Baking Biscuits In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking biscuits. They can be used to cook biscuits from scratch or from the can, with the added benefit of reducing the cooking time by half. The hot circulating air in an air fryer cooks biscuits evenly, giving them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air Fryer Type

If you have a basket-style air fryer, you can cook the biscuits in one layer. You may need to flip them to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. If you have an oven-style air fryer with multiple trays, it is best to cook one tray at a time, using the middle rack. If you cook two or three racks at a time, the biscuits on the bottom rack may be raw in the centre, and those on the top rack may burn.

Biscuit Type

The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the size of your biscuits. For larger biscuits, air fry at 330°F/165°C for about 6-7 minutes, then continue to air fry for another 1-3 minutes, or until crispy brown and cooked through. For smaller biscuits, air fry at 330°F/165°C for 5 minutes, then flip the biscuits and air fry for another 2-4 minutes, or until crispy brown and cooked through.

Frozen Biscuits

If you are cooking frozen biscuits, the cooking time will be slightly longer. Air fry at 350°F for around 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Air fryer basket style

Yes, you can bake biscuits in an air fryer basket-style. The basket style allows you to cook all the biscuits in one layer, ensuring they cook evenly. Depending on the air fryer style, you may need to flip the biscuits halfway through the cooking time.

Step 1: Preparation

Before placing the biscuits in the air fryer, lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the biscuits from sticking. You can also use a sheet of parchment paper for easier cleanup. Cut the parchment paper to the size of your air fryer and poke a few holes in it to ensure proper airflow.

Step 2: Arrange the biscuits

Place the biscuits in a single layer on the bottom of the basket, ensuring 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.

Step 3: Cooking the biscuits

Cook the biscuits at 330°F to 350°F for 6-10 minutes. Then, flip and rotate them and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the outside of the biscuits are golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and style of the biscuit and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the air-fried biscuits warm with butter, honey, jam, or gravy. You can also get creative and make biscuit sandwiches with ham, cheese, eggs, and bacon.

Tips for best results:

• It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking the biscuits, as it helps achieve a crispier texture.
• Avoid stacking the biscuits in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Be sure to flip and rotate the biscuits halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
• If you are cooking frozen biscuits, increase the cooking time slightly, typically around 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Air fryer oven style

Baking biscuits in an air fryer is a convenient and effective way to enjoy homemade biscuits without heating up your traditional oven. By using the air fryer's convection heat, you can achieve a similar result to a regular oven, with a few key adjustments. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bake delicious biscuits in your air fryer oven:

Preparation:

• Start by preparing your favourite biscuit dough recipe or using a store-bought mix. You can also experiment with different types of biscuit dough, such as drop biscuits or cut-out biscuits, to find your preferred style.
• Preheat your air fryer oven to the desired temperature. Most biscuit recipes require a baking temperature between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Allow sufficient preheat time for your air fryer, usually around 3 to 5 minutes.
• Prepare your air fryer basket or tray by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your biscuits don't stick to the surface and makes cleanup easier.

Baking the Biscuits:

• Place your biscuit dough in the air fryer basket or tray, spacing them evenly apart. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• For softer, taller biscuits, place the biscuits closer together in the air fryer. The steam created during cooking will help them rise and create a softer texture.
• Set the timer for about 3 to 5 minutes less than the original recipe recommends for a regular oven. Air fryers cook a bit faster, so you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Check on your biscuits periodically to ensure even cooking and browning. Depending on your air fryer model and its heat distribution, you may need to rotate the biscuits or adjust the temperature slightly.
• Once the tops of the biscuits are golden brown and they have risen nicely, they are likely done. Use a toothpick or a thin knife to check if the biscuits are cooked through. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are ready.
• Remove the biscuits from the air fryer and transfer them to a cooling rack. Be careful when handling the hot air fryer basket or tray. Enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked biscuits!

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with different air fryer temperatures and timings to find the perfect setting for your specific air fryer model and biscuit recipe.
• If you're making a large batch, keep the baked biscuits warm in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F or 90°C) while you cook the remaining dough.
• For a crispy, golden top, brush the biscuits with melted butter during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a delicious buttery flavour and a beautiful shine to your biscuits.
• Get creative with your biscuit toppings! Try adding shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for extra flavour and texture.

Baking biscuits in an air fryer oven is a fun and convenient way to enjoy fresh, homemade treats. With a few simple adjustments, you can achieve delicious, perfectly baked biscuits that your family and friends will love.

Reheating biscuits in an air fryer

Firstly, place the biscuits on the rack of the air fryer. You can use a little cooking spray on the rack if you are worried about sticking, but this shouldn't be necessary if you are just reheating. It is recommended to avoid using parchment paper as this can prevent maximum airflow from reaching the biscuits.

Secondly, set the air fryer to 350°F (or 180°C) and cook the biscuits for 2-3 minutes. This will ensure they are thoroughly warmed through without burning.

Finally, serve the biscuits. They will be nice and crispy, just like when they were first cooked!

You can store leftover biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 30 days and then reheat them when you are ready to serve.

Biscuit dough options

There are several options for biscuit dough to use in your air fryer. You can make your own dough from scratch, use pre-made dough from a can, or even use frozen dough. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for each option:

Homemade Biscuit Dough

If you have more time and want to make your biscuits from scratch, you can follow a traditional biscuit recipe using simple ingredients like flour, cold butter, and buttermilk. Here are the basic steps:

• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
• Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
• Stir in the buttermilk until a thick dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a clean counter and knead it gently a few times until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as you want to see butter pieces throughout for flaky biscuits.
• Form the dough into a circle and cut out the biscuits using a biscuit cutter or the top of a drinking glass.
• Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking.
• Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pre-made Refrigerated Biscuit Dough

For a quicker and more convenient option, you can use pre-made biscuit dough from a can, such as Pillsbury Grands Biscuits or any other brand of refrigerated flaky biscuits. This option saves time and still produces fluffy and flaky biscuits. Here are the steps:

• Remove the biscuits from the can and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or crowding the biscuits.
• Lightly spray the biscuits with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter before cooking (optional).
• Cook at 330°F/165°C for 9-10 minutes, flipping the biscuits halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve the biscuits warm with butter, honey, jam, or gravy.

Frozen Biscuit Dough

You can also cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Here are the steps:

• Place the frozen biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
• Cook at 330°F/165°C for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve the biscuits warm with your favourite toppings or fillings.

Tips for All Biscuit Dough Options:

• Always follow the specific instructions on your biscuit dough package for the best results.
• Ensure even cooking by rotating and flipping the biscuits during the cooking process, especially if you have an oven-style air fryer with multiple racks.
• Avoid stacking or crowding the biscuits in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• You can use parchment paper or a perforated silicone mat in the air fryer basket for easier cleanup, but it is not necessary.
• For a crispy texture, cook the biscuits slightly longer or until they are golden brown.

Frequently asked questions