Air fryer biscuits are a game-changer in the kitchen—golden, flaky, and ready in minutes without ever turning on the oven. Whether you’re using homemade dough or cracking open a can of Pillsbury, the air fryer delivers a perfectly crisp outside with a soft, buttery center every time.
This article covers everything from the best types of dough to use, how long to cook them, common mistakes to avoid, and even surprising add-ins and variations.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut out biscuits with a round cutter.
- Place biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Nutrition
Notes
- For best results, avoid stacking biscuits in the air fryer basket.
- Always arrange them in a single layer with space in between to ensure even cooking.
- If your biscuits appear golden but feel doughy in the center, lower the temperature slightly and extend cook time by 1–2 minutes.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Air Fryer Biscuits That Changed My Mornings
I still remember the first time I tossed a can of biscuits in the air fryer. It was a Saturday morning—chaotic as usual with my kids running wild and breakfast nowhere near ready.
I had planned to make scratch biscuits like Mom used to in her food truck, but time wasn’t on my side. I grabbed a tube of Pillsbury from the fridge, tossed them in the basket, and hoped for the best.
When I cracked that fryer open? Flaky. Golden. Steaming. I was stunned.
Those air fryer biscuits reminded me of my mom’s cast iron ones—just faster, easier, and way less cleanup. Now I keep a can in the fridge at all times. I’ve played with homemade dough, cheddar add-ins, even brushed them with garlic butter.
From weekday breakfast sandwiches to Sunday dinner sides, air fryer biscuits have become a staple in my kitchen.
Why Air Fryer Biscuits Are a Game-Changer
Air fryer biscuits aren’t just a shortcut—they’re a smarter way to bake. Here’s why they’re gaining a permanent spot in home kitchens:
- Faster cooking: No need to preheat. Most biscuits cook in under 10 minutes flat.
- Perfect texture: Crisp outside, soft inside—thanks to even hot air circulation.
- Less cleanup: No baking trays, no parchment paper, no flour-coated counters.
- Small-batch friendly: Make 2 or 4 biscuits at a time without heating the whole oven.
- Summer-friendly: Keeps your kitchen cool while still delivering fresh-baked goodness.
Just like those air fryer cottage cheese bagels, the biscuits develop a tender interior and a perfectly golden crust. The results are consistent, quick, and genuinely impressive.
How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients, Temps & Cook Times for Every Type
Making air fryer biscuits is one of the easiest kitchen wins you can pull off—whether you’re starting from scratch or using refrigerated dough. Here’s a complete breakdown of what you’ll need and how to cook each variation to perfection.
Basic Ingredients for Homemade Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (cold)
Optional Add-ins:
- Shredded cheddar
- Chopped herbs
- Honey or garlic butter for brushing
For Canned Biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands):
- 1 can of refrigerated biscuits
- Butter for brushing (optional)
Temperature & Timing Cheat Sheet:
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade (raw dough) | 350°F | 10–12 minutes |
| Pillsbury Grands | 330°F | 8–10 minutes |
| Frozen biscuits | 340°F | 13–15 minutes |
Want an easy meal pairing? Serve them hot with cherry yum yum for a comfort combo that hits every note—or try one sliced open under a generous spoon of sourdough discard cinnamon rolls icing if you’re feeling wild
Troubleshooting Tips: Soggy Bottoms, Overbrowning & More
Air fryer biscuits are pretty forgiving—but like anything in the kitchen, a few tweaks can make the difference between “okay” and “amazing.”
Avoid soggy bottoms:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave room for airflow.
- Use a parchment liner with perforations or a wire rack insert if available.
- If using frozen biscuits, let them thaw slightly before cooking for even heat distribution.
Fix overbrowning:
- Drop the temp by 10–15 degrees and extend the cook time by a minute or two.
- Cover the tops loosely with foil for the last few minutes if they’re darkening too quickly.
Ensure even cooking:
- Flip biscuits gently halfway through—especially homemade ones.
- Always do a test run with one biscuit when using a new air fryer model.
Keep in mind that every air fryer is a bit different. Some run hotter than others, which is why I always recommend testing a single biscuit first.
Next, we’ll explore flavor-packed variations and show you how to take basic biscuits to the next level—think cheddar-garlic, honey-butter, and even sliders. Let’s roll.
Variations – Biscuits That Break the Mold
Cheddar, Garlic, Honey Butter & Sweet Biscuit Add-ins
Once you’ve nailed the basic air fryer biscuit, it’s time to experiment. These easy flavor upgrades add minimal prep but major payoff. Here’s how I like to dress them up:
- Cheddar & Herb Biscuits:
- Mix ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley into your dough.
- Air fry as usual, then brush with melted butter infused with garlic powder.
