Air Fryer Biscuits: Your Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Fluffy Perfection
Discover the magic of air fryer biscuits – a culinary secret that transforms your breakfast routine! You might not realize it, but cooking biscuits in an air fryer yields an astonishingly delicious result, consistently achieving a perfect texture that’s hard to beat. Imagine a biscuit that’s exquisitely crispy and golden on the outside, yet unbelievably soft, warm, and fluffy on the inside. This method not only delivers on taste and texture but also offers incredible convenience, making it a new favorite for busy mornings or a quick side dish at any meal.
Beyond the delightful texture, one of the greatest advantages of using your air fryer is that it keeps your kitchen cool. No more heating up the entire house with a conventional oven, especially during warmer months. This simple trick will make you wonder why you haven’t been air frying your biscuits all along!

Why Air Fryer Biscuits Are a Game-Changer for Breakfast & Beyond
While traditional oven baking produces perfectly good biscuits – who can resist a fresh, buttered biscuit, after all? – the air fryer introduces an extraordinary dimension to their preparation. The intense, circulating heat of an air fryer provides a unique advantage, delivering a slight, irresistible crispness to the exterior of the biscuits that an oven often struggles to match. This subtle crunch perfectly complements the soft, airy interior, creating a textural experience that is simply unbeatable. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that elevates the humble biscuit to new heights.
Furthermore, the efficiency of an air fryer means faster cooking times and less energy consumption compared to preheating and baking in a large oven. This makes air fryer biscuits not just a delicious choice, but a practical one for any time of day when a craving strikes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, mastering air fryer biscuits is a simple skill that will pay dividends in deliciousness and convenience.
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Air Fryer Biscuits
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its incredible simplicity, allowing you to whip up delicious air fryer biscuits with minimal effort and just a couple of key ingredients. For the ultimate convenience, we’ll be using frozen biscuits, making this a perfect last-minute breakfast or side dish. Just grab them from your freezer, and you’re almost ready to enjoy a warm, homemade-tasting treat!

Here’s exactly what you will need:
- Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits: These are the foundation of our recipe. Buttermilk biscuits offer a classic tang and a tender crumb, but feel free to explore other frozen varieties you enjoy.
- Cooking Spray: A light mist of cooking spray ensures your biscuits don’t stick to the air fryer basket and helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crispness.
That’s it! With these two basic items, you’re well on your way to enjoying perfectly cooked biscuits with minimal fuss.
Exploring Biscuit Varieties and Flavor Enhancements
While frozen buttermilk biscuits are fantastic for this recipe, the beauty of air frying lies in its adaptability. You have several options for the type of biscuits you use, and plenty of ways to add your own creative twist.
- Choosing Your Brand: You can confidently use any brand of frozen biscuits. While I personally favor the buttermilk type for their rich flavor and tender texture, if you prefer layered biscuits, flaky varieties, or any other style, they will work beautifully in the air fryer. From my experience, after trying numerous brands, Pillsbury Grands consistently deliver the best results, providing a satisfying rise and a delicious taste every time.
- Refrigerated Canned Biscuits: If your local grocery store only has refrigerated canned biscuits, or that’s what you prefer, no problem! They cook equally well in the air fryer. The key difference is that they may require slightly less cooking time than their frozen counterparts. Maintain the same temperature settings but be sure to keep a closer eye on them, checking for doneness after about 5-6 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Homemade Biscuit Dough: For those who love to bake from scratch, air frying homemade biscuits is also an option. Although I haven’t personally developed a specific air fryer recipe for homemade dough yet, the principle remains the same. You’ll likely want to ensure your dough isn’t too thick and perhaps start with a slightly lower temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) and check them frequently until they’re golden and cooked through. It’s an exciting avenue for future culinary adventures!
- Savory Flavor Boosts: To add a savory dimension, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt or garlic powder on top of your biscuits before cooking. This can turn them into a wonderful accompaniment for dinner or a unique breakfast option. For a more adventurous savory profile, a pinch of dried Italian herbs or a light dusting of onion powder can also be delightful.
