Air Fryer Biscuits: How Long To Cook Them Perfectly?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to making biscuits. They take less than 15 minutes to make and free up your oven space for other things. The hot circulating air in the air fryer cooks the biscuits wonderfully, giving them a nice crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. The ideal temperature to air fry biscuits is 330°F for 8-10 minutes. However, the time may vary depending on the size of the biscuits and the type of air fryer being used.

How to make biscuits in a basket-style air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, cold and cubed + 2 tablespoons
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F or 400°F.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix in the butter until combined and butter is about the size of small peas.
• Stir in the buttermilk until a thick dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a clean counter and knead 6 to 7 times until the flour is all incorporated. Don't overwork the dough—you want to see butter pieces throughout, as this will make the biscuits flaky.
• Form the dough into a 1 1/2-inch circle and cut the biscuits using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.
• Coat the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray. Place the biscuits 2 inches apart in a single layer in the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will be able to fit 4–6 biscuits.
• Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or 390°F for 9–11 minutes, until golden brown.
• Melt the remaining butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and brush the melted butter on the hot biscuits.

Tips

• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by following this recipe.
• You can use a small food processor to blend the ingredients.
• For extra flaky biscuits, place the dough in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these biscuits on a baking sheet in the oven at 425°F for 10–15 minutes.

How to make biscuits in an oven-style air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix in the butter until combined and butter is about the size of small peas.
• Stir in the buttermilk until a thick dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a clean counter and knead 6 to 7 times until the flour is all incorporated. Don't overwork the dough. You want to see butter pieces throughout, as this will make the biscuits flaky.
• Form the dough into a 1 1/2-inch circle and cut the biscuits using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.
• Coat the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray. Place the biscuits 2 inches apart in a single layer on the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will be able to fit 4 to 6 biscuits in the basket.
• Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
• Melt some butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and brush the melted butter on the hot biscuits.

Tips:

• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by following this recipe.
• You can cook the biscuits on a baking sheet in the oven at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes if you don't have an air fryer.
• You can also use canned biscuits in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the basket and cook at 330°F for 6 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

How to reheat biscuits in an air fryer

Reheating biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy them the next day. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. If you are reheating biscuits that were previously cooked in the air fryer, there is no need to spray the rack with cooking spray as they should not stick. However, if you are concerned about sticking, you can use a light coating of cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuits

Place the biscuits on the rack of your air fryer. It is important to note that you should only reheat one layer of biscuits at a time. Do not stack or crowd the biscuits, as this will affect the cooking process and prevent even heating. Leave a little space between each biscuit to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

For reheating biscuits, it is recommended to set your air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and style of your air fryer, but on average, it should take between 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the biscuits.

Step 4: Monitor the Biscuits

Keep an eye on your biscuits while they are in the air fryer. Depending on your air fryer's model and settings, you may need to adjust the time or temperature to ensure they are heated through without burning.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Once the biscuits are heated through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as they are or with your favourite toppings, such as butter, honey, or jam.

Additional Tips:

• It is best to store your biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature if you plan to reheat and consume them the next day.
• If you want to freeze your biscuits, place them in an airtight container and store them for up to 30 days. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• You can also reheat frozen biscuits in your air fryer by following the same steps outlined above, adjusting the time and temperature as needed.

How to cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen biscuits (Pillsbury Grands or your preferred brand)
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Herbs (optional)

Method:

Start by spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also brush the basket with oil or melted butter. However, avoid using canned non-stick cooking spray.

Place the frozen biscuits in a single layer inside the basket, leaving space between them for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can fit around 4-8 biscuits.

Set the air fryer temperature to 325-330 degrees Fahrenheit. For a basket-style air fryer, cook the biscuits for 8 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 6 minutes. For an oven-style air fryer with multiple racks, use only the middle rack, and you may need to flip the biscuits halfway through.

Optionally, brush the biscuits with melted butter 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time, and sprinkle with herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, sage, or rosemary.

The biscuits are ready when they are golden brown and fluffy, which should take around 14 minutes in total.

Tips:

• Preheat the air fryer at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes before adding the biscuits.
• Monitor the biscuits 2-3 minutes before the end of the cooking time, especially if using a different brand of biscuits or a different model of air fryer.
• If the biscuits are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature or cooking time.
• For a single biscuit, consider reducing the cooking time by a few minutes.
• For a softer exterior, reduce the temperature or cooking time.

