dough to start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which helps in getting that perfect crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Can I Bake Different Types of Pillsbury Dough at the Same Time?

Yes, it’s possible to bake different types of dough at the same time in your air fryer. However, each type of Pillsbury dough may require different cooking times. To ensure all the dough cooks evenly, it’s best to monitor the items closely. If you’re baking a combination, make sure there’s enough space for the air to circulate between them. You might need to adjust the cooking times for different dough types.

Can I Use Other Types of Dough in the Air Fryer?

Absolutely! While Pillsbury dough is one of the most popular brands, you can also use other brands and types of dough in your air fryer. Just make sure the dough fits comfortably in the air fryer basket and ensure it is arranged in a single layer. The same general principles apply: adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the dough’s thickness and type.

Conclusion

Using an air fryer for Pillsbury dough is a quick, easy, and effective way to make delicious baked goods at home. Whether you’re making biscuits, croissants, cookies, or cinnamon rolls, the air fryer helps you achieve crispy, golden results in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in a conventional oven.

Now that you have all the information you need, why not give it a try? Experiment with different doughs and variations to find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!