What Temperature Do You Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

Cooking biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that results in deliciously crispy, golden brown biscuits with a fluffy interior. If you’re tired of waiting for your oven to preheat or simply want a faster way to enjoy your favorite biscuits, air frying is a game-changer. But what temperature should you cook biscuits at in an air fryer for the best results?

In this guide, we will explore the best air fryer temperatures for cooking biscuits, along with step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect biscuits, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about air frying biscuits.

What Temperature Should You Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

When it comes to cooking biscuits in an air fryer, the temperature is crucial for achieving the right texture—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. Various factors, including the type of biscuits (e.g., canned, frozen, or homemade), determine the ideal cooking temperature.

General Temperature Guidelines for Air Fryer Biscuits:

Canned Biscuits: The most common type of biscuit cooked in an air fryer. The optimal temperature for canned biscuits is around 330°F to 375°F (165°C to 190°C). At this range, the biscuits cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust without being overcooked inside.
Frozen Biscuits: Frozen biscuits need a slightly lower temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). This allows the inside to cook through while preventing the outside from burning before the center has a chance to heat up.
Homemade Biscuits: For homemade biscuits, you can experiment with temperatures ranging from 325°F (165°C) to 375°F (190°C), depending on the dough’s moisture content and thickness. A general rule of thumb is to start at 350°F (175°C) and adjust from there based on results.

It’s important to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the biscuits inside. This ensures even cooking right from the start. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the basket; leaving some space between biscuits allows the hot air to circulate, giving them that perfect crispy texture.

What Temperature Do You Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Why Temperature Matters When Cooking Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Understanding how temperature affects your biscuits will help you adjust your cooking method based on your preferences. Here’s why temperature is such a critical factor:

Texture: The right temperature ensures that your biscuits rise and puff up, forming that perfect balance of a crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Too high a temperature can cause the outside to burn before the inside cooks, while too low a temperature can result in undercooked biscuits.
Even Cooking: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. Setting the correct temperature allows the heat to reach all parts of the biscuit, ensuring even cooking. If your air fryer is too hot or too cold, parts of your biscuits might cook unevenly.
Browning: The Maillard reaction, which is responsible for browning and flavor development, occurs more effectively at the correct temperature range. This is why a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) works so well for most biscuits.

By understanding the science behind temperature and air frying, you’ll be able to cook biscuits that are both visually appealing and delicious.

Preparing Your Biscuits for Air Frying

Before you pop your biscuits in the air fryer, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Whether you’re using canned biscuits or homemade dough, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:

For Canned Biscuits:
- Separate the biscuits carefully. Most canned biscuits come in a dough roll that needs to be pulled apart before air frying. Be gentle to avoid any dough mishaps.
- Grease the air fryer basket with a light spray of cooking oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an even, crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Place the biscuits in a single layer to allow air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
For Homemade Biscuits:
- If you’re making homemade biscuits, you’ll need to follow the recipe closely. Typically, homemade dough contains more fat (like butter), which can make the biscuits extra flaky.
- Before cooking, cut the dough into even-sized rounds. This ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- As with canned biscuits, grease the air fryer basket to prevent the dough from sticking.

Once your biscuits are ready, it’s time to load them into the preheated air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Now that you’re ready to cook your biscuits, let’s go over the detailed steps for both canned and homemade biscuits.

For Canned Biscuits:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Biscuits: Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange Biscuits: Place the biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Cook: Air fry for 6-10 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the biscuits. At the halfway point, consider flipping them to ensure even cooking. The biscuits should be golden brown and have a slightly crisp exterior.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to check if the biscuits are fully cooked. They should feel firm to the touch, and there should be no raw dough inside.

For Homemade Biscuits:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat up.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out your dough on a floured surface and cut it into rounds. Grease the air fryer basket lightly.
Arrange Biscuits: Place the biscuit rounds in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
Cook: Air fry for around 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the biscuits. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit to ensure it’s fully cooked. The outside should be golden and slightly crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Biscuits

Even though air frying is a relatively easy method, there are some common mistakes you should avoid:

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: When cooking biscuits, it’s crucial to leave enough space between them for the air to circulate. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and possibly undercooked biscuits.
Not Preheating the Air Fryer: If you don’t preheat your air fryer, your biscuits won’t cook evenly. Preheating ensures that the biscuits get the right amount of heat from the beginning.
Flipping Too Early or Not Flipping at All: For even cooking, flip your biscuits halfway through the cooking time. If you don’t flip them, the tops might be crispy while the bottoms remain soggy.
Using Too High of a Temperature: If the temperature is too high, the biscuits may cook too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. Stick to the recommended temperature for the best results.

How to Achieve the Perfect Biscuit Texture in an Air Fryer

The texture of your biscuits is just as important as their taste. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect biscuit texture in an air fryer:

For a Soft, Fluffy Interior: Use a medium temperature (around 350°F). This ensures that the biscuits cook through without becoming dry.
For a Crisp Exterior: If you prefer your biscuits to have a crispy outer layer, opt for a slightly higher temperature, such as 375°F (190°C). This will crisp up the outside without affecting the softness inside.
For Evenness: Flip your biscuits halfway through cooking. This ensures that both the top and bottom are evenly browned and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about air frying biscuits, along with their answers:

1. Can I cook Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?

Yes, you can easily cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer! In fact, it’s one of the most convenient ways to make them. Simply open the can, separate the biscuits, and lightly grease your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature between 330°F to 375°F (165°C to 190°C) depending on how crispy you want the biscuits. Cook them for about 6-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown. For best results, check on them halfway through and flip them to ensure even browning on both sides.

2. How long do you cook biscuits in the air fryer?

The cooking time for biscuits in an air fryer varies depending on the size and type of biscuits you’re using. For canned biscuits, cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 6-10 minutes. For homemade biscuits, the cooking time can range from 8-12 minutes at the same temperature, depending on their size and thickness. Always keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and check with a toothpick to make sure they’re fully done inside.

3. What temperature do you cook frozen biscuits in the air fryer?

Frozen biscuits are a bit different. They need a slightly lower temperature to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through to promote even cooking and crispiness.

4. How do I make biscuits crispy in an air fryer?

To get crispy biscuits, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Reducing the cooking time slightly and flipping the biscuits halfway through ensures they crisp up evenly on both sides. If you’re using a dough with a lot of butter, this will help achieve that flaky, golden-brown texture.

5. Can I bake homemade biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake homemade biscuits in an air fryer. The process is similar to baking canned biscuits but requires more attention to dough consistency. Be sure to follow the recipe for proper dough preparation, cut the biscuits into even rounds, and set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C). Air fry them for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the biscuits. Ensure they are evenly spaced in the basket to allow air to circulate around them, resulting in an even cook and a perfect biscuit texture.

Conclusion

Cooking biscuits in an air fryer is a fast and convenient method that yields delicious results. By following the correct temperature and preparation steps, you can easily make crispy, golden biscuits with a soft and fluffy interior. Whether you’re using canned biscuits or homemade dough, adjusting the temperature and cooking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

If you’re looking for more tips, check out this air fryer biscuit recipe. Enjoy your perfect biscuits, and happy air frying!