Air Fryer Biscuits: Fried Treats Without The Oil?

Yes, you can fry biscuits in an air fryer. This method is quicker than the regular oven method and frees up valuable oven space. You can use pre-made biscuit dough or make your own, and you can cook biscuits from frozen or chilled. The air fryer method produces biscuits with a crisp edge and a soft, fluffy centre.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking biscuits in an air fryer depend on the type of biscuits you are cooking and the type of air fryer you are using.

Air Frying Canned/Refrigerated Biscuits

If you are cooking canned or refrigerated biscuits, the ideal temperature is around 330°F/165°C, though some sources suggest 325°F or 350°F. The time will vary depending on the type of biscuit and air fryer, but it will likely be somewhere between 6 and 10 minutes.

Air Frying Homemade Biscuits

If you are cooking homemade biscuits, the ideal temperature is 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

Air Frying Frozen Biscuits

If you are cooking frozen biscuits, the cooking time will be slightly longer, typically around 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

General Tips

• Always cook biscuits in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
• Flip the biscuits halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and to prevent them from burning.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so always keep an eye on your biscuits and adjust the time as needed.
• Preheating the air fryer will help the biscuits cook more evenly, but it is not necessary.

Biscuit arrangement

When arranging biscuits in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are placed in a single layer, with none of the biscuits stacked or touching the sides of the basket. This is to allow for even cooking, although it is not a huge problem if the sides of the biscuits are touching. It is also important to note that the biscuits should not be overcrowded in the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and burning.

For best results, leave as much space as possible between the biscuits. If you are using an oven-style air fryer with multiple racks, it is recommended to only use one rack for this recipe to ensure the most even cooking. If you are cooking on multiple racks, rotate them halfway through the cooking process.

The number of biscuits you can fit in your air fryer will depend on the size of your machine. For a basket-style air fryer, you can typically fit 4-6 biscuits, while an oven-style air fryer may be able to accommodate more. If you are cooking a large batch of biscuits, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

When placing the biscuits in the air fryer, you can simply place them directly on the basket or tray. However, if you want to make cleanup easier, you can line the basket with parchment paper. If using parchment paper, be sure to cut it to the size of your air fryer basket and poke a few holes in it to ensure proper air circulation. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent the biscuits from sticking.

Biscuit type

There are several types of biscuits that can be cooked in an air fryer, including:

Canned Biscuits

Canned biscuits are a convenient alternative to homemade biscuits. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes and come out golden brown and delicious. Simply remove the biscuits from the can and place them in the air fryer basket or tray. You can use parchment paper or oil the basket, but this is optional. Air fry the biscuits at 325°F to 350°F for 6 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.

Refrigerated Biscuits

Refrigerated biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands biscuits, can also be cooked in an air fryer. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the biscuits in a single layer. Cook at 330°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, until they are golden brown.

Frozen Biscuits

Frozen biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands frozen biscuits, can be cooked in an air fryer as well. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for this method. Place the frozen biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 320°F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can brush the biscuits with melted butter a couple of minutes before they are done for an extra touch.

Homemade Biscuits

You can also make homemade biscuits from scratch and cook them in an air fryer. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cold cubed butter in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the butter until it is about the size of small peas, then stir in buttermilk until a thick dough forms. Knead the dough a few times on a clean counter, being careful not to overwork it. Form the dough into a circle and cut out the biscuits using a biscuit cutter. Coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place the biscuits in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. You can brush the biscuits with melted butter when they are done for an extra touch of flavour.

Reheating biscuits

If you are reheating frozen biscuits, the process is slightly different. Preheat your air fryer at 320°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil and add the biscuits in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 12 minutes at 320°F, turning them halfway through. Brush the biscuits with melted butter 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

You can also reheat biscuits in the microwave for 15-30 seconds if you don't want to use an air fryer.

Biscuit toppings

There are many different toppings you can add to biscuits cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Sweet toppings

• Butter and honey - For a classic, sweet flavour.
• Butter and cinnamon sugar - A slab of butter with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar is a divine combination.
• Fruit preserves - Delicious with a pat of butter.
• Jam - Try this with butter for a traditional pairing.
• Honey - Drizzle over your biscuit for a sweet treat.
• Maple syrup - For a sweet, sticky biscuit.

Savoury toppings

• Sausage gravy - A heavenly combination.
• Ham and cheese - Slice your biscuit in half and add a slice of ham and cheese, then heat for one minute in the air fryer.
• Bacon, egg and cheese - For a delicious breakfast sandwich.
• Sausage, egg and cheese - Just like a sausage McMuffin, but homemade!
• Sausage, egg and honey butter - Try this with Whataburger Honey Butter.
• Butter - You can't go wrong with a simple slab of butter.

Frequently asked questions