Personal-Sized Air Fryer Pies: Pillsbury Crust Perfection

Making Pillsbury biscuits or pizza crust in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy fluffy, delicious treats. Air fryers offer several advantages over traditional oven baking, including a crispy outer crust and reduced cooking time. Before preparing your Pillsbury dough, ensure your air fryer is clean and preheated to the recommended temperature. Separate the biscuits and arrange them evenly in the air fryer basket, brushing them with melted butter for added flavour. For pizza crust, press the dough into the basket, creating a thicker border, and cook before adding sauce and toppings. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Pillsbury treats!

Choosing the right Pillsbury biscuits

When choosing the right Pillsbury biscuits for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Pillsbury offers a range of biscuits, from original buttermilk to flaky layers, that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is important to select biscuits that are specifically labelled as suitable for baking or air frying. Avoid using frozen biscuits or those with add-ons like icing, as they may not cook evenly.

Pillsbury's Grands! range provides larger biscuits, with eight biscuits per packet, which can be great if you're serving a larger group. The Southern Homestyle Butter Tastin' Biscuits from this range are a good option, as they have a fluffy, buttery taste and can be cooked in an air fryer or oven. They are also widely available and easy to differentiate on the shelf with their yellow label.

If you're looking for a classic, traditional biscuit, the Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Original Biscuits are a popular choice. These biscuits have a buttery, flaky texture and are incredibly filling. They are often compared to handmade biscuits and are a versatile option for sandwiches, sides, or snacks.

For a sweeter option, the Flaky Layers Honey Butter Biscuits from Pillsbury offer a well-balanced honey flavour without being overly sweet. These biscuits have a fluffy texture and are a great choice if you want to add a touch of sweetness to your meal.

Another buttermilk option is the Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits, which have a slightly sweeter, buttery taste. These biscuits pair well with jam or gravy and are a popular choice, with thousands of positive reviews praising their taste and flaky texture.

Lastly, if you want an extra buttery flavour, the Flaky Layers Butter Tastin' Biscuits are a top choice. They combine the flakiness of the original flaky layers with an extra buttery taste, resulting in a comforting, delicious biscuit.

Cleaning and preparing your air fryer

To make sure your air fryer is ready for your Pillsbury personal crust, it's important to clean and prepare it properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Always start by turning off and unplugging your air fryer. This is a crucial safety measure and it also ensures that the appliance is completely cool before you begin cleaning.

Step 2: Clean Removable Parts

Remove all the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan. Wash these parts with soap and warm water, just like you would wash any other dish. If you prefer, you can also place them in the dishwasher, as most air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe. However, it's always a good idea to check your specific model's instruction manual to be sure.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit of your air fryer should not be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to remove any food splatters or grease residue. Be gentle and avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can damage the non-stick coating. If there is stuck-on food or grease, you can use a soft dish brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove it.

Step 4: Check the Heating Coil

After each use, check the heating coil, which is usually located at the top of the unit. If there is any oil or residue on the coil, let the unplugged machine cool completely, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or a soft dish brush. Treat it with the same care as you would the heating element on an electric stove.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Before reassembling your air fryer, make sure all the parts are completely dry. You can towel-dry or air-dry them, whichever you prefer. Once everything is dry, put your air fryer back together and it will be ready for your Pillsbury personal crust!

Additionally, here are some tips to keep your air fryer clean for longer:

• Use air fryer liners or filters. These protect the cooking surface and can be easily disposed of after each use.
• Spray the bottom insert with cooking spray before every use to create a barrier against food residue.
• Clean the basket after every use, paying extra attention to removing any bits of food.

Preparing the biscuit dough

Before placing the biscuits in the air fryer, it's recommended to brush the tops with melted butter. This step is optional but adds a delicious golden shine and extra flavour to your biscuits. You can also experiment with seasonings at this point. Why not try sprinkling herbs or spices like garlic powder or rosemary over the biscuits?

Once you've prepared the biscuits, it's time to place them in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for optimal cooking results. Keep in mind that the biscuits will need room for the hot air to circulate freely. So, avoid overcrowding the basket and cook in batches if you're making a large batch.

Placing biscuits in the air fryer

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to place the biscuits inside. Here's what you need to know:

Spacing and Arrangement

Ensure the biscuits are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket, allowing hot air to circulate freely for optimal cooking results. Place them in a single layer, avoiding any stacking or contact with the basket's sides. Proper spacing is crucial for even cooking.

Temperature and Timing

The recommended temperature for cooking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C). However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of biscuits. For most Pillsbury biscuits, air fry at this temperature for 6-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent overcooking or burning.

Flipping and Rotating

For certain types of air fryers, flipping or rotating the biscuits halfway through the cooking process is essential for even cooking and browning. If you're using an oven-style air fryer with trays, place the biscuits on the middle rack to avoid burning or undercooking.

Customization

Before placing the biscuits in the air fryer, you can customize them by brushing the tops with melted butter for added flavor and a golden shine. You can also experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Use a light coat of cooking spray on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper cut to the size of your basket with a few holes poked in it to ensure proper air circulation.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook the biscuits in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Cooking time and temperature

When making a personal crust pizza with Pillsbury dough in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the size and type of crust you are using. It is recommended to air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes for most Pillsbury biscuits. However, if you are using a larger oven-style or toaster-style air fryer, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to achieve your desired texture.

For a deep-dish pepperoni pizza using Pillsbury Classic Crust Pizza Dough, preheat your air fryer to 325°F. Cook the crust for 10 minutes, then flip it over, remove the parchment paper, and place it back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. Press down the center of the crust to create a 1-inch border, brush the crust with olive oil, and cook for another 5 minutes.

If you are using Pillsbury's canned pizza crust dough, cut the dough to fit your air fryer basket or tray. Spray the air fryer base with oil and place the dough inside. Poke several holes in the dough with a fork and air fry at 360°F/182°C for 4-6 minutes. Flip the dough and continue air frying for 3-5 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

It is important to keep a close eye on your crust during the final minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, different air fryer models may cook differently, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to achieve the desired results.

Frequently asked questions