Air-Frying Pillsbury Biscuits: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Cooking biscuits in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using an oven. Air-fried biscuits are quicker to make and can be just as fluffy and golden brown as their oven-baked counterparts. The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You can use Pillsbury Grands or Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits, or any other brand of canned biscuits.

Cooking spray

You can use whatever brand or variety of cooking spray you have on hand. For example, store-brand canola spray, or olive or vegetable oil spray.

If you don't have cooking spray, you can use a sheet of parchment paper instead. Cut the paper to the size of your air fryer basket and poke a few holes in it to ensure the air can still flow freely. However, some people choose to use both cooking spray and parchment paper together.

Air fryer temperature

When cooking biscuits in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size of the biscuits and the type of air fryer being used. For larger biscuits, such as Grands or Jumbo biscuits, the cooking time should be adjusted to 6-7 minutes at 330°F/165°C, followed by an additional 1-5 minutes to achieve the desired level of doneness. For smaller biscuits, a cooking time of 5 minutes at the same temperature is recommended, followed by an additional 2-4 minutes.

It is worth noting that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking intensity, so it is advisable to test with a couple of biscuits first to determine the optimal temperature and timing for your specific air fryer. Additionally, when cooking biscuits in an air fryer, it is best to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

By following these temperature guidelines and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can ensure that your air-fried biscuits turn out golden brown and delicious every time.

Biscuit arrangement

Firstly, spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking to the basket. You can also use a sheet of parchment paper, cut to the size of your air fryer basket, with a few holes poked in it to allow the hot air to circulate.

Next, arrange the biscuits in a single layer on the bottom of the basket. It's important that the biscuits are not stacked or touching the sides of the basket, as this will affect how evenly they cook. Leave as much space as possible between the biscuits.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches.

Cooking time

For refrigerated Pillsbury biscuits, most sources recommend cooking at 330°F for 6 minutes, then flipping the biscuits over and cooking for a further 2 minutes, or until they are a nice golden brown colour. However, one source recommends cooking at 350°F for 6 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 325°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen biscuits, you will need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. One source recommends cooking frozen biscuits at 350°F for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Biscuit toppings

Yes, you can bake Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer! It's a great way to enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits without having to preheat your oven. Now, let's talk about some delicious biscuit toppings to take your air-fried biscuits to the next level:

Savoury Toppings:

• Sausage gravy: A classic combination, especially with a good amount of black pepper.
• Tomato gravy: A colourful and savoury option made with bacon fat, spices, and tomatoes.
• Pimento cheese: A Southern favourite, this peppery and decadent spread is perfect for a biscuit sandwich.
• Fried chicken: Layer a buttermilk biscuit with fried chicken for a tasty sandwich that can be enjoyed any time of day.
• Bacon: Add some crispy bacon slices to your biscuit for a savoury breakfast option.
• Egg and cheese: For a heartier breakfast, top your biscuit with scrambled or fried eggs and a generous helping of shredded cheese.

Sweet Toppings:

• Honey: Drizzle some natural honey on your biscuit for a touch of sweetness without overpowering the salty, buttery flavour.
• Jam or jelly: Add a pop of colour and sweetness to your biscuit with a fruity jam or jelly. Try making your own mixture of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on your biscuit before or after air frying for an extra flavour boost.
• Chocolate gravy: Indulge your sweet tooth by transforming chocolate into a thick gravy to pour over your biscuit.
• Fruit preserves: Spread some apple cider-bourbon jelly or your favourite fruit preserves for a sophisticated sweet treat.
• Butter: Keep it simple and classic with a pat of melted butter on your warm biscuit.

Frequently asked questions