- Sweet Enhancements: If you’re leaning towards a sweeter treat, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before or immediately after cooking can transform them into a dessert-like indulgence. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup once they’re warm is also a fantastic idea.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Biscuits: Instructions for Perfection
Achieving perfect air fryer biscuits is remarkably simple, even for novice cooks. This walkthrough provides an easy-to-follow guide to ensure crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors every time. For precise measurements and a printable version, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this article.
- Step One: Preheat and Prepare. The first crucial step is to preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). While your air fryer is coming up to temperature, remove the frozen biscuits from their packaging. To prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful golden crust, lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with canola oil cooking spray. This small preparation step makes a big difference in the final result.
- Step Two: Arrange for Optimal Airflow. Carefully place the frozen biscuit dough in a single layer within the prepared air fryer basket. It is absolutely essential to avoid overcrowding. Ensure there is enough space between each biscuit (at least ½ to 1 inch) to allow the hot air to circulate freely around them. This proper spacing is what guarantees that coveted even cooking and all-around crispness, preventing soggy spots.
- Step Three: Initial Cook and Flip. Cook the biscuits for approximately 7-8 minutes. At this point, they should have begun to rise and show initial signs of golden-brown color on the bottom. Using a pair of heat-safe tongs, gently check the underside of each biscuit. Once you confirm they are lightly browned, carefully flip each biscuit over. This ensures both sides receive even heat exposure, leading to uniform golden perfection.
- Step Four: Finish Cooking and Serve. Continue air frying for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the biscuits are a deep golden brown on both sides and feel firm yet springy to the touch. They should also be significantly puffed up. Once cooked, promptly remove them from the air fryer basket. For an extra touch of indulgence, a quick brush with melted butter while they’re still warm enhances their flavor and creates a beautiful sheen. Serve immediately and savor the perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, fluffy interior!

Quick Tip for Consistent Results: Remember that air fryers vary widely in wattage and efficiency. The cooking times provided are a great starting point, but your specific model might cook a minute or two faster or slower. Always trust your eyes and nose! The goal is a beautiful golden-brown exterior. On your first attempt, it’s wise to check them a little early and make a note of the ideal time for your appliance for perfect biscuits every single time.
Creative & Classic Ways to Serve Your Air Fryer Biscuits
As someone who grew up in Britain, my original definition of a “biscuit” was quite different from the American version – more akin to a cookie! However, having lived here long enough, I can confidently say that these fluffy, savory biscuits are absolutely “to die for.” The wonderful thing about air fryer biscuits is their incredible versatility; how you serve them is truly a matter of personal preference and culinary creativity.
- Pure Butter Bliss: For purists like myself, there’s nothing quite like a warm biscuit, fresh from the air fryer, generously slathered with rich, melted butter. The simple indulgence allows the biscuit’s perfect texture and subtle flavor to shine.
- Sweet Spreads Galore: My kids, however, have a sweeter tooth! They love to pile on various jellies, fruit preserves, or honey. A dollop of whipped cream and berries can even turn a biscuit into a delightful, impromptu dessert.
- Savory Sensations: Don’t confine biscuits to just breakfast! They are an amazing accompaniment to savory meals. A little bit of culinary perfection happens when you pair them with crispy fried chicken – creating a “chicken biscuit” that’s undeniably delicious and a Southern comfort food classic. Biscuits make an excellent side dish, which is why they’re almost always offered at famous fried chicken establishments.
- Hearty Breakfast Heroes: Elevate your morning by pouring a generous helping of creamy sausage gravy over warm biscuits. This classic “biscuits and gravy” combination is a truly satisfying and hearty breakfast that will keep you full for hours.
- The Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich: Split a warm biscuit, add a fried egg, a slice of cheese, and your choice of bacon, sausage patty, or ham for a homemade breakfast sandwich that rivals any diner. The firm exterior and soft interior make them ideal for holding fillings.
- Soup and Stew Sidekick: Serve air fryer biscuits alongside a hearty bowl of chili, stew, or your favorite soup. Their ability to soak up rich broths and sauces makes them the perfect comforting accompaniment on a chilly day.