- Garlic Parmesan Biscuits:
- Add 1 tsp garlic powder and ¼ cup grated parmesan into the dough or on top before air frying.
- These pair perfectly with soups or baked boneless chicken thighs.
- Honey Butter Glaze:
- Mix 1 tbsp melted butter with 1 tsp honey and brush over the biscuits straight out of the fryer.
- Adds a sweet finish that makes even store-bought dough feel homemade.
- Sweet Biscuit Twist:
- Add a touch of cinnamon sugar to the tops, or stuff with a spoonful of jam.
- I’ve even adapted cherry yum yum filling into mini biscuit bombs—trust me, it works.
These quick upgrades keep things interesting and help turn the humble biscuit into a real centerpiece.
Turning Leftover Biscuits into Breakfast Sandwiches or Sliders
Air fryer biscuits rarely last long in our house—but if you’ve got a few left over, they’re prime material for fast, satisfying meals.
Savory Morning Sandwiches:
Take one biscuit, split it open, and layer in fluffy scrambled eggs, a slice of cheese, and your favorite breakfast sausage. Wrap it in foil, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes, and you’ve got a breakfast that rivals any drive-thru.
Slider-Style Bites:
Use them as the base for snack-sized sliders. Add pulled meat, crispy chicken, or even some chilled chicken salad between the halves. Finish with a swipe of hot honey or grainy mustard for a bold, crave-worthy bite.
Reheating biscuits in the air fryer also brings them right back to life—warm, golden, and ready for anything. Try them as a side to protein powder pancakes or layer with sweet spreads for an afternoon pick-me-up.
How Pillsbury Biscuits Perform: Quick, Golden, Reliable
Got a can of biscuit dough chilling in the fridge? It’s practically a shortcut to comfort—no oven required. With a few easy steps, your air fryer biscuits will come out hot, crisp, and ready to steal the spotlight at any meal.
Steps for Perfect Canned Biscuits:
- Arrange each biscuit in a single layer, leaving space between for even cooking.
- Set your air fryer to 330°F and cook for about 8 to 9 minutes. Watch the tops—they brown fast.
- For more flavor, coat the tops with butter or sprinkle with cheese, garlic powder, or fresh herbs before air frying.
No flipping, no baking sheet, and no stress. The air fryer gives you a golden crust with a tender inside, especially with varieties like Buttermilk or Flaky Layers. They’re great for everything from busy weeknight dinners to Sunday brunch.
I’ve paired them with all kinds of dishes—from rich chili to crisp dairy-free pancakes—and even on the side of creamy vegan cheesecake. However you serve them, these biscuits hold their own.
Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make biscuits in an air fryer?
Yes, and it works surprisingly well. Whether it’s store-bought dough or homemade, the air fryer gives biscuits a crisp outside and soft middle. Just place them spaced apart, set the temp to around 335°F, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes. No flipping needed—just check once near the end. It’s fast, easy, and cleanup’s a breeze.
Are Pillsbury biscuits good in the air fryer?
Yes—they’re excellent. Pillsbury biscuits, especially Grands and Flaky Layers, cook evenly in the air fryer and come out with a golden top and soft interior. They’re ready in about 8–9 minutes at 330°F, no preheating required. For a gourmet touch, try brushing the tops with garlic butter or sprinkling a bit of shredded cheddar before air frying.
Can Pillsbury dough go in an air fryer?
Definitely. Pillsbury dough—from biscuits to crescent rolls—works well in the air fryer when spaced properly in the basket. The air circulation helps bake the layers evenly, and it’s quicker than a conventional oven. Just remember to check the last few minutes for doneness, especially if you’re using stuffed or layered varieties.
Can I cook raw cookie dough in an air fryer?
Yes, and it’s a quick way to whip up a small batch without heating the oven. Start with chilled dough and line the basket with perforated parchment. Set the air fryer to around 300°F and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on cookie size. Just give each one space to spread. Once they’re done, let them cool a bit so the centers firm up. It’s a no-fuss way to get warm cookies in minutes.
Conclusion : Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Biscuits
Air fryer biscuits are more than just a time-saver—they’re a smart, soul-satisfying way to bring warm, flaky goodness to the table fast. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or mixing up a batch from scratch, air fryer biscuits deliver that golden crisp on the outside and soft center you crave—without the wait or the oven heat.
I’ve leaned on air fryer biscuits for quick breakfasts, comforting sides, and even leftovers turned sliders. They come through every time with consistency and ease. What I love most is how they adapt—serve them with soups, top them with sausage and eggs, or brush them with garlic butter for something extra.
So the next time you’re short on time but still want that homemade touch, fire up the basket and let air fryer biscuits do the heavy lifting. From my Texas kitchen to yours, this is how we make comfort food simple, fast, and downright delicious.
