Air Fryer Pillsbury Biscuits: How And Why?

Cooking biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious treat. You can use Pillsbury's ready-to-bake frozen Grands biscuits or their canned biscuits, and you'll have fluffy, golden-brown biscuits in less than 15 minutes. Air fryers circulate hot air all around the biscuits, cooking them evenly and giving them a crispy exterior. You can top them with butter, honey, or jam, or serve them with sausage gravy for a classic Southern-style breakfast.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking biscuits in an air fryer depend on the type of biscuits being cooked and the model of the air fryer.

For refrigerated biscuits, some sources recommend cooking at 330°F for 6 minutes, then flipping the biscuits and cooking for another 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. This temperature is also recommended for reheating biscuits.

For frozen biscuits, the cooking time will be slightly longer, typically around 11 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. One source recommends cooking at 400°F for 8 minutes, while another suggests 325°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, and adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer for best results, while others do not find this necessary.

Biscuit preparation

Ingredients

To prepare Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pillsbury biscuits – either frozen or refrigerated, depending on your preference.
• Cooking spray – a light coating of non-stick cooking spray is essential to prevent the biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use a canola, olive oil, or vegetable oil spray, or even an avocado oil spray.

Utensils

You will also need the following utensils:

• Air fryer – ensure that your air fryer is working properly and clean before use.
• Tongs or a spatula – to flip and rotate the biscuits during the cooking process without scratching the air fryer basket.
• Parchment paper (optional) – you can use this to line the air fryer basket and make cleanup easier, but it is not necessary. If you do use parchment paper, cut it to the size of your air fryer basket and poke holes in it to ensure proper air circulation.

Steps

• Preheat the air fryer (optional): Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to ensure the biscuits rise properly and cook evenly. However, others suggest that preheating is not necessary, and it may even double the cooking time. Experiment with your air fryer to see what works best.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the biscuits from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the basket with parchment paper, ensuring you poke holes in the paper for air circulation.
• Arrange the biscuits: Place the biscuits in a single layer on the bottom of the basket, leaving space between them for even cooking. Ensure they are not stacked or touching the sides of the basket.
• Cook the biscuits: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and time, depending on the type of Pillsbury biscuits you are using and the model of your air fryer. For refrigerated biscuits, a temperature of 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes is generally recommended, with an additional 3-4 minutes after flipping and rotating them. Frozen biscuits may take a little longer, around 11-12 minutes, and you may need to flip them halfway through. Keep an eye on the biscuits to ensure they don't burn, and adjust the time and temperature as needed.
• Serve: Once the biscuits are golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve. They go well with butter, honey, jam, or fruit preserves. You can also use them as a base for biscuits and gravy or as a breakfast sandwich.
• Store leftovers: Air-fried biscuits will generally keep for up to 2-3 days if stored properly. You can store leftover biscuits in a resealable bag or an airtight container. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them and reheat them later.

Biscuit placement in the air fryer

When placing biscuits in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are not stacked or touching the sides of the basket. Leave as much space between the biscuits as your air fryer allows. You can use a sheet of parchment paper, cutting it to the size of your air fryer and poking a few holes in it to ensure the air can still flow easily. However, some people choose not to line the air fryer basket with anything, as the air needs to circulate all around the biscuits, even underneath.

If you don't use parchment paper, it is a good idea to spray a little oil or cooking spray into the air fryer basket to prevent the biscuits from sticking to the bottom. You can use a cooking spray with a non-stick formula, such as PAM, or even an avocado oil spray.

Once you have prepared the air fryer basket, you can place the biscuits inside and set the temperature and timer.

Biscuit toppings

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to prepare fluffy, warm, and soft golden brown biscuits.

Biscuits are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, there are endless possibilities for toppings and fillings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Butter: A classic choice, spread some delicious, freshly churned butter on your biscuit. For extra flavour, infuse your butter with herbs like oregano or basil.
• Clotted Cream: For a decadent treat, slather your biscuit with clotted cream, also known as Devonshire cream. It's a rich and indulgent option that pairs well with biscuits.
• Honey: Drizzle some honey on your biscuit for a sweet and sticky treat. For an extra kick, try hot honey or pair it with spicy toppings like jalapeños.
• Jelly or Jam: Sweet jams and jellies are perfect for balancing out the savouriness of biscuits. Make your own freezer jam with seasonal fruits for a unique flavour.
• Meats: Biscuits can be paired with a variety of meats, such as bacon, sausage, or country ham. Create a hearty breakfast sandwich with your favourite meat and a fried or scrambled egg.
• Cheese: Add some cheese to your biscuit for a savoury and creamy touch. Try different varieties, like cheddar or cream cheese, to find your favourite.
• Gravy: Pour some gravy over your biscuit for a classic comfort food combination. Try traditional sausage gravy or mix it up with tomato gravy or red-eye gravy made from ham drippings and coffee.
• Fried Chicken: Create a crave-worthy combination by topping your biscuit with fried chicken. Brine the chicken thighs and dredge them in a spiced flour mixture before frying for a crispy texture.
• Spicy Toppings: If you like it hot, try jalapeños or hot sauce as a topping. For a spicy and sweet combination, pair hot honey with your favourite spicy ingredients.
• Fruits: Fresh or cooked fruits can add a burst of flavour to your biscuit. Try tart tomatoes or make a classic Southern-style biscuit with peaches or other seasonal fruits.
• Whipped Cream: For a light and airy topping, add a dollop of homemade whipped cream to your biscuit. It's a simple way to elevate your dessert or tea-time treat.

Reheating biscuits

To reheat biscuits in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Slice the biscuits in half and spread butter on each half. Sandwich the halves back together and wrap them in foil. Place the wrapped biscuits in the air fryer basket and use the “reheat” function to gently rewarm them in a matter of minutes. For frozen biscuits, increase the cooking time to 10-13 minutes, and flip them halfway through.

If you prefer a softer texture, brush the biscuits with butter after reheating. For a crisper exterior, brush them with butter before reheating. It is important to note that reheated biscuits are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer, as they don't taste as good when reheated twice.

While the air fryer is a convenient option, there are other methods for reheating biscuits, such as using an oven or a cast-iron skillet. If you choose to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Slice the biscuits in half, spread butter on each half, and sandwich them back together. Wrap the biscuits in foil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through.

Another option is to freeze the biscuits and enjoy them fresh at a later time. To do this, make the biscuit dough as directed in your recipe and place the unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the unbaked biscuits, and when you're ready to enjoy them, follow the baking instructions provided in your recipe.

Frequently asked questions