Air Fryer Hack: Pillsbury Biscuits Perfection

Canned biscuits are a convenient alternative to homemade biscuits, and cooking them in an air fryer is quicker than using a conventional oven. Air fryer biscuits are golden and flaky on the outside, while remaining soft on the inside. They can be served as a side dish or as a sweet treat with some cinnamon sugar or jam. To make Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer, separate the biscuits and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the biscuits with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter, and cook at 330-370°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

How to make Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer

Cooking spray

When preparing to cook the biscuits, you should generously spray the air fryer basket or racks with cooking spray. This creates a non-stick surface that allows the biscuits to cook evenly and makes cleanup easier. It is important to note that some sources recommend against using parchment paper, as it can prevent maximum airflow and affect the cooking process.

The type of cooking spray you use is flexible. You can use a store-bought cooking spray, such as canola spray, or opt for olive oil or vegetable oil. The key is to ensure that the air fryer surface is well-coated to prevent sticking.

Once you have sprayed the air fryer, you can proceed to place the biscuits inside and adjust the temperature and timing according to your specific air fryer model and the size of the biscuits you are cooking.

Temperature and timing

For regular-sized refrigerated biscuits, most sources recommend cooking at a temperature of 330°F. However, one source suggests a temperature of 370°F, while another suggests 360°F. The cooking time for regular-sized biscuits varies between 5 and 8 minutes, with some sources recommending flipping the biscuits halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For jumbo-sized refrigerated biscuits, the recommended temperature is 360°F, and the cooking time is around 6 minutes. Again, it is recommended to flip the biscuits halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen biscuits, the temperature should be lowered to 350°F, and the cooking time increased to around 10 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary significantly in terms of cooking intensity, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific air fryer. It is recommended to start with a lower temperature and increase it gradually if needed, as it is easier to recover from undercooking than to fix burnt biscuits.

Additionally, it is generally recommended to cook the biscuits in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is too small to accommodate all the biscuits in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Biscuit placement

When placing the biscuits in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This is to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking and burning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches. For example, if your air fryer can only fit five biscuits, it is recommended to buy the half can of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits.

It is also suggested to leave some space between the biscuits to allow for rising and expansion. The biscuits will continue to cook and rise even after being removed from the air fryer, so it is important not to overcrowd them. Additionally, make sure to grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray, butter, or oil to prevent sticking.

For Grand or Large Biscuits, it is recommended to air fry at 330°F/165°C for about 6-7 minutes. You can then gently wiggle the biscuits to loosen them from the basket and air fry for another 1-3 minutes, or until they are crispy brown and cooked through. For smaller biscuits, air fry at the same temperature for 5 minutes, then flip and air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until they are crispy and cooked through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. Always keep an eye on your biscuits to ensure they don't burn.

Flipping the biscuits

For basket-style air fryers, it is best to cook the biscuits in a single layer, so they cook evenly. In most cases, you won't need to flip them, but if you notice that one side is cooking faster than the other, you can flip them over to ensure even cooking.

Oven-style air fryers with multiple trays may require flipping as well. It is recommended to cook one tray at a time, using the middle rack position, to ensure even cooking. If you do need to cook multiple trays at once, rotate the racks during cooking and flip the biscuits to prevent burning and ensure they rise properly.

When flipping the biscuits, use tongs with a silicone coating to avoid scratching your air fryer. Additionally, avoid using parchment paper, as it can hinder the air circulation needed for even cooking.

The cooking time for Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is generally around 6-8 minutes at 330°F, but this may vary depending on the size of your biscuits and the model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your biscuits to prevent overcooking, and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

Serving suggestions

Pillsbury biscuits cooked in an air fryer are a great option for a quick and easy meal or side dish. They can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Side

These biscuits are a perfect addition to any meal. Simply top them with a little butter, and you're good to go!

Breakfast Sandwiches

The air-fried Pillsbury biscuits are usually big in size, making them perfect for breakfast sandwiches. You can add a fried or scrambled egg, along with some ham, bacon, or cheese, to make a hearty breakfast.

Biscuits and Gravy

For a comforting and quick dish, top the halved biscuits with bacon or sausage gravy. You can also make it vegetarian by using a mushroom gravy.

Sweet Treats

Transform your biscuits into sweet snacks or desserts by adding some cinnamon sugar, jam, or fruit preserves. You can also make air fryer donuts by topping them with a sweet glaze and sprinkles, which are sure to be a hit with kids.

With Savory or Sweet Toppings

You can make your biscuits savory by adding honey, butter, or even a garlic butter sauce. For a sweet option, try fresh fruit, honey, or syrup.

Breakfast Casserole

For a crowd-pleasing breakfast, you can use the biscuits as a base for a breakfast casserole. Add some scrambled eggs and cheese, and you've got a delicious and filling meal.

With Sausage or Ham

A classic combination with biscuits is sausage or ham. You can make a sandwich or just enjoy them as a simple, savory snack.

Air Fryer Biscuit Pizza

If you're feeling creative, you can use the biscuits as a base for a personal-sized pizza. Add your favorite toppings and pop them back into the air fryer until the cheese melts.

Reheating

Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer or microwave whenever you want to enjoy them again.

Frequently asked questions