Crispy, Golden Biscuits: Air Fryer Baking Made Easy

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 avoid the mess of a traditional oven or have limited counter space. Here's a simple guide: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use an air fryer basket insert. Place your dough or pre-made biscuits on the prepared surface, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. This method is a great way to enjoy freshly baked biscuits without the need for a full-sized oven.

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

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step to ensure your biscuits turn out perfectly. It's a simple process that requires a bit of patience. First, locate the control panel of your air fryer. This is usually where you'll find the temperature settings. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C), which is a common and ideal temperature for baking biscuits. This temperature allows for even cooking and helps to avoid any unwanted browning or drying.

Once the temperature is set, you'll need to wait for the air fryer to preheat. This process typically takes around 5 minutes. During this time, the air fryer will circulate hot air, ensuring that the interior reaches the desired temperature. It's important to be patient and not rush this step, as it's essential for the overall success of your dish. You can use this time to prepare any additional ingredients or side dishes you plan to serve with your biscuits.

While the air fryer preheats, you can also prepare your biscuit dough. If you're using a pre-made dough, you can roll it out and cut it into the desired shape. Alternatively, if you're making your own dough, you can mix, knead, and roll it out on a floured surface. This step allows you to get creative with shapes and sizes, adding a personal touch to your biscuits.

Once the preheating is complete, you'll know because the air fryer will often have a ready indicator light or a beep to signal that it's ready. This is the time to carefully place your prepared biscuits into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer, allowing for even cooking. You can lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking, but this step is optional.

Preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) is a critical step to ensure your biscuits are cooked evenly and retain their soft, fluffy texture. It's a simple process that sets the foundation for delicious homemade biscuits. By taking the time to preheat, you're ensuring that your air fryer is ready to go, and your biscuits will be cooked to perfection in no time!

Prepare dough: Roll out and cut dough into desired shapes

To begin preparing your biscuits for the air fryer, you'll first need to create the dough. This process is straightforward and can be done by hand or using a stand mixer. Start by gathering your ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar (optional), and butter or shortening. The key to a flaky and tender biscuit is in the butter; using cold, cubed butter will ensure a lighter texture.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and add the butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. You can adjust the amount of water slightly depending on the consistency of your flour; it should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet.

Once the dough is ready, it's time to roll it out. Lightly flour your work surface and a rolling pin. Place the dough on the floured surface and use the rolling pin to flatten it. Keep the dough as thin as possible; a thickness of about ½ inch is ideal for biscuits. If you prefer your biscuits with a bit more structure, roll them out to a thickness of around ¾ inch.

Now, it's time to cut your biscuits into the desired shapes. You can use a glass or a cookie cutter to create circles, squares, or any other shape you like. For a classic look, go with a 2-inch circle. Dip the cutter in flour to prevent sticking, and press it firmly into the dough to cut out the biscuits. Be careful not to twist the cutter, as this can lead to a misshapen biscuit.

After cutting the biscuits, gently lift them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. At this point, you can rearrange the biscuits to fit more in the air fryer. If you're using a larger cutter, you might get more biscuits from each batch. Just ensure they have enough space to cook evenly. In the next step, you'll learn how to prepare the biscuits for the air fryer, ensuring they cook perfectly every time.

Arrange: Place biscuits in single layer, leaving space between each

When cooking biscuits in an air fryer, proper arrangement is key to ensuring even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior. Here's a detailed guide on how to arrange your biscuits for optimal results:

Single Layer Arrangement:

• Preheat: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend around 350°F (175°C), but check your specific air fryer's instructions.
• Prepare the Pan: Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Biscuit Placement: Carefully place the biscuits on the prepared pan in a single layer. Leave approximately 1-2 inches of space between each biscuit. This spacing allows for even air circulation, preventing overcrowding and promoting even browning.
• Evenness: Aim for a uniform distribution. Avoid stacking biscuits on top of each other, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy texture.

Tips for Success:

• Freshness: Use fresh, unfrozen biscuits for the best results. Frozen biscuits may require slightly longer cooking times.
• Adjust Time: Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of your biscuits. Start with the recommended time in your recipe, then adjust as needed based on the air fryer's performance and the desired crispiness.
• Flip: For even browning, consider flipping the biscuits halfway through the cooking process.

By following these arrangement tips and paying attention to cooking times, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked biscuits with a golden, crispy exterior straight from your air fryer.

Bake: Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown

To bake your biscuits in an air fryer, follow these steps for a delicious and crispy treat. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature before you start. This is an important step to get the best results.

Place your prepared biscuits onto a rack or a baking sheet that is suitable for the air fryer. Ensure they have enough space to allow hot air to circulate, which is crucial for even cooking. You can also lightly spray the rack or sheet with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Set a timer for 8-10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your biscuits, as well as your air fryer's power. Keep an eye on them after 6 minutes to check for doneness. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color on the top and bottom, indicating that the biscuits are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

During the cooking process, you can lightly spray the biscuits with water or oil every 2-3 minutes to prevent them from drying out and to promote even browning. This simple step can make a big difference in the final texture.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the biscuits from the air fryer. They should be puffed up and beautifully golden. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect combination of a soft, warm interior and a crispy, golden exterior. This method of cooking in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to enjoy freshly baked biscuits with a unique, crispy twist.

Finish: Serve warm with butter or jam

When it comes to finishing your air-fried biscuits, serving them warm with a simple accompaniment of butter or jam is a delightful way to complete the dish. This approach not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to your presentation. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Serving with Butter:

• Prepare the Biscuits: Start by following the recipe you've chosen for air-frying biscuits. Ensure you make an adequate number of biscuits to have some left over for serving.
• Warmth and Texture: As you serve the biscuits, consider the warmth. Freshly air-fried biscuits are still hot, but if you want to ensure they stay warm for a longer period, you can place them in a low-temperature oven (around 150°F) while you prepare the butter. This keeps them at a pleasant temperature without drying them out.
• Butter Selection: Choose a good-quality butter with a rich flavor. Unsalted butter is a versatile choice as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also experiment with flavored butters, such as garlic or herb-infused ones, for a more adventurous taste.
• Buttering Technique: Cut the butter into small pieces and let it soften at room temperature. This makes it easier to spread. Then, using a small knife or a pastry brush, gently spread the butter over the top of each biscuit. You can also offer a selection of different flavored butters to accommodate various preferences.

Serving with Jam:

• Jam Preparation: Opt for a high-quality jam or preserve that complements the biscuits. Fruit jams, such as strawberry or raspberry, are classic choices. If you prefer a savory twist, consider a well-seasoned chutney or a flavored jam like apricot or peach.
• Warm and Spreadable: Similar to the butter, warm the jam slightly to make it more spreadable. You can reheat it in a microwave or a double boiler, ensuring it doesn't become too hot to handle.
• Spreading the Jam: Provide a small spoon or a jam spreader for guests to dip into the warm jam. Encourage them to add a generous amount to their biscuits, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Presentation and Accompaniments:

Consider arranging the biscuits on a warm serving platter and offering a variety of toppings, including different types of butter, jams, and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped herbs or a drizzle of honey. This interactive approach allows guests to customize their own biscuit experience.

Remember, the key to a successful finish is ensuring the biscuits are served warm, allowing the flavors of the butter or jam to shine through. This simple yet effective serving suggestion will undoubtedly impress your guests and make your air-fried biscuits a memorable treat.

Frequently asked questions