Essential Gear: Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Biscuits
Having the right equipment can significantly impact your air frying success. When it comes to biscuits, not all air fryers are created equal, and understanding the differences can help you achieve that perfect golden crispness.
I personally work with two distinct types of air fryers: a rack-style model, which essentially functions as a compact convection oven, and a basket-type model. For consistently perfect air fryer biscuits, I’ve found that the basket-style air fryer delivers superior results. While I can’t definitively pinpoint why, the enclosed design and direct, intense heat circulation in a basket model seem to create a more uniform rise and an ideal crispy exterior. If you primarily use a rack-style air fryer, don’t fret; it will still work! However, you might need to be more diligent about flipping the biscuits and rotating the racks (if you have multiple) halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning across all sides.
You might also encounter special air fryer parchment paper liners designed to fit various basket sizes. Some people swear by them for easier cleanup. While they certainly can be convenient, I’ve personally found that my air fryer basket, with its non-stick coating, cleans up very easily with just a quick wash. Therefore, I don’t typically see the absolute necessity for them when cooking biscuits. However, if your air fryer tends to have issues with food sticking, or if you simply prefer minimizing scrubbing, these parchment liners can be a worthwhile accessory.
Storing & Reheating Air Fryer Biscuits for Later Enjoyment
While a fresh batch of air fryer biscuits tends to disappear quickly in our home, it’s always helpful to know the best way to store and reheat them if you happen to have any leftovers. Proper storage ensures they remain delicious, and reheating them correctly brings them back to their initial glory.
Once your air fryer biscuits have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. To combat moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy biscuits, consider placing a small piece of paper towel at the bottom of the container before adding the biscuits, and another piece on top. This helps absorb any condensation. Stored at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight, these biscuits will maintain their freshness and flavor for approximately 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, or even frozen for up to a month.
The air fryer truly shines as the ultimate appliance for reheating! Forget the disappointments of microwave-softened or oven-dried leftovers. To bring your biscuits back to life, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 3-5 minutes. This quick burst of hot circulating air will revive their crispy exterior and warm their fluffy interior, making them taste almost as fresh and delicious as when they were first baked. It’s truly my favorite air fryer function – perfect for rejuvenating not just biscuits, but a wide variety of foods!
Expand Your Culinary Horizons: More Air Fryer Recipes!
If you’ve discovered the unparalleled convenience and mouth-watering results of air frying with these biscuits, then you’re ready to explore a whole world of new culinary possibilities! The air fryer is a versatile kitchen powerhouse, capable of transforming everyday meals and snacks into healthier, crispier, and more efficient delights. Don’t stop at biscuits; let your air fryer become your go-to appliance for a wide range of dishes. Here are some more fantastic air fryer recipes to inspire your next kitchen adventure:
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Air Fryer Hash Browns
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Old Fashioned Southern Biscuits
- Biscuits and Gravy
And for the ultimate pairing, you absolutely must try these perfectly air-fried biscuits with my rich and creamy Southern White Gravy – a match made in breakfast heaven! Or, if you’re in the mood for exploring more homemade biscuit recipes, these savory cheddar biscuits are a fantastic option that will impress your family and friends.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes: Creative Uses & Zero-Waste Tips
Savvy Culinary Tip: Should you find yourself with a few leftover biscuits – a rare occurrence, I know! – don’t let them go to waste. Their unique crispness from the air fryer makes them an excellent base for a delicious biscuit bread pudding. This adds a wonderful texture that traditional bread pudding often lacks. For a truly simple and delightful recipe, I highly recommend checking out the Biscuit Pudding recipe from my friend Lana over at Lana’s Cooking. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy every last crumb!
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Air Fryer Biscuit Queries Answered
Why should I flip the biscuits halfway through cooking in the air fryer?
Flipping the biscuits is a crucial step for achieving truly uniform results. Air fryers circulate hot air, but often the primary heat source is from the top. By turning the biscuits halfway through the cooking cycle, you ensure that both the top and bottom surfaces get adequate exposure to this intense heat, leading to even browning and crispness all around. This prevents one side from becoming overly dark while the other remains pale or undercooked, guaranteeing perfectly golden biscuits every time.
