Air Fryer Hack: Pillsbury Biscuits Perfection

Cooking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfect, fluffy, and warm biscuits. Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens as they cut the cooking time by more than half, making them ideal for busy days. The hot air circulates all around the biscuits, cooking them evenly and giving them a crispy exterior. The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort—simply place the biscuits in the air fryer basket, and you're good to go!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is around 330°F. However, some sources suggest cooking at 350°F or even 400°F. It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of browning.

To start, preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 330°F. Then, place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation. You can use a piece of air fryer parchment paper or lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

The cooking time for Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer typically ranges from 6 to 12 minutes. Start by cooking the biscuits for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and desired level of browning. Then, flip the biscuits over and cook for an additional 1 to 6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. It's a good idea to check on the biscuits after 5 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

If you're cooking frozen Pillsbury biscuits, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through. For a lighter golden colour, turn off the air fryer when the desired colour is achieved, and let the residual heat cook the biscuits for another minute or two.

Using frozen vs. canned biscuits

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer. Pillsbury sells both canned and frozen biscuits, and both can be cooked in an air fryer.

Frozen biscuits can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast. The air fryer's hot air circulates all around the biscuits, cooking them evenly and giving them a crispy exterior. Frozen biscuits can be cooked in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes, which is much quicker than baking them in a conventional oven, which can take at least 15 minutes, excluding the time needed to preheat the oven.

To cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer, and place one or two biscuits in the basket. It is recommended to spray a little oil in the air fryer basket to prevent the biscuits from sticking to the bottom. Cook the biscuits for about 11 to 12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Canned biscuits can also be cooked in an air fryer. This is a great option for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend breakfasts or brunches when you want to prepare a meal quickly. To cook canned biscuits in an air fryer, spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray, and place the biscuits in a single layer. Cook at 330° for 6 minutes, flip them over, and cook for another 2 minutes or until the biscuits are a nice golden brown color.

Both frozen and canned biscuits can be cooked in an air fryer, but there are some differences to note. Frozen biscuits may take a little longer to cook than canned biscuits, and they may require a little oil to be sprayed in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Canned biscuits, on the other hand, can be cooked with just a cooking spray, and they may cook faster.

Additionally, frozen biscuits can be cooked individually or in small batches, as you can cook just one or a few biscuits at a time and keep the rest in the freezer for later. Canned biscuits, once opened, should be used all at once or within a couple of weeks.

In terms of taste and texture, frozen biscuits may result in a crispier exterior, while canned biscuits may have a softer and fluffier texture.

Ultimately, the decision to use frozen or canned biscuits depends on your personal preference, the amount of time you have, and the number of biscuits you want to cook at once. Both options can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in delicious, golden brown biscuits.

Biscuit spacing in the air fryer

When placing the dough in the air fryer basket, make sure to space them apart. Leaving some space between the biscuits is crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent the biscuits from sticking together. Overlapping the biscuits can lead to steaming and a soggy texture. It is recommended to leave about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of space between each biscuit. This spacing allows for even heat distribution. If you are cooking multiple batches, consider using a baking sheet or a second air fryer basket to maintain the spacing.

Additionally, it is important to note that the biscuits should be placed in a single layer on the bottom of the basket. They should not be stacked or touching the sides of the basket. This helps the biscuits cook evenly, allowing the hot air to circulate all around them and creating a crispy exterior.

To further enhance the cooking process and prevent sticking, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This step is especially important if you are using pre-made biscuit dough, such as Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, which are larger than regular-sized biscuits.

By following these spacing guidelines and recommendations, you can ensure that your Pillsbury biscuits cook evenly and achieve the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture.

Biscuit toppings and pairings

You can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer, and they will be golden brown and fluffy. The air fryer is a great option for busy days as it cuts the cooking time by more than half compared to using a conventional oven.

There are endless ways to top and pair biscuits, ranging from sweet to savoury. Here are some ideas:

• Sweet toppings: Whipped cream, honey, or jam are classic choices. For a summery twist, top with seasonal stone fruits like strawberries, peaches, or nectarines, and a dollop of freshly made whipped cream. Shortcakes are a great choice for this type of topping.
• Savoury toppings: Biscuits can be paired with sausage gravy for a classic Southern-style breakfast. Alternatively, make a vegetarian gravy with collard greens and green tomatoes for a lighter option. Fried chicken, bacon, egg, and cheese are also popular savoury toppings. For a Louisiana-inspired treat, make a tomato gravy with your favourite biscuits.
• Herbs and spices: Infuse your butter with herbs like oregano or basil for a delicious and creamy biscuit topper. For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to your honey.
• Meat: Biscuits can be paired with meat for a heartier meal. Pork chops, chicken, or sausage are all great options.
• Scones: Scones are considered a type of biscuit and can be paired with sweet or savoury toppings. Breakfast sausage is a classic pairing, but for something more unusual, try a chia seed pudding or key lime and creamy yoghurt parfait.

Biscuit dough from scratch vs. store-bought

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the biscuits evenly, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The cooking time is typically around 6-8 minutes, which is more than half the time it takes to bake them in a conventional oven.

Now, when it comes to biscuit dough from scratch vs. store-bought, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, let's acknowledge that homemade biscuits are delicious and pair well with many meals. However, making biscuits from scratch takes time and effort, which might not always be feasible, especially on busy days. In such cases, store-bought biscuit dough comes to the rescue.

Store-bought biscuit dough is convenient and saves time, making it ideal for quick meals or when you're short on time. It offers a variety of options, from canned biscuits to frozen biscuits, allowing you to choose the type that best suits your needs. Additionally, store-bought biscuit dough is consistent, and you know what to expect in terms of taste and texture. It's also affordable, with some options being more budget-friendly than others.

On the other hand, making biscuit dough from scratch allows you to control the ingredients used, ensuring freshness and quality. You can experiment with different flavours and ingredients, creating unique biscuits tailored to your taste preferences. Making dough from scratch also gives you the satisfaction of baking something from scratch, which some people find enjoyable and therapeutic. However, it's important to note that making dough from scratch requires more time and planning, and cleaning up compared to using store-bought dough.

Ultimately, the decision between biscuit dough from scratch and store-bought depends on your priorities and circumstances. If you prioritize convenience, speed, and consistency, store-bought biscuit dough is a great option. But if you prioritize customization, ingredient control, and the joy of baking from scratch, making your own biscuit dough is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions