Thawing Frozen Biscuits: Air Fryer To The Rescue!

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to cooking frozen biscuits. They are quicker, easier to use, and yield better results. The constant hot air circulation of an air fryer improves the texture of frozen biscuits, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are also perfect for cooking smaller batches, as you can cook just one or two biscuits at a time.

How to cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer

Ingredients and equipment

• Frozen biscuits (e.g. Pillsbury Grands)
• Air fryer
• Butter, jam, or gravy to serve (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the frozen biscuits in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping and leaving a little space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit around 5-8 biscuits.
• Air fry the biscuits for 10-14 minutes at 325-350°F. Flip them halfway through the cooking time.
• For an extra crispy exterior, brush the biscuits with melted butter 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can cook frozen biscuits straight from frozen—there is no need to defrost them first.
• Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your biscuits the first time you cook them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you are using an oven-style air fryer, cook the biscuits on the middle rack only to ensure even cooking.
• If you are making a large batch of biscuits, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Recommended temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer vary depending on the brand of air fryer and the size of the biscuits. However, the general consensus is that cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer takes significantly less time than baking them in an oven.

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the biscuits for 15 minutes. Check the biscuits after 10 minutes and add more time in 2-3 minute intervals if needed. This method is recommended by Thyme and Joy, which notes that the biscuits should be placed in a single layer with at least 0.5 inches of space between them.
• Set the air fryer to 340 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the biscuits for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method is suggested by Fork to Spoon, which has tested it on several different air fryer brands, including Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot Crisp Lid.
• Cook the biscuits at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 14 minutes. This recommendation comes from Foodtastic Mom, which notes that different brands of air fryers may yield different results.
• Set the air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the biscuits for a total of 14 minutes, cooking for 8 minutes on one side, flipping them over, and then cooking for another 6 minutes. This method is recommended by Mindy's Cooking Obsession, which notes that different air fryer brands may require adjustments to the cooking time.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes and then cook the biscuits at the same temperature for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Paint the Kitchen Red suggests keeping a close eye on the biscuits the first time you make them to ensure they don't get overcooked or undercooked.

It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the biscuits, so it's always a good idea to monitor them closely, especially if you're using a brand or model different from the ones mentioned above.

Air fryer models and their differences

There are several types of air fryers available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types:

Solo Air Fryer:

The most basic type of air fryer is a standalone appliance with a cylindrical base and a basket for holding food. These air fryers come in various sizes, from 2 to 7 quarts, and can have digital controls or manual dials. Ninja makes a good solo air fryer with two 4-quart baskets, allowing you to cook two types of food at different temperatures simultaneously. Solo air fryers are also the most budget-friendly option, usually costing between $30 and $70.

Air Frying Toaster Oven:

These air fryers combine the functions of a toaster oven and an air fryer. They are larger than solo air fryers and have a front-opening door and slide-in trays. Some models come with additional features such as a rotisserie function or a broiling option. Breville, KitchenAid, and Cuisinart offer excellent air frying toaster ovens. These usually start at around $150.

Air Fryer and Multicooker:

These are the most advanced and versatile air fryers, capable of not just air frying but also pressure cooking, slow cooking, and more. Ninja and Instant Pot offer popular models in this category. They typically cost between $175 and $250.

Dual-Basket Air Fryer:

Dual-basket air fryers have two baskets that can be positioned side-by-side or stacked, offering more cooking versatility. You can cook different foods at different temperatures or use both baskets to cook large portions. The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer is a good option in this category.

Oven-Style Air Fryer:

Oven-style air fryers, such as the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer, have multiple trays that are ideal for cooking foods with larger surface areas, like chicken cutlets or fish. They often come with rotisserie features but require rotating the trays during cooking to ensure even browning.

Basket-Style Air Fryer:

Basket-style air fryers, like the Ninja Max XL, are a favourite among testers. They have a handled basket that pulls in and out, allowing you to shake the food for even crisping. Some models have separate baskets for cooking different foods, while others have inserts for different types of items. They usually have a capacity of around 2 to 6 quarts.

When choosing an air fryer, consider your budget, the size of the appliance, its capacity, and the additional features that are important to you. Each type of air fryer has its advantages and drawbacks, so select the one that best suits your needs and cooking style.