Can I cook two racks of biscuits at once in a larger, rack-style air fryer oven?
Yes, you can certainly utilize multiple racks in a rack-style air fryer oven for cooking biscuits, but be mindful that it requires a bit more management. Heat distribution in these larger units can sometimes be uneven between shelves. To counteract this, not only should you flip the individual biscuits on each rack halfway through cooking, but you should also rotate the racks themselves. For instance, swap the top rack with the bottom one. This double rotation helps to expose all biscuits to similar heating conditions. Keep in mind that cooking times might also need to be slightly extended compared to single-layer cooking in a basket-style air fryer, so monitor closely.
What is the optimal cooking time and temperature for air fryer biscuits?
For most standard frozen buttermilk biscuits, a temperature of 320°F (160°C) for a total of 15-16 minutes, with a flip around the 7-8 minute mark, generally yields perfect results. This timing allows the biscuits to cook through, rise beautifully, and develop that desirable golden-brown crust. However, it’s vital to remember that air fryer models vary significantly in their power and design. On your initial batch, treat these times as a guideline. Observe your biscuits closely; they are done when they are deeply golden brown and puffed up. Once you’ve found the sweet spot for your specific air fryer, make a quick note so you can replicate perfection effortlessly in future cooks.
Do I need to thaw frozen biscuits before putting them in the air fryer?
Absolutely not! One of the biggest advantages and conveniences of this recipe is that you can cook frozen biscuits directly from the freezer without any thawing required. This saves you valuable time and makes spontaneous biscuit cravings much easier to satisfy. Simply follow the instructions for preheating your air fryer and arranging the frozen biscuits in a single layer. They will puff up beautifully and cook perfectly from their frozen state, yielding a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough in the air fryer?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough can certainly be cooked in an air fryer! While this particular guide focuses on frozen biscuits for convenience, the air fryer is well-suited for homemade dough as well. You’ll want to ensure your dough isn’t too thick, as denser biscuits might require more cooking time. A good starting point would be to use a slightly lower temperature, around 300-310°F (150-155°C), and monitor them frequently, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Since homemade recipes vary, adjusting the time based on visual cues will be key to your success.
How do I prevent my biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Preventing sticking is simple and crucial for easy removal and intact biscuits. Always start by lightly spraying your air fryer basket with cooking oil, such as canola oil or avocado oil, before placing the biscuits inside. Even if your basket claims to be non-stick, a quick mist provides an extra layer of insurance. Additionally, ensuring the biscuits are placed in a single layer with enough space around them (not touching) helps prevent them from adhering to each other or the basket sides as they expand during cooking. Some people also opt for specialized air fryer parchment paper liners for guaranteed non-stick results and even easier cleanup.
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Air Fryer Biscuits
Experience the ultimate convenience and deliciousness with frozen biscuits cooked in your air fryer. Achieving a golden-crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior has never been easier or faster. These air fryer biscuits are perfect for a quick breakfast, a savory side, or a sweet treat!
5 mins
15 mins
20 mins
6
Breakfast
Melanie Cagle
Equipment
- Basket-Style Air Fryer (e.g., Instant Vortex Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits
- Canola Oil Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.Canola Oil Cooking Spray
- Arrange the frozen biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring good air circulation around each one.Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits
- Cook for 7-8 minutes. Then, carefully open the air fryer, check the bottoms, and flip each biscuit over using tongs.
- Continue cooking for the remaining 7-8 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while still warm, brushed with melted butter, jelly, or your favorite spread.
Notes
Single-layer basket-style air fryers generally work best for cooking biscuits due to more consistent heat.
If you are using a double-layer rack-style air fryer oven, you will need to flip the biscuits AND rotate the shelves halfway through cooking for truly even results across all biscuits.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal |
Carbohydrates: 24g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 8g |
Saturated Fat: 3.5g |
Sodium: 550mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 2g
