Crispy, Fluffy Biscuits: The Air Fryer Method

Baking biscuits in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that yields delicious, flaky results. This method is especially useful for those who want to enjoy freshly baked biscuits without the need for a traditional oven. The air fryer's rapid heat distribution and ability to circulate hot air around the biscuits create a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. Here's a simple guide to help you master the art of air-frying biscuits.

Preheat: Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes

To begin the process of cooking biscuits in an air fryer, it's crucial to preheat the appliance to ensure optimal results. Set your air fryer to a temperature of 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat up for approximately 5 minutes. This initial step is essential as it prepares the air fryer to create the ideal cooking environment for your biscuits. During this preheating phase, the hot air will circulate around the food, ensuring even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your biscuit dough. Whether you're using a recipe for buttermilk biscuits or a different variation, the key is to ensure the dough is soft and pliable. Roll or pat the dough into a uniform thickness, aiming for a consistency that allows the biscuits to spread slightly during cooking. This step is important because it ensures that your biscuits will cook evenly and have a light, fluffy texture.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange your biscuits. Place the dough in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each biscuit. This spacing is crucial for allowing the biscuits to expand and cook evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to steam buildup, causing the biscuits to become dense and soggy. Instead, aim for a relaxed, airy arrangement that promotes even cooking.

After placing the biscuits in the air fryer, set a timer for approximately 10-12 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your biscuits, so keep an eye on them. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color on the top and bottom of the biscuits. When they are ready, they should be slightly puffed up and have a delightful aroma filling your kitchen.

Finally, once the timer goes off, carefully remove the biscuits from the air fryer. Use a spatula to gently lift and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as this will help them maintain their shape and texture. These freshly cooked biscuits can be enjoyed as a side to your favorite meal or as a delicious treat on their own.

Prepare dough: Roll out and cut dough into rounds

To begin preparing your biscuits for the air fryer, you'll first need to create the dough. This process is straightforward and requires just a few simple ingredients. Start by gathering your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients and ensure they are well blended. Then, add in some cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, incorporate the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger, pea-sized pieces remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the flaky texture characteristic of biscuits.

Next, add in your wet ingredients: milk and a small amount of melted butter (or you can use melted butter instead of the additional milk). Mix these in until the dough comes together. It's important not to overmix; you want to keep the dough slightly wet and sticky. If it becomes too dry, add a little more milk. The dough should be soft and pliable.

Now, it's time to roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the dough with a rolling pin until it's about 1/2 inch thick. You can make the dough as thin or thick as you prefer, but be consistent throughout to ensure even cooking. If you find the dough too sticky, lightly flour your hands and the rolling pin to prevent it from sticking.

Once the dough is rolled out, it's time to cut it into rounds. You can use a biscuit cutter or even a glass with a diameter of about 2-3 inches. Press the cutter or glass firmly into the dough, then lift it straight up to cut out the rounds. Place the cut dough rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Repeat this process until all the dough is used, stacking the rounds on the baking sheet as you go.

After cutting the dough into rounds, you're ready for the next step, which is to prepare the biscuits for the air fryer. This process will ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Coat: Lightly spray biscuits with cooking spray

When preparing biscuits for the air fryer, coating them with a light layer of cooking spray is an essential step to ensure a crispy and golden exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Start by taking your prepared biscuits, whether they are freshly made or thawed from the freezer. Ensure they are in their original shape and not torn or cut. Lightly spray each biscuit with cooking spray, making sure to cover all sides. The goal is to create a thin, even layer of oil, which will help promote even browning and prevent sticking. Use a small amount of spray to avoid excess oil, as this can lead to greasy biscuits. You can use any cooking spray, but canola or vegetable oil spray works best for this purpose.

The coating process is crucial for achieving the desired texture. A light spray will ensure that the biscuits remain tender and moist, while still benefiting from the air-frying process. Over-spraying might result in a greasy texture, so moderation is key. If you're concerned about the biscuits sticking, you can also lightly brush the top of each biscuit with the cooking spray, focusing on the edges where they might curl up.

Once coated, arrange the biscuits in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of biscuits, you might need to work in batches to ensure even cooking. This step is important to prevent the biscuits from steaming each other, which can lead to a soggy texture.

By lightly spraying the biscuits with cooking spray, you're creating a barrier that allows the air to circulate and cook the biscuits evenly. This simple technique will result in perfectly cooked biscuits with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy center.

Bake: Place biscuits in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes

To cook biscuits in an air fryer, start by placing the biscuits in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. The number of biscuits you can fit in the basket will depend on its size, but generally, you can fit 2-3 biscuits at a time.

Preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating to 350°F (180°C), but you can adjust this based on your air fryer's settings and the desired crispiness of the biscuits. Once preheated, carefully place the basket into the air fryer.

Set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes. This duration is a general guideline, and you may need to adjust it based on the size and thickness of your biscuits. Thicker biscuits might require a few extra minutes to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown. During the cooking process, the hot air will circulate around the biscuits, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Keep an eye on the biscuits as they cook. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the center of the biscuit with a toothpick or a skewer. If it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready. If not, give them a few more minutes. Remember, the air fryer cooks quickly, so it's essential to monitor the biscuits to avoid overcooking.

Once the biscuits are cooked to your desired level of crispiness and doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using a pair of tongs or a spatula. Place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with parchment paper to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the convenience of air-fried biscuits!

Flip: Turn biscuits over halfway through cooking

When cooking biscuits in an air fryer, flipping them is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior. Here's a detailed guide on how to flip your biscuits for the best results:

Timing is Key: It's important to time your flipping process carefully. Aim to flip the biscuits about halfway through the cooking time. This is typically when the biscuits have puffed up and the edges are starting to brown. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can cook food quickly, and you want to avoid overcooking.

Gently but Firmly: When you're ready to flip, use a spatula to carefully turn the biscuits over. Be gentle to preserve the shape, but apply firm pressure to ensure a good flip. This step helps distribute the heat evenly, allowing the uncooked side to start browning.

Even Cooking: After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time specified in your recipe, usually another 2-4 minutes. This additional cooking time will further crisp the edges and ensure the biscuits are cooked through. Remember, air fryers can vary, so adjust the time as needed based on your specific model and the desired doneness.

Visual Cues: As you cook, pay attention to the visual cues. The biscuits should be golden brown on the bottom, and the top should be slightly puffed and cooked. If the tops are browning too quickly, you might need to reduce the temperature slightly to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking.

Practice Makes Perfect: Flipping biscuits in an air fryer takes a bit of practice, but with a few attempts, you'll master the technique. It's an essential step to achieve fluffy, golden biscuits with a crispy texture. Always preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure optimal results.

Frequently asked questions