Air Fryer Canned Biscuits: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can make canned biscuits in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to cook them up quickly and get that golden brown crust. The air fryer method is quicker than the regular oven method and can yield consistent results each time. You can use any brand of canned biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands, Immaculate Baking Organic Flaky Biscuits, or Trader Joe's Buttermilk Biscuits. The cook time may vary depending on the brand and your air fryer, so it's best to keep an eye on them while they're cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer is between 330°F and 370°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the biscuits and the type of air fryer you are using.

For larger biscuits, it is recommended to cook them at 330°F for 6-7 minutes, and then for an additional 1-3 minutes, or until they are crispy brown and cooked through. For smaller biscuits, air fry at 330°F for 5 minutes, and then flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until they are crispy and cooked.

If you are cooking frozen biscuits, preheat the air fryer to 340°F for about 5 minutes. Then, cook the biscuits at 340°F for 5 minutes, flip them, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may require slight adjustments in cooking time and temperature, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your biscuits while they are cooking. Additionally, if you are using an oven-style air fryer, it is best to cook the biscuits on a single layer in the middle rack position to ensure even cooking.

Biscuit placement

When placing biscuits in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer and not stacked or touching the sides of the basket. This allows for even cooking and maximum air circulation. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches. For best results, leave as much space as possible between the biscuits.

For basket-style air fryers, you can cook the biscuits in one layer without the need to flip them. However, if you have an oven-style air fryer with multiple trays, it is recommended to cook one tray at a time, using the middle rack position. This ensures even cooking and prevents the biscuits from burning or remaining raw in the centre.

If you need to cook multiple racks at once, be sure to rotate the racks during cooking and flip the biscuits. Using a pair of tongs with a silicone coating can help prevent scratching your air fryer.

For Grand or Large Biscuits, it is recommended to air fry at 330°F/165°C for about 6-7 minutes, then continue for another 1-3 minutes or until they are crispy brown and cooked through. For Smaller Size Biscuits, air fry at 330°F/165°C for 5 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 2-4 minutes until done.

Biscuit flipping

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the type of air fryer you are using. If you have a basket-style air fryer, it is recommended to cook the biscuits in a single layer. This ensures even cooking, and you may only need to flip them once to cook the other side. For oven-style air fryers with multiple trays, it is best to cook one tray at a time, using the middle rack for more even cooking. You may need to flip the biscuits during cooking for this style of air fryer as well.

Now, for the flipping process itself:

• Use a pair of sturdy tongs to carefully flip the biscuits. Silicone-coated tongs are ideal to avoid scratching your air fryer.
• The timing of the flip can vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. For larger biscuits, it is recommended to air fry at 330°F/165°C for about 6-7 minutes, and then flip and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes.
• For smaller biscuits, air fry at 330°F/165°C for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes.
• If you are cooking frozen biscuits, the timing will be slightly longer. Air fry at 340°F for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
• It is also suggested to preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before placing the biscuits inside.
• Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around each biscuit.

Biscuit storage

Storing Cooked Biscuits:

If you have leftover cooked biscuits, it's best to store them in an airtight container. Resealable plastic bags are a great option, but you can also use plastic containers or tins. Before sealing the container, ensure that you remove as much air as possible to prevent the biscuits from drying out. Stored this way, biscuits can last for up to two days at room temperature.

For longer storage, you can keep the biscuits in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Again, make sure they are well sealed to maintain their consistency.

The freezer is also an option and will keep your biscuits edible for up to three months. Use freezer-safe plastic bags, containers, plastic wrap, or foil, checking first to ensure that the wrapping is airtight. Biscuits stored in the freezer will last indefinitely but may start to lose quality after three months.

Storing Raw Dough:

If you have raw biscuit dough that you're not ready to bake yet, there are a few steps you can take to preserve it. First, cut the dough into circles or squares of uniform size, so they cook evenly when you're ready to bake them. Then, lay the dough on a parchment-lined baking tray and place it in the freezer.

Once the dough is frozen solid, transfer it to a sealed container, such as a plastic bag or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Stored this way, the dough will last indefinitely in the freezer, although it's best used within three months for optimal quality.

Reheating Stored Biscuits:

When you're ready to enjoy your stored biscuits, there are a few ways to reheat them. You can place them in the oven or on the stove, or wrap them in a moist towel and microwave them for about two minutes. If you're using an air fryer, simply place the biscuits in the basket and cook at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes until they're warmed through.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your biscuits stay fresh and tasty, whether you're storing them for a couple of days or several months!

Biscuit toppings

There are many ways to top your air-fried biscuits, whether you're looking for something savoury or sweet. Here are some ideas:

Savoury

• Ham and cheese: Slice the baked biscuits in half and add a slice of ham and cheese. You can heat the biscuit for one minute longer in the air fryer to melt the cheese.
• Breakfast sandwich: Add an egg round, a couple of slices of bacon, and a slice of cheddar for an easy breakfast.
• Sausage and egg: Add a fried or scrambled egg, with a little ham or bacon, for a hearty breakfast.
• Sausage gravy: Top the halved biscuits with bacon, sausage or cream gravy for a comforting dish.
• Butter: A classic pairing that takes warm biscuits to the next level.

Sweet

• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle over a slab of butter for a sweet and savoury delight.
• Jam or fruit preserves: A sweet way to enjoy freshly baked biscuits.
• Honey: Drizzle over the biscuits for a golden treat.
• Air fryer donuts: Cut a hole in the centre of the biscuit and air fry. Coat with a sweet glaze and sprinkles for a fun breakfast.
• Cinnamon sugar or jam: Transform your biscuits into the perfect sweet snack or dessert.

Frequently asked questions