Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits are beloved by many, but you don't have to go to the restaurant to enjoy them. You can make them at home in an air fryer! This copycat recipe will give you biscuits that are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They're easy to make and will be ready in just a few minutes.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for making cheddar bay biscuits in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of browning. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before placing the biscuits in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to between 330-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking the biscuits.

Cooking the Biscuits

When cooking the biscuits, the temperature should be adjusted to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can range from 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of biscuits you are cooking. For a smaller basket with fewer biscuits, 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should suffice. However, if you are cooking a larger batch in a bigger basket, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. It is important to ensure that the biscuits are not overcrowded in the air fryer, as this will affect their crispness.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure your biscuits are cooked through, it is recommended to check on them every 2-3 minutes, especially if you are cooking a small batch. The biscuits are done when they turn a golden brown colour on top.

Reheating Biscuits

If you have leftover biscuits, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and place the biscuits in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes. This will ensure they are warmed through without burning.

Tips for Optimal Results

For the best results, it is recommended to use parchment paper or a silicone liner in your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Additionally, brushing the biscuits with butter or olive oil before or after cooking will enhance their flavour and texture.

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and measurements for making cheddar bay biscuits in an air fryer are as follows:

• Flour: 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour or 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon or 2 teaspoons.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, or 1 large garlic clove, pressed.
• Cheese: 4 oz block of cheddar cheese, shredded, or ½ cup of cheddar cheese, shredded, or 1 cup of shredded cheese, or 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese.
• Butter: ¼ cup of salted butter, melted, or 2 tablespoons of melted butter, or ½ cup of unsalted butter, or 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, or 1 stick of cold butter (cut into small pea-sized cubes).
• Buttermilk: 1 cup or 1 cup of whole milk.
• Cream of Tartar: ½ teaspoon.
• Sugar: ½ teaspoon.
• Water: ¾ cup.
• Parsley: Fresh or dried parsley flakes (optional).
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional).

Some recipes also suggest using olive oil spray, ice cream scoop, parchment paper, and avocado spray.

Method:

The general method for preparing the ingredients and measurements is as follows:

• Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic.
• Cut the butter into small pea-sized cubes and mix it into the dry ingredients until it forms small chunks or a crumble.
• Stir in the cheese and parsley.
• Add the buttermilk or milk and combine until a dough forms. Do not over-knead the batter.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper.
• Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion out the dough and place it in the air fryer basket.
• Brush the dough with melted butter or oil.
• Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then turn and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Optional: Make a garlic butter sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and adding garlic. Brush the sauce over the warm biscuits.

Making the dough

To make the dough for your cheddar bay biscuits, you'll need a few simple ingredients: flour, baking powder, shredded cheese, butter, milk, and possibly some additional spices. You can also use a pre-made Red Lobster biscuit mix, which is available in most grocery stores. This mix typically includes a seasoning packet as well.

Start by preparing two bowls: one for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients. For the dry ingredients, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. You can also add in other dry spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for some extra flavour.

Next, cut cold butter into small, pea-sized cubes and mix it into the dry flour mixture using a stand mixer or food processor. You want to end up with small chunks of butter, about the size of peas. Then, stir in your shredded cheese. A pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese works well for convenience and adds a nice cheesy flavour.

Now, it's time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in buttermilk or milk and combine until a dough starts to form. You can use a hand or a stirring paddle for a stand mixer, but be careful not to over-knead the batter. You want it firm enough to form into a mound, but not too firm.

At this point, you can add in any additional ingredients, like chopped green onions, for an extra burst of flavour. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavour profile.

Once your dough is ready, it's time to start shaping your biscuits!

Shaping the biscuits

Firstly, prepare your dough by combining all the dry ingredients in one bowl and all the wet ingredients in another bowl. Make sure to stir the contents of each bowl thoroughly. Then, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, mixing them together until you have a moist dough. At this stage, you can gently fold in any additional ingredients, such as cheese or herbs.

Next, it's time to shape the individual biscuits. Using your hands, knead the dough into a ball. Then, cut the dough ball in half, and continue cutting each piece in half until you have several equal-sized pieces. Aim for 8-16 pieces, depending on how large you want your biscuits to be. Gently roll each piece into a ball, and then lightly flatten the bottom of each dough ball with your palm or fingertips. This will create a nice, rounded shape for your biscuits.

When shaping the biscuits, it's important not to overwork the dough. Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure your biscuits turn out soft and fluffy. Additionally, make sure the biscuits are touching when placed in the air fryer basket. This will help the tops get golden brown while keeping the middles soft and fluffy.

Once you have shaped all your dough pieces into biscuits, it's time to place them in the air fryer. Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper, or spray it with cooking spray, to prevent sticking. Place the biscuits in a single layer, making sure they are touching and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches.

Finally, follow the temperature and timing guidelines provided in your chosen recipe to cook your cheddar bay biscuits to perfection!

Serving suggestions

Cheddar bay biscuits are a versatile side dish and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an appetiser or side dish to a main course. They go particularly well with seafood, as they are often served at Red Lobster.
• As a snack on their own.
• With a hot dish of chilli.
• With other side dishes, such as Air Fryer Mini Stuffed Peppers, Instant Pot Beef Stew, or Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes.
• With a bowl of soup, such as Broccoli Cheese Soup.
• As a sandwich: make the biscuits larger so you can slice them in half and fill them.
• For breakfast, with eggs and bacon.

Frequently asked questions