The air fryer has rapidly become one of the most popular kitchen appliances, and it’s easy to see why. It can cook a wide range of foods quickly and efficiently while maintaining a deliciously crispy texture. One of the best-kept secrets in air frying is how amazing it is for baking biscuits. Whether you’re making canned, homemade, or frozen biscuits, the air fryer ensures you get perfectly golden, flaky, and soft biscuits every time.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking biscuits in an air fryer, from step-by-step instructions for different types of biscuits to serving suggestions and common FAQs. We’ll also explore some exciting variations, and as a bonus, we’ll suggest some internal links to enhance your understanding of related dishes.

Why You Should Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Air frying has many benefits over traditional cooking methods, especially when it comes to baking biscuits. Here are some compelling reasons why you should try making

1. Speed and Efficiency

The air fryer is much faster than a conventional oven. It heats up in minutes, and there’s no need for a lengthy preheating process. You can go from prep to plate in as little as 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick breakfasts, snacks, or even last-minute sides for dinner.

2. Energy Efficiency

Not only does an air fryer cook faster, but it also uses less energy. Because the cooking chamber is smaller and doesn’t need as much time to heat up, it’s more energy-efficient than a conventional oven. For tips on making your air fryer usage more efficient, check out this guide on energy-efficient air frying.

3. Consistent Results

An air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook food evenly. This ensures your biscuits get a crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Even if you’re making frozen or canned biscuits, the result is always perfectly cooked, with no soggy bottoms or overcooked tops.

If you’re new to using an air fryer, you may also want to explore this helpful resource on finding the best air fryers for beginners.

Types of Biscuits You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

One of the biggest advantages of air frying is versatility. You can cook a variety of biscuit types with ease. Below are the most common options to try.

1. Canned Biscuits

Canned biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands, are the go-to option for busy mornings. They’re convenient, widely available, and cook in under 10 minutes in the air fryer. Since the dough is already pre-made, you don’t need any special ingredients or tools—just open the can and pop them into the air fryer.

2. Homemade Biscuits

If you have a bit more time and want to make your biscuits from scratch, homemade biscuit dough also cooks beautifully in the air fryer. All you need is some basic pantry ingredients—flour, butter, buttermilk, and baking powder—to create a tender, flaky biscuit that rivals any oven-baked version.

3. Frozen Biscuits

Frozen biscuits are another quick and easy option. You can toss them into the air fryer directly from the freezer, and they cook in about 12-15 minutes. The air fryer’s high heat ensures that even frozen dough turns out fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside.

For more ideas on how to incorporate different kinds of biscuits into your meals, check out this creative recipe for Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Bars, which pairs perfectly with biscuits as a hearty breakfast side.

How to Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Canned biscuits are by far the easiest and quickest way to make biscuits in an air fryer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

1 can of refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
Cooking spray or parchment paper (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and preheat it for about 3 minutes. Although air fryers don’t always require preheating, it helps ensure more even cooking for biscuits.
Prepare the Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Biscuits: Place the biscuits in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they are not touching each other for better airflow and even cooking.
Cook the Biscuits: Air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, flip the biscuits and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of a biscuit to check if it’s fully cooked. If it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready.
Serve: Serve your freshly baked biscuits with butter, jam, or use them as the base for a breakfast sandwich.

Pro Tip: If your air fryer has a small basket, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

How to Cook Homemade Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Homemade biscuits are just as easy to make in an air fryer as they are in a traditional oven, and they offer that extra homemade touch.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in the buttermilk until a dough forms.
Shape the Biscuits: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out biscuit shapes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
Arrange the Biscuits: Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
Cook the Biscuits: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the biscuits halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Serve: Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam. Homemade biscuits are also great as a side for savory meals like soups and stews.

For a delicious and unexpected pairing, try serving your homemade biscuits with this Mini Key Lime Cheesecake for a mix of savory and sweet flavors!

How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer

Frozen biscuits are a convenient option when you’re short on time but still want fresh, fluffy biscuits. Here’s how to cook them perfectly in your air fryer.

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
Arrange the Frozen Biscuits: Place the frozen biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket. There’s no need to thaw them first.
Cook for 12-15 Minutes: Cook at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping the biscuits halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
Check for Doneness: Once they’re golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside, your biscuits are done.
Serve: Serve with your favorite breakfast or dinner sides. Frozen biscuits are great for quick meals or snacks.

Fun Variations of Air Fryer Biscuits

If you’re looking to switch things up, try some of these fun and delicious biscuit variations:

1. Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Turn your biscuits into donuts by cutting a small hole in the center of each biscuit. Air fry as usual, then coat them in cinnamon sugar or glaze for a sweet treat.

2. Stuffed Biscuit Bombs

Fill the inside of each biscuit with cheese, bacon, or sausage before cooking. The result is a savory, flavorful snack perfect for breakfast or lunch.

3. Garlic and Herb Biscuits

Before cooking, brush the tops of your biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley, and thyme for a savory twist.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits

For a sweet treat, sprinkle the biscuit dough with cinnamon sugar before air frying. Serve with a drizzle of icing for a dessert-like biscuit.

How to Serve Air Fryer Biscuits

The versatility of air-fried biscuits means they can be served in countless ways. Here are some popular options:

1. Breakfast Sandwiches

Biscuits make the perfect base for breakfast sandwiches. Split them open and fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese.

2. Biscuits and Gravy

A Southern classic, biscuits and gravy is a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with air-fried biscuits. Top your biscuits with a creamy sausage gravy for a hearty meal.

3. As a Side Dish

Serve your biscuits alongside savory meals like soups, stews, or fried chicken for a classic Southern side dish.

FAQs

Can you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen biscuits can be cooked in the air fryer at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do you reheat biscuits in an air fryer?

To reheat, place the biscuits in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes. This method keeps them crispy without drying them out.

How do you store leftover biscuits?

Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them and reheat them when needed.

Conclusion

Cooking biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits without the need for an oven. Whether you’re making canned, homemade, or frozen biscuits, the air fryer delivers consistently perfect results every time. You can also get creative with fun variations like biscuit donuts or stuffed biscuit bombs.

With a versatile appliance like an air fryer, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make dish. Pair them with other delicious treats like Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Bars or a rich Mini Key Lime Cheesecake for a complete meal or snack.