Air-Fryer Red Lobster Biscuits: Can It Be Done?

Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay biscuits are a famous side dish, and you can recreate them in an air fryer. The biscuits are soft, buttery, and cheesy, and can be made from scratch or using a boxed mix. You can also use an air fryer to reheat leftover biscuits from Red Lobster or frozen biscuits from the store.

Using a Red Lobster biscuit mix

Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a popular side dish, combining garlic, cheese, and bread. You can purchase a Red Lobster biscuit mix to make these at home in your air fryer. The mix is available in most grocery stores and will make 10 to 12 biscuits.

To make the biscuits, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Line the air fryer basket with foil, or use a reusable silicone liner or parchment paper. If using parchment paper, cut it to fit the basket. You can also spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray.

In a bowl, combine the Red Lobster biscuit mix with shredded cheddar cheese and water to form a dough. You can also add in some Italian seasoning, onion powder, or Old Bay Seasoning to enhance the flavor. Knead the dough with your hands and form it into a ball. Then, cut the dough ball in half, several times, until you have 16 small, equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball and gently press down to flatten the bottom.

Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Set the temperature to 330°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. While the biscuits are cooking, prepare some herb butter by melting butter and whisking in garlic and parsley. When the biscuits are done, brush them with the melted butter while they are still hot.

You can also use the Red Lobster biscuit mix to make frozen biscuits, which can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 300-320°F, and heat for a few minutes until they are warmed through.

Making the dough from scratch

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients, including butter, milk, and cheese. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until everything is moistened and holds together in a ball. The dough will be sticky, so have extra flour on hand to flour your hands and work surface.

Once the dough is mixed, you can form it into biscuits. Tip the dough onto a floured work surface and gently bring it together with your hands. Flatten the dough into a rectangle and fold it into thirds like a business letter. Repeat this process of flattening and folding a few times to create layers and guarantee flaky biscuits. Finally, use a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into circles, being careful not to twist the cutter, as this can prevent the biscuits from fully rising.

Reheating leftover Red Lobster biscuits

If you have leftover Red Lobster biscuits, you can reheat them in an air fryer. Place the biscuits in the air fryer and set the temperature to 320°F for four to six minutes. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about seven minutes, or in the microwave by wrapping each biscuit in a damp paper towel and heating in 10-15 second intervals.

If you are reheating frozen biscuits, it is best to heat them directly from frozen to maintain their texture and moisture. Set your air fryer to a lower temperature, such as 300°F, and heat for a few minutes until they are warm throughout. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't dry out.

You can store leftover Red Lobster biscuits at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Adjusting the recipe for different air fryer sizes

Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large, with capacities ranging from 1.6 quarts to 8 quarts or more. The size of your air fryer will impact the cooking time and efficiency, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

If you have a small-capacity air fryer, such as a 2-quart model, it is suitable for cooking for one or two people. This size is perfect for roasting a few chicken tenders or vegetables. However, if you plan to cook for three or more people, consider upgrading to a larger model, such as a 6-quart air fryer. Larger air fryers can accommodate bigger batches and are ideal for families or when entertaining guests.

When adjusting the recipe for different air fryer sizes, consider the following:

• Cooking time: Smaller air fryers tend to cook food faster, as the hot air has less distance to travel. As a result, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two to prevent overcooking.
• Batch cooking: In a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches to ensure even cooking. Make sure to give the air fryer a quick clean between batches to prevent any burnt residue from affecting the taste.
• Spacing: Regardless of the air fryer size, it is important to space the biscuits evenly and not overcrowd the basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures that the biscuits cook evenly and crisp up correctly.
• Temperature: Different air fryer models may have varying temperature settings. Adjust the temperature as needed to ensure the biscuits are cooked through without burning.
• Basket size: Some air fryers come with different-sized baskets, allowing for more flexibility in cooking. You can use the larger basket for a bigger batch or when cooking for a larger group.

By considering these factors and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your Red Lobster biscuits turn out perfectly fluffy and crispy, regardless of the size of your air fryer.

Storing and reheating biscuits

Storing Biscuits:

• It is recommended to store your biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep them fresh and help retain their texture.
• If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• To freeze unbaked biscuits, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Biscuits:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. This ensures even and quick reheating.
• Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use a cooking spray to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness. You can also brush oil directly onto the biscuits.
• Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to reheat them in batches.
• Set the reheating time to 175 degrees C for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as the cooking time may vary depending on their size and thickness.
• For frozen biscuits, it is best to reheat them directly from frozen to maintain texture and moisture. Set your air fryer to a lower temperature, such as 300°F (150°C), and heat for a few minutes until they are warmed throughout.
• You can also reheat biscuits in the oven at 350°F. Slice the biscuits in half, spread butter on each half, and then sandwich them back together. Wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Another option is to use a cast-iron skillet. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat, place the biscuits in the skillet for 2 to 4 minutes, and then flip them over. Cover with foil and place in the oven at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Frequently asked questions