The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Biscuits: Perfectly Fluffy and Crispy Every Time

Air fryer biscuits have quickly become a popular kitchen treat, offering a modern twist on the classic biscuit. Known for their fluffy interior and crispy golden exterior, they present a delicious alternative to traditional oven-baked biscuits. One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the convenience and speed it provides—no more waiting for the oven to preheat or spending long hours baking. In just 7-10 minutes, your biscuits can be ready to enjoy, making it the perfect solution for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

What’s even better is that air fried biscuits are a healthier option. Since they use little to no oil, they have less fat compared to deep-fried or traditionally baked biscuits. Whether you’re using canned biscuits or preparing your dough from scratch, the air fryer is incredibly versatile. It helps you achieve that flaky, soft inside with a golden, crispy outside, just the way you like it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps for making perfect air fryer biscuits, from preparing the dough to troubleshooting common issues. Plus, we’ll explore some creative variations to elevate your biscuit game. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find everything you need to make delicious, perfectly cooked biscuits every time.

The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Biscuits Perfectly Fluffy and Crispy Every Time

What Are Air Fryer Biscuits?

Air fryer biscuits are made by cooking dough (either homemade or store-bought) in an air fryer. This cooking method uses hot air circulation, similar to a convection oven, which results in biscuits that are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. Many people prefer using an air fryer for biscuits because it reduces cooking time and requires less oil compared to traditional frying or baking methods.

Why Make Biscuits in the Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer to cook biscuits offers several benefits:

Faster cooking time: You can have your biscuits ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking methods.
Healthier option: Since no oil is needed for cooking, air fried biscuits are generally lower in fat compared to deep-fried alternatives.
Convenience: If you’re in a hurry or don’t want to heat up the oven, the air fryer is the perfect solution.

If you’re looking for some great air fryer recipes, check out this guide from The Food Hussy on using canned biscuits in the air fryer for a quick and easy option.

How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits

Basic Ingredients

The basic ingredients for homemade air fryer biscuits include:

Flour
Baking powder
Butter or shortening
Milk or buttermilk (for richer flavor)
A pinch of salt

You can adjust these ingredients based on the biscuit variety you’re making, such as using buttermilk for a tangy twist or adding cheese and herbs for savory biscuits.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Biscuits from Scratch

Making biscuits from scratch is easy and results in deliciously soft and flaky biscuits. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your air fryer is hot enough to crisp up the biscuits.
Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape the biscuits:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Pat it down gently into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits (about 2 inches in diameter).
Place biscuits in the air fryer:
- Arrange the biscuits in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave a little space between each one so they can rise and cook evenly.
Air fry the biscuits:
- Cook the biscuits at 350°F for about 7-9 minutes. Check for golden brown tops and crispy edges.
Serve and enjoy:
- Once done, remove the biscuits and serve with butter, honey, or jam.

For a great buttermilk biscuit recipe, head over to Allrecipes’ Air Fryer Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe.

Using Canned Biscuits in the Air Fryer

If you’re short on time, using canned biscuits in the air fryer is a great shortcut. The air fryer works wonders for cooking Pillsbury Grands or any other pre-made biscuits. Here’s how to cook them:

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
Separate the biscuits: Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry the biscuits:
- Cook the biscuits for about 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- The biscuits should be golden brown and cooked through when done.

If you’re interested in trying canned biscuits, check out this detailed guide from The Flavor Bells.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Undercooked biscuits: If your biscuits are too soft in the center, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Make sure your air fryer is properly preheated before cooking.
Overcooked biscuits: If your biscuits are too hard or burnt, lower the temperature slightly or reduce the cooking time.
Uneven cooking: Ensure the biscuits are spaced out properly. If they’re too crowded, they may not cook evenly.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits

Use cold butter: For flakier biscuits, make sure your butter is cold when adding it to the flour.
Avoid overmixing the dough: Overworking the dough can result in tough biscuits.
Brush with butter: After cooking, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for an extra layer of flavor and a golden finish.

