Air Fryer Biscuits: Can You Make Them?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular for their convenience and speed. They can cook biscuits to perfection in a matter of minutes, with a golden, crisp, and buttery exterior and a soft, tender, and flaky interior. The air fryer's hot air ensures even cooking, and its small size means it's perfect for quick meals without having to turn on the oven. With a variety of recipes available, from canned biscuits to homemade, and the option to add tasty toppings or stuffings, air fryer biscuits are a delicious and efficient treat.

Air fryer temperature for biscuits

Yes, you can cook biscuits in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make biscuits, perfect for when you are short on time or oven space. The air fryer's hot air ensures that the biscuits cook evenly, resulting in a delightful golden brown outside while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.

The ideal temperature for cooking biscuits in an air fryer is around 330°F (165°C). However, the temperature can vary slightly depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so it is recommended to start at a lower temperature and adjust as needed. For example, some sources suggest cooking biscuits at 325°F (162°C) or 350°F (176°C).

When cooking biscuits in an air fryer, it is best to place them in a single layer at the bottom of the basket, ensuring they do not touch the sides for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cooking times can range from 3 to 14 minutes, depending on the type of biscuit and your desired level of doneness. For example, smaller biscuits may only need 3-4 minutes per side, while larger biscuits may require up to 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer, but doing so can help yield more even results. Additionally, using parchment paper can make cleanup easier and prevent the biscuits from sticking to the basket.

You can also cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer by increasing the cooking time by a few minutes. Simply pop them straight into the air fryer and cook until heated through.

Reheating biscuits in an air fryer

To reheat biscuits in an air fryer, place the biscuits on the rack, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking. You can use a little cooking spray on the rack if you're worried about sticking, but this is not necessary if you're just reheating. Reheat the biscuits at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat biscuits in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, depending on the power rating.

If you're cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Leave them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes after they're finished, as they will continue to cook through with the residual heat. You can also cook refrigerated biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 330°F for 6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Air frying is a great option for cooking biscuits because it's faster than using a conventional oven, and it doesn't heat up your kitchen. It typically takes about 8 minutes to air fry biscuits, whereas baking them in an oven can take at least 15 minutes, not including preheating time. Air frying also creates a nice contrast in texture, with a crispy outside and a soft and fluffy inside.

Biscuit toppings

Air fryer biscuits can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of toppings. You can use store-bought biscuit dough or make your own from scratch.

For a classic combination, top the biscuits with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for a cinnamon-sugar coating. A simple jam or marmalade spread is another sweet option.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can turn your biscuits into air fryer biscuit donuts by cutting a hole in the centre and air frying them. Coat them with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, icing, or Nutella. You can also dip them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture or cover them with sprinkles.

For a savoury twist, try topping the biscuits with melted cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella. Sliced ham, bacon bits, or a sprinkle of herbs can also add a savoury flavour. For a more indulgent option, add a layer of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

• Fruit preserves
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture
• Chocolate icing
• Coloured white icing
• Glazed icing

Biscuit dough from scratch vs. store-bought

While homemade biscuits are delicious, making them from scratch requires time and effort. Store-bought biscuit dough, on the other hand, offers convenience and speed, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick fix.

Biscuit Dough from Scratch

Creating biscuit dough from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavour and texture to your preferences. Homemade biscuits can be made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, resulting in flaky, soft, and fluffy treats. However, the process requires measuring, mixing, and chilling the dough, which can be time-consuming, especially if you're short on time or have kids running around.

Store-Bought Biscuit Dough

Store-bought biscuit dough, often found in cans or tubes, offers a convenient alternative to making dough from scratch. It eliminates the need for measuring and mixing, saving time and effort. Simply pop open the can, and you're ready to bake. This option is perfect for those unexpected biscuit cravings or when you need a quick side for dinner. Brands like Pillsbury, with their Grands! Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits, offer flaky, soft, and buttery biscuits that are hard to resist.

When it comes to baking, you can use an air fryer for both homemade and store-bought biscuit dough. Air fryers guarantee perfectly cooked biscuits with a golden crust, and the best part is that you don't even need to preheat the appliance, making the cooking process faster than a traditional oven. Whether you're baking from scratch or using store-bought dough, air fryers ensure even cooking and that delightful golden brown exterior while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.

In conclusion, biscuit dough from scratch offers customisation and a homemade taste, but it demands more time and effort. On the other hand, store-bought biscuit dough provides convenience and speed, making it a go-to option for busy individuals who still want to enjoy delicious biscuits without the fuss.

Air fryer basket style vs. oven style

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and ability to cook a variety of foods with minimal oil. When it comes to choosing between an air fryer basket style and an oven style, there are several factors to consider. Here is a detailed comparison of the two styles:

Capacity and Versatility:

The oven-style air fryer typically offers more capacity and versatility in cooking. It allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously on different racks, making it ideal for larger families or when preparing meals for a crowd. You can cook various dishes in the oven style, such as pizzas, tenderloins, roasts, pork chops, baked potatoes, and more.

On the other hand, the basket style has limited capacity and is usually suitable for cooking one item at a time. It is best suited for smaller servings or quick snacks. However, some larger basket air fryers can accommodate multiple items, such as cooking up to four salmon fillets or steaks.

Cooking Time and Efficiency:

The basket style air fryer often cooks food faster due to its smaller size. It also heats up more quickly than the oven style. This makes it convenient for quick meals or reheating food. However, because of the smaller space, food can burn more easily if placed too close to the top heating element.

The oven-style air fryer takes longer to heat up and cook food, but it offers the advantage of cooking multiple items at different temperatures simultaneously. You can place quicker-cooking items on the top rack and slower-cooking items on the bottom rack.

Ease of Use and Cleanliness:

The basket style air fryer provides a convenient handle for shaking and moving food around during cooking. It is generally easier to clean than the oven style, especially when it comes to the wire racks, which can be challenging to keep clean.

With the oven style, you may need to flip or turn the food during cooking, and it might require more effort to clean, especially the wire racks. However, some oven-style air fryers have rotisserie functions, making it easier to cook certain types of food.

Space Considerations:

The basket style air fryer is typically more compact and takes up less countertop space, making it ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

The oven-style air fryer tends to have a larger footprint and will occupy more counter or storage space.

In conclusion, the choice between an air fryer basket style and an oven style depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require more cooking capacity and versatility, the oven style might be preferable. However, if you prioritize quick cooking times, ease of use, and a smaller footprint, the basket style could be the better option. Ultimately, both styles offer the convenience of air frying with slight variations in functionality and capacity.

Frequently asked questions