Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

You can cook Cheddar Bay biscuits in an air fryer. In fact, there are several recipes for how to make these biscuits in an air fryer. The biscuits are described as buttery, cheesy, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are said to be a good side dish or a snack and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Recipe ingredients

The ingredients for making cheddar bay biscuits in an air fryer are simple and can be easily sourced. The exact quantities may vary depending on the recipe you follow and the number of biscuits you intend to make. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

• Flour: This forms the base of your biscuit dough. You can use plain or all-purpose flour.
• Baking Powder: This is a leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise and gives them a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Also known as bicarbonate of soda, this is another leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients to create carbon dioxide, causing the biscuits to rise.
• Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavour and balance the sweetness from other ingredients.
• Garlic: Fresh or powdered garlic adds a savoury kick to your biscuits. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Butter: Butter is a key ingredient that contributes to the flaky texture and rich flavour of the biscuits. It is usually cut into small cubes and mixed into the flour until it forms a crumbly dough.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the star ingredient, adding a delicious savoury flavour and a creamy texture to the biscuits. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your taste.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is used to bind the ingredients together and create a moist and tender biscuit. It also adds a subtle tangy flavour.
• Oil or Cooking Spray: Coating the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray ensures that the biscuits don't stick and helps achieve a golden crust.

You can also add fresh herbs like parsley to enhance the flavour of your biscuits. Additionally, some recipes may call for milk or water to adjust the consistency of the dough.

Remember to check the specific quantities required for your chosen recipe and feel free to add your own creative twist to the ingredients!

Mixing the dough

To make the dough for your cheddar bay biscuits, you'll first want to prepare two bowls. In one bowl, mix all of your wet ingredients, such as butter, milk, and buttermilk. In the other bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients, including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients at this stage, or you can choose to stir it in later.

Once you have your wet and dry ingredients combined in separate bowls, it's time to bring them together. Combine the contents of both bowls into one large mixing bowl. Use a dough whisk or a wooden spoon to stir everything together. You can also use a stand mixer or blender for this step, but be sure not to overmix the batter. You want it to be firm enough to form into a mound, but not too firm.

If you're using a stand mixer, cut the butter into small pea-sized cubes before adding them to the dry ingredients. Mix on a low speed until the butter and flour form a crumble, then slowly add your wet ingredients. If you're not using a stand mixer, you can simply cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a knife until it forms a crumble, and then stir in your wet ingredients.

Once your dough is mixed, it's time to shape it. If you're making the biscuits immediately, knead the dough with your hands and form it into a ball. Cut the ball in half several times until you have 16 equal small pieces. Form each piece into a ball and gently flatten the bottom. If you're not ready to bake the biscuits yet, you can refrigerate the dough until you're ready to use it.

Shaping the biscuits

Firstly, prepare your biscuit dough by combining the dry and wet ingredients separately, and then incorporating them, along with the cheese, to form a sticky dough. This dough should be firm enough to hold its shape but not too firm or over-kneaded. Overworking the dough can affect the texture of your biscuits, making them tough, so handle it gently.

Next, prepare your air fryer basket by spraying it with oil or lining it with parchment paper or foil. Some air fryers may require cooking spray, so check your specific model's instructions. It is important to ensure your cooking surface is prepared to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Now, it's time to shape your biscuits. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and place it into the prepared air fryer basket. Leave enough space between each biscuit to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once you have filled the basket, you can gently press down on each biscuit to flatten the bottoms slightly. This step helps ensure even cooking and a uniform shape. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Finally, before placing the biscuits in the air fryer, you can brush or spray the tops with olive oil or butter. This step is optional but will add a rich, golden colour and a crispy texture to your biscuits.

By following these steps, you will shape your cheddar bay biscuits perfectly for air frying, resulting in delicious, evenly cooked treats.

Air fryer settings

The air fryer settings you use for your cheddar bay biscuits will depend on the specific air fryer model you have. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your biscuits turn out perfectly.

Firstly, it is important to prepare your air fryer basket by spraying it with oil or lining it with parchment paper or foil. This will ensure that your biscuits don't stick to the basket and make them easier to remove once they are cooked.

When it comes to the temperature and cooking time, most sources recommend setting your air fryer between 330-380 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can vary depending on the number of biscuits you are cooking at once and the size of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 5-9 minutes to cook a batch of 4 biscuits. It is important to keep an eye on your biscuits and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they don't burn.

If you are using a pre-made biscuit mix, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly. For example, the Red Lobster biscuit mix recommends cooking the biscuits at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes.

Additionally, some recipes suggest brushing the biscuits with butter or herb butter after they are done cooking. This adds a delicious buttery coating to your biscuits and can be done by melting butter and mixing it with seasonings such as garlic and parsley.

Storage

Once you've cooked your cheddar bay biscuits in an air fryer, you'll need to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your cheddar bay biscuits:

Storing at Room Temperature:

Firstly, ensure your biscuits have cooled down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container, which will keep them fresh for up to 2-3 days. The exact duration depends on the humidity of your kitchen.

Refrigeration:

For longer storage, you can keep the biscuits in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and store them for 4-5 days. This method helps prevent the biscuits from drying out too quickly.

Freezing:

If you want to store the biscuits for an even longer period, freezing is an option. Place the biscuits in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. It is recommended to put parchment paper between each biscuit to prevent them from sticking together. Seal the container or bag, and you can freeze the biscuits for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven until they're warm and golden.

Reheating:

To reheat refrigerated biscuits, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Reheat them in a conventional oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. If you're using an air fryer for reheating, omit the aluminum foil. For frozen biscuits, follow the same reheating process, but increase the baking time to 12-16 minutes to ensure they're soft and not cold in the center.

Frequently asked questions