Creative Variations of Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits in the Air Fryer

For an even richer and flakier texture, consider making buttermilk biscuits in the ai r fryer. The key ingredient here is buttermilk, which adds a delightful tang and enhances the biscuit’s flavor. The fat in the buttermilk also contributes to a tender crumb, making these biscuits a favorite for those who prefer a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To make buttermilk biscuits, simply follow the standard biscuit recipe, but swap out the regular milk for buttermilk. This simple change will give your biscuits an extra burst of flavor and a light, airy texture. For the best results, cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your biscuits. The result? Soft, golden biscuits with a light, fluffy interior and a beautiful crisp on the outside.

Buttermilk biscuits are perfect as a side dish with breakfast, gravy, or alongside savory dishes. They can also be served with jam or butter for a comforting treat at any time of day.

Savory Air Fryer Biscuits

If you’re looking to add a savory twist to your air f ryer biscuits, the possibilities are endless! Adding ingredients like cheese and herbs will transform a simple biscuit into something extraordinary. The sharpness of cheddar or the nutty flavor of parmesan pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, resulting in a savory biscuit that works beautifully as a side dish or breakfast addition.

To create savory biscuits:

Follow the standard biscuit recipe, but add about 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite variety) and 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs to the dough.
Mix until the cheese is evenly incorporated, then shape and cut the dough into biscuits.
Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and crispy on the outside.

A popular savory variation is garlic cheese biscuits. For this, add minced garlic to the dough along with shredded cheddar cheese. After air frying, brush the biscuits with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor. These savory biscuits pair excellently with soups, stews, or even as an accompaniment to a hearty breakfast.

Sweet Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Air fried biscuits aren’t just for savory dishes—sweet biscuits can also be made effortlessly! These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet dessert. You can add cinnamon, sugar, and even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to create a comforting, warm treat.

To make cinnamon sugar biscuits in the air fryer:

Prepare the dough as usual.
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar.
After shaping the dough, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of each biscuit before placing them in the air fryer.
Air fry at 350°F for about 7-10 minutes, until golden and fragrant.

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle honey or maple syrup on top once the biscuits are done. This variation makes for a perfect breakfast treat or a delightful dessert after dinner. The sweet, spiced flavor of the cinnamon-sugar biscuit, combined with the crisp air fryer texture, makes for a decadent and satisfying snack.

These creative variations of biscuits showcase how versatile this recipe can be. Whether you prefer a tangy buttermilk flavor, a savory cheese and herb twist, or a sweet cinnamon sugar treat, there’s a version to suit every taste. Experiment with different ingredients and discover your favorite combination!

FAQs

Can You Use Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

Yes, using canned biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious biscuits. The air fryer cooks them perfectly, giving them a crispy outside and soft inside. Be sure to separate the biscuits and place them in a single layer for even cooking.

How Do You Keep Biscuits from Burning in the Air Fryer?

To prevent burning, it’s essential to monitor the cooking time and temperature. Start with 350°F and check the biscuits regularly. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature or check if your air fryer is running too hot.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Biscuits in the Air Fryer?

Generally, air fried biscuits take around 7-10 minutes to cook at 350°F depending on the size and type of biscuit. Always check the biscuits at the lower end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Can You Make Air Fryer Biscuits Without an Air Fryer?

While the air fryer produces the best results, you can make biscuits using a conventional oven or stovetop griddle. If using an oven, preheat to 425°F and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Can You Freeze Air Fryer Biscuits?

Yes! You can freeze either uncooked or cooked biscuits. To freeze uncooked biscuits, simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a storage bag once frozen. Cook as usual in the air fryer. If you freeze cooked biscuits, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Air fryer biscuits are an easy, quick, and healthier way to enjoy a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in a hurry and reaching for a can of pre-made biscuits or taking the time to make them from scratch, the air fryer can deliver perfect results every time. The hot air circulating inside the ai r fryer cooks the biscuits evenly, creating a crispy golden exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy. The best part? It requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying or traditional baking methods.

The convenience of the air fryer cannot be overstated. In just a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven, you can enjoy a fresh batch of biscuits without compromising on taste or texture. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use—simply pop the dough into the air fryer, set the temperature, and let it do the work.

In this guide, we’ve provided all the tools and knowledge you need to create the perfect batch of biscuits. From step-by-step instructions to troubleshooting tips, you’re all set to get started. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations—herbs, cheese, or even sweet toppings can all be added for a unique twist!