How to store and reheat biscuits

Storing your biscuits correctly is essential to ensure they remain fresh and retain their taste and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store and reheat biscuits, whether they are freshly baked, frozen, or refrigerated.

Storing Freshly Baked Biscuits:

• Airtight Containers: Store biscuits in airtight containers to maintain freshness. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature and up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Individual Wrapping: If you plan to freeze your biscuits, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a large plastic bag. This helps to prevent breakage and makes it easier to take out the desired amount for reheating.
• Storage Duration: Freshly baked biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Biscuits:

There are several methods to reheat biscuits, including using an air fryer, oven, pan, or microwave. Here are the steps for each method:

#### Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 320-350°F (160-177°C).
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the frozen biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping the biscuits halfway through.
• Brush the biscuits with melted butter a few minutes before the end of the cooking time for added flavour.
• Serve immediately.

#### Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange the biscuits on the tray, leaving space between them for even heating.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes if the biscuits are at room temperature or refrigerated, and 12-15 minutes if frozen.
• Remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and serve.

#### Pan:

• Wrap the biscuits in aluminium foil.
• Heat a pan over medium heat and place the wrapped biscuits inside, covered.
• For refrigerated or frozen biscuits, lightly glaze the foil with olive oil or butter before wrapping to increase heat and moisture retention.
• Cook for about 1 minute, then flip to heat the other side. Repeat as needed until both sides are heated evenly.
• Remove from the heat and serve.

#### Microwave:

• Wrap the biscuits in a moist (but not dripping wet) towel.
• Place the wrapped biscuits in a microwave-safe container with a lid that rests on top without locking.
• Microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, depending on the initial temperature of the biscuits.
• Unwrap and serve immediately.

Frozen biscuit brands

There are several frozen biscuit brands that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some popular options:

Pillsbury

Pillsbury is a well-known brand for its refrigerated and frozen biscuits. Their Grands! biscuits, available in both buttermilk and southern homestyle buttermilk flavours, are a popular choice for air fryer biscuits. They can be cooked from frozen, with no need for thawing, and are ready in about 10-15 minutes. Pillsbury biscuits are described as classic, comforting, and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Mary B's

Mary B's is another popular brand of frozen biscuits, offering a variety of options such as southern-style, thin biscuits, and dumplings. Their buttermilk biscuits are described as tasting the most like homemade biscuits, with a crispy texture and a soft, airy interior.

Great Value (Walmart)

Great Value is Walmart's store brand, offering buttermilk frozen biscuits at an affordable price. While they may not excel in flavour, they are a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly choice.

Pennymade

Pennymade offers two types of frozen biscuits: original and hatch green chile cheddar. The original biscuits are said to taste the most like homemade, with a light and fluffy texture. The hatch green chile cheddar biscuits are perfect for spice lovers, with a strong hint of heat from the chillies and a generous amount of fresh cheddar cheese.

Mason Dixie

Mason Dixie biscuits are available at Target and pride themselves on using real butter and buttermilk in their biscuits. Their biscuits are described as having a generous size and a nice golden, buttery colour. However, they may be a bit dense in texture and could benefit from more flakiness.

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit offers mini buttermilk biscuits that are super buttery and well-balanced with a decent amount of salt. They are a bit on the pricey side and are best suited for special occasions rather than everyday breakfasts.

Brothers Gerard Baking Co.

These artisanal southern-style biscuits have a golden, buttery colour and a delicious flavour. However, they are a bit on the pricey side, with a six-biscuit bag costing over $8.

Mama's Biscuits

Mama's Biscuits offers fully baked buttermilk biscuits that can be reheated in the air fryer. While they are convenient and flexible, they were described as "spongy-looking and unappealing" and somewhat doughy in texture.

Annie's Homegrown

Annie's Homegrown Flaky Organic Biscuits are a runner-up option for canned biscuits. They are slightly more expensive but offer soft, flaky, and organic biscuits.

Signature Select

Signature Select's Jumbo Butter Biscuits are a budget-friendly option, available at Safeway for less than $2. They have a soft, slightly doughy centre and a generous amount of butter flavour.

Immaculate Baking Company

The Immaculate Baking Company offers organic biscuits that are slightly less buttery but still delicious, flaky, and moist. They are a great choice for those who prefer a plainer biscuit or want a blank canvas for seasonings and toppings.

Frequently asked questions