Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Biscuits, Cooked Perfectly

Cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty treat. You can use a variety of frozen biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands, Mary B's, Mason Dixie, or GreatValue (Walmart). The air fryer's hot air circulates around the biscuits, cooking them evenly and giving them a crispy exterior. You can cook frozen biscuits in the air fryer without preheating it first, although some recipes recommend preheating to help the biscuits rise properly. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 8 to 15 minutes to cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer.

Recommended temperature and cooking time

The recommended temperature and cooking time for cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and type of air fryer, as well as the size and number of biscuits being cooked. It is important to note that different air fryer brands and sizes cook differently, so adjustments may be necessary.

For a basket-style air fryer, it is recommended to cook the biscuits at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes. This includes 8 minutes on one side and 6 minutes on the other. This temperature and timing allow the biscuits to cook evenly, with a golden brown exterior and a soft interior.

For an oven-style air fryer, it is recommended to cook the biscuits at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. It is important to cook the biscuits on the middle rack only to ensure even cooking. If cooking multiple batches, the subsequent batches may cook faster due to the air fryer already being warmed up.

Some sources suggest cooking frozen biscuits at a higher temperature of 340 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This results in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary by a minute or two depending on the air fryer model. Therefore, it is advisable to check the biscuits a couple of minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overcooking.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving a perfectly toasted biscuit. It helps the biscuits rise properly and ensures even heating, preventing the biscuits from burning or ending up with a lacklustre texture.

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 300°F and 350°F (150°C and 175°C). For instance, you can set it to 320°F (160°C) or 330°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. While your air fryer is preheating, prepare the biscuits. If they are cold or have been in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow for more even heating.

If you desire an extra crispy texture, lightly spray or brush the biscuits with cooking oil or butter before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but recommended for achieving that baked-to-perfection crunch. You can also use a sheet of parchment paper to make the cleanup easier. Just 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.

Biscuit placement in the air fryer basket

When placing biscuits in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and cook the biscuits properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit up to eight biscuits in the basket. If you need to cook more, it is recommended to cook them in batches.

It is also worth noting that different brands of air fryers cook differently, so it is a good idea to start with the lowest recommended cooking time and temperature and adjust as needed. For example, some sources recommend cooking the biscuits at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes on one side, then flipping them over and cooking for an additional 6 minutes. On the other hand, some sources suggest cooking the biscuits at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Additionally, while some sources recommend preheating the air fryer, others suggest that it is not necessary. Preheating can help the biscuits rise and cook evenly, but it may also reduce the overall cooking time since the air fryer will already be at a higher temperature.

Finally, while some recipes call for using cooking spray or lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a liner, this is not required for all brands or models. In fact, using cooking spray on nonstick baskets may cause the coating to wear off over time.

Biscuit brands and types

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer. It is a quicker alternative to using an oven and delivers a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The hot air of the air fryer cooks the biscuits evenly, and the constant circulation improves frozen biscuits, making them puff up nicely.

There are several biscuit brands and types available in the market. Some popular store-bought biscuit brands include Pillsbury, Mary B's, Mason Dixie, and GreatValue (Walmart). Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk Biscuits are a favourite among many and are easily available. The brand also offers ready-to-bake frozen Grands biscuits, which can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes.

Other brands like Trader Joe's, ALDI, and Red Lobster also offer biscuit mixes or canned biscuits. When it comes to biscuit mixes, the Pioneer buttermilk baking mix is a good option for biscuits and waffles. However, it requires some effort to knead, roll, and shape the sticky biscuit dough.

If you are looking for a quick option, store-bought frozen biscuits are a great choice. They can be baked straight from the freezer, and you can bake as many as you like without having to worry about wasting any.

Biscuit toppings

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer. They will turn out fluffy, crispy, and golden brown. It is a quick and easy way to cook biscuits, taking less than half the time it would take in an oven.

Now, onto the toppings! There are endless possibilities when it comes to biscuit toppings, and you can get as creative as you like. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions:

Sweet Toppings

• Butter and Honey – A classic combination that is hard to beat. Drizzle some honey over your biscuit, or spread butter on it for a delicious, creamy treat.
• Clotted Cream – For an indulgent twist, spread some decadent clotted cream on your biscuit. It's even better than butter!
• Jelly – Sweet jams and jellies are perfect for balancing out the savouriness of a biscuit. Go for your favourite flavour, or make your own freezer jam with seasonal fruits.
• Cream Cheese – For an extra-indulgent treat, spread some cream cheese on your biscuit, and top it off with your favourite jelly.
• Whipped Cream – Top your biscuit with a dollop of homemade whipped cream, which you can easily make with pantry staples.
• Fruit – Fresh fruit can be the perfect accompaniment to a warm biscuit, especially when paired with a drizzle of honey.

Savoury Toppings

• Gravy – Pour some classic sausage gravy over your biscuit for a Southern-style breakfast. Or, for something different, try a Louisiana-inspired tomato gravy or red-eye gravy made from pan-fried country ham and brewed coffee.
• Fried Chicken – Make a crave-worthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner by topping your biscuit with fried chicken. For an extra kick, drizzle on some honey and hot sauce.
• Bacon – Crispy bacon is a perfect match for a biscuit, especially when paired with other BLT ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo.
• Cheese – For a simple yet satisfying option, top your biscuit with some cheddar or your favourite cheese.
• Meatloaf – For a heartier option, try a breakfast meatloaf biscuit sandwich, with a slice of tomato, hash browns, and an egg.

Frequently asked questions