Serving Suggestions:

• Butter, honey, or jam
• Sausage gravy for a classic Southern-style breakfast
• Ham and eggs
• Sausage and egg biscuit sandwiches
• Fresh fruit
• Soups or stews
• Fried chicken or chicken-fried chicken
• Breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and meat

How to store unused biscuit dough

If you have leftover biscuit dough after a baking session, there's no need to waste it. You can store it for later use. Here is a guide on how to store unused biscuit dough:

There are several reasons to store unused biscuit dough. Storing biscuit dough allows you to have homemade biscuits on hand whenever you want them. It helps with portion control, as you can bake only what you need, reducing waste. Storing the dough gives you the flexibility to bake biscuits on demand, which is helpful if you have a busy schedule or unexpected guests. You can also store different types of biscuit dough to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. Finally, storing unused biscuit dough can help you save money by taking advantage of sales or bulk purchases on ingredients.

Proper Preparation for Storing Biscuit Dough

Before storing your biscuit dough, there are a few key steps to follow:

• Mixing the dough: Ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed until well combined.
• Chilling the dough: After mixing, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the fats to solidify, resulting in flakier and more tender biscuits.
• Shaping the dough: Divide the chilled dough into portions suitable for your storage needs, whether you prefer individual biscuits or a larger dough portion.
• Wrapping the dough: Tightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.
• Labeling and dating: Label and date your stored biscuit dough to keep track of when it was prepared and ensure it is used within a reasonable time frame.

Methods for Storing Unused Biscuit Dough

You can choose between two primary methods for storing unused biscuit dough: refrigeration and freezing.

Refrigerating Biscuit Dough

Refrigeration is best if you plan to use the dough within a few days. Here's how to do it:

• Wrap the dough: Tightly wrap the shaped biscuit dough in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no air pockets are left.
• Place in a container: You can place the wrapped dough portions in an airtight container for additional protection.
• Refrigerate: Store the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After this, the dough may lose its texture and rise less when baked.

Freezing Biscuit Dough

If you want to store your biscuit dough for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Here's how to freeze your biscuit dough:

• Flash freeze: Place the shaped portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until firm.
• Wrap the dough: Individually wrap the flash-frozen dough portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag: Place the wrapped dough portions in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label and freeze: Label the bag with the date and contents and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beyond this time, the dough's quality may start to deteriorate.

Thawing and Using Stored Biscuit Dough

After storing your biscuit dough, it's important to know how to properly thaw it before baking. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Thawing Refrigerated Biscuit Dough

• Remove from the refrigerator: Take the wrapped biscuit dough out of the refrigerator and place it on a clean surface.
• Let it come to room temperature: Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes, or until it feels pliable and easy to work with.
• Unwrap and shape: Unwrap the dough and shape it according to your desired biscuit shape.
• Bake as instructed: Follow your biscuit recipe's instructions for baking time and temperature.

Thawing Frozen Biscuit Dough

• Transfer to the refrigerator: Remove the individually wrapped biscuit dough portions from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator.
• Thaw overnight: Allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6-8 hours for even thawing and to retain its quality.
• Bring to room temperature: After thawing, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes to make it pliable and easy to shape.
• Shape and bake: Unwrap the dough and shape it into your desired biscuit shape. Follow your biscuit recipe's baking instructions for time and temperature.

Tips for Successful Storage

• Properly wrap and seal the dough: Whether refrigerating or freezing, tightly wrap the dough to prevent air exposure and moisture loss.
• Label and date the stored dough: Label and date each package to keep track of storage time and use the oldest dough first.
• Portion the dough before storage: Consider portioning the dough before storing to thaw and use only what you need, reducing waste and adding convenience.
• Keep track of storage times: Refrigerated dough is best used within 3 days, while frozen dough should be used within 3 months for optimal results.
• Properly store in the freezer: Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect against freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator: Thaw frozen biscuit dough slowly in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming too soft and ensure a consistent texture when baked.
• Adjust baking time if needed: Stored biscuit dough may require slightly longer baking times, so monitor the biscuits and adjust the time as needed.

Frequently asked questions