Air-Fryer Flaky Biscuits: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can make Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer. The convenience of using premade biscuit dough and an air fryer means you can enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits in minutes. The air fryer method is also quicker than the regular oven method, cutting the cooking time by more than half.

Cooking spray to prevent sticking

Cooking spray is essential when making Pillsbury flaky biscuits in an air fryer to prevent the biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket. It creates a barrier between the air fryer basket and the food, preventing it from sticking.

It is important to choose the right type of cooking spray or oil to ensure optimal results. Aerosol cooking sprays should be avoided as they often contain additives that can leave a residue on the air fryer basket, increasing the likelihood of food sticking. Instead, opt for a cooking spray specifically designed for air fryers, or use a brush to evenly distribute oil onto the basket. Oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil, are recommended as they can withstand the high heat of the air fryer without leaving a sticky residue.

A light coating of cooking spray on the inside of the air fryer basket is all that is needed to prevent the biscuits from sticking. This can be done in conjunction with using parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Single layer of biscuits

To make Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer, start by spraying the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking to the basket. If you want to make cleanup easier, you can use a sheet of parchment paper instead. Cut the paper to the size of your air fryer and poke a few holes in it to ensure the air can still flow easily.

Next, place the biscuits in a single layer on the bottom of the basket. Make sure they are not stacked or touching the sides of the basket for even cooking. Leave as much space between the biscuits as your air fryer allows.

Cook the biscuits at 330°F for 6 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Different air fryers may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

Finally, carefully remove the biscuits from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• If you are using an oven-style air fryer with multiple trays, cook the biscuits in a single layer on one tray at a time.
• If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches.
• To ensure even cooking, flip the biscuits halfway through the cooking time.
• If your biscuits are browning too quickly, try lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and increase the cooking time slightly.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer depend on the type of biscuits you are cooking and the type of air fryer you are using.

For Grands or Large Biscuits (Homemade Buttermilk Style and Flaky Layers Style), air fry at 330°F/165°C for about 6-7 minutes. Then, gently wiggle the biscuits to loosen them from the basket and air fry for another 1-3 minutes, or until they are crispy brown and cooked through. You can also flip the biscuits during the last 1-3 minutes of air frying.

For Smaller Size Biscuits (Homemade Buttermilk Style and Flaky Layers Style), air fry at 330°F/165°C for 5 minutes. Then, flip the biscuits and air fry for another 2-4 minutes, or until they are crispy brown and cooked through.

If you are using Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, some recommend cooking at 350°F for 6 minutes, then flipping and rotating them, and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the outside of the biscuits are golden brown.

If you are using an oven-style air fryer, it is recommended to cook the biscuits in a single layer, one tray at a time, using the middle rack position. If you cook two or three racks at a time, the biscuits on the bottom racks may be raw in the center, and the biscuits on the top rack may burn.

It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking the biscuits. However, some people say that preheating is not necessary.

Flipping halfway through

Flipping your biscuits halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure your biscuits cook evenly and achieve a nice golden brown colour. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to flip your biscuits more or less than halfway through. For example, basket-style air fryers allow you to cook the biscuits in one layer, so you may not need to flip them at all. On the other hand, oven-style air fryers with multiple trays may require you to cook the biscuits in batches and flip them during cooking to ensure even browning.

When flipping your biscuits, use tongs with a silicone coating to avoid scratching your air fryer. You can also use a pair of perforated silicone mats or parchment paper with holes to place the biscuits on before flipping, which will help minimise sticking and ensure proper air circulation.

The cooking time for your biscuits will depend on the size of your air fryer, the number of biscuits you are cooking, and the desired level of doneness. For larger biscuits, cook at 330°F/165°C for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes. For smaller biscuits, cook at the same temperature for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 2-4 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed, checking on your biscuits regularly to ensure they don't burn.

Storing and reheating biscuits

Storing Biscuits:

It is recommended to store leftover biscuits in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for longer periods. If freezing, place them in a freezer bag and reheat them in the air fryer when ready to serve.

Reheating Biscuits in an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating biscuits as it provides even heat distribution and quick, efficient warming. Here are the steps to reheat your biscuits:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures uniform heating and a consistent texture.
• Assess the condition of your biscuits. If they are dry, consider lightly spraying them with cooking spray or brushing them with melted butter before reheating.
• Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Set the cooking time and temperature. For most biscuits, cook at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Adjust the time as needed, depending on the density and size of the biscuits.
• Check the biscuits halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are heating evenly.
• Once the biscuits are warm and flaky, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite spreads, such as butter, honey, or jam.

Tips for Best Results:

• Always preheat your air fryer for consistent heating and texture.
• Allow the biscuits to rest for a minute after reheating to create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
• Experiment with different flavours, such as adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs to your butter.
• If your biscuits are chilled or straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before placing them in the air fryer for better texture.

Frequently asked questions