Air fryer biscuits are one of the quickest and most reliable ways to make warm, fluffy, golden biscuits with crisp buttery tops and tender layers inside. Once you try it, you’ll be amazed how the air fryer creates beautifully risen and tender biscuits in a fraction of the time and effort. Read all the details below.
We love biscuits! We have so many biscuits recipes on this website and they’re all detailed in step by step instructions, video and FULL expert tips.
Making biscuits in the air fryer is our new obsession! We’ve been testing so MANY recipes and techniques and we have found THE ONE!
Air fryer biscuits are soft, fluffy, buttery biscuits cooked entirely in an air fryer, giving you crisp golden tops and tender interiors in nearly half the time of a traditional oven. Whether you’re using homemade dough or refrigerated biscuits, this method produces consistent, bakery quality results with faster preheat time, better browning control, and minimal cleanup.
Other biscuit recipes you need to try are those Drop Biscuits Recipe with cheese, Mayonnaise Biscuits which are just 3 ingredients and so GOOD! Homemade Drop Biscuits with blueberries are like coffee’s best friend. How To Make Biscuits With Cheddar and Rosemary is the original one!
What Are Air Fryer Biscuits?
Air fryer biscuits are biscuits baked using circulating hot air rather than a traditional oven. The powerful fan moves hot air around the biscuits, promoting faster surface browning a great lift, crisp exterior and even cooking.
The air fryer biscuits can be made with:
- Refrigerated canned biscuits like pillsbury biscuits
- Homemade buttermilk biscuits
- Frozen biscuits
- Gluten-free biscuits
- Cheese biscuits
Because the air fryer preheats quickly and cooks efficiently, biscuits become one of the easiest breads to prepare for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Biscuits
- This is such a QUICK recipe! The air fryer cooks and bakes faster than baking in a conventional oven, with no long preheat times.
- It works perfectly for canned, frozen, or homemade biscuits
- The textures are impeccable with fluffy interiors with crisp golden tops. The circulating heat creates a lightly crisp outer crust while keeping the interior soft and fluffy.
- Minimal cleanup is needed here so it’s super convenient.
- Great for small batches so you don’t need to heat a huge oven.
- It’s made of simple ingredients that you can find at home.
- Excellent for breakfast, brunch, and dinner
- Beginner friendly recipe that’s so versatile.
Ingredients You Need
- All Purpose Flour: Forms the structure and creates the classic biscuit crumb when making the biscuits from scratch.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Supply the leavening that makes biscuits rise tall and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough structure.
- Butter: Brushed over the tops before or after cooking to add flavor and enhance browning.
- Buttermilk: Provides acidity and tenderness while helping activate baking soda.
- Refrigerated canned biscuits: If nor making the biscuits recipe from scratch then you can use the frozen biscuits or canned. They are the fastest and most convenient option.
How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits
Biscuits From Scratch
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Whisk together the flour mixture until blended.
- Add in the cold butter pieces.
- You can use a food processor for this or a pastry cutter or your hands.
- Once all the flour is coated in the butter and the mixture feels like coarse crumbs with pea size butter pieces, it’s ready.
- Add in the buttermilk right into the bowl of the coarse butter and flour mixture.
Shape The Dough
- Use a fork or your hands or food processor to make the dough and add it to a flat surface and then cut the dough into 3 equal pieces.
- Add the pieces on top of each other and roll them together. This creates a layered fluffy biscuit.
- Roll the dough into a half inch thick dough.
- Now use your favorite cookie cutter shape and cut the biscuits out of the dough.
Use a fork or your hands or food processor to make the dough and add it to a flat surface and then cut the dough into 3 equal pieces.
Air Fry The Biscuits
- Preheat air fryer to 390-400°F for just 3 minutes.
- Arrange the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook 8–12 minutes depending on size until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Once the biscuits are out of the oven and still warm, brush some melted butter on top evenly over the cooked biscuits.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Canned Biscuits Instructions
- Preheat to 390°F.
- Place biscuits spaced apart (they expand significantly).
- Cook 6–10 minutes.
- If tops brown too quickly, reduce heat slightly.
Frozen Biscuits Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F.
- Place frozen biscuits directly in basket.
- Cook 12–16 minutes, the pillsbury grands biscuits are significantly larger in size.
- Flip halfway for even browning if needed.
Expert Pro Tips
- Do not overcrowd the basket for air flow and because biscuits rise and expand during baking.
- Use a basket type or oven type air fryer depending on the size.
- Preheat the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes.
- Start checking early because air fryers vary significantly.
- If making the dough from scratch, use cold butter, always.
- Use a food processor or hands to rub the butter into the flour.
- Add cold buttermilk as well so the dough remains cold.
- Cut the dough into thirds and stack them to create layers.
- Brush with butter after cooking for the best flavor and shine.
- If the tops brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
- Serve immediately for the fluffiest texture.Air Fryer Cheddar Biscuits
Variations Of Air Fryer Biscuits
- Garlic Herb Biscuits: Add your favorite garlic herb seasoning or some herbs and Roasted Garlic.
- Drop Biscuits: Follow the recipe for this Drop Biscuits Recipe
- Air fryer canned biscuits :The fastest and most popular method using refrigerated dough.
- Air fryer frozen biscuits: Cooks straight from the freezer with excellent results.
- Cheese biscuits: Includes cheddar and herbs for extra richness.
- Gluten-free Air fryer biscuits: Uses gluten-free flour blends for dietary needs.
- Sweet Air Fryer Biscuits with Honey: Use honey instead of sugar and serve with some whipped honey!
Why Air Fryers Bake So Efficiently
An Air fryer circulates concentrated hot air around the biscuits, which speeds up evaporation, promotes rapid rise, and creates a beautifully golden crust.
Why Cold Dough Produces Taller Biscuits
Cold butter and chilled dough release steam as they bake, separating the layers and helping the biscuits rise higher.
Why You Should Leave Space Between Biscuits
Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate around each biscuit, ensuring even cooking and preventing doughy centers.
Why Butter Is Brushed On After Cooking
Applying melted butter while the biscuits are still hot adds flavor and keeps the crust tender and glossy.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Biscuits
- Biscuits Are Doughy in the Center: They need more cooking time, or the biscuits were placed too close together.
- Tops Brown Too Quickly: Lower the cooking temperature slightly or loosely cover the tops with foil if your air fryer allows it safely.
- Biscuits Did Not Rise: The dough was overworked, the butter was too warm, or the baking powder was no longer active.
- Bottoms Are Too Dark: The temperature was too high or the basket was preheated excessively.
- Biscuits Stuck to the Basket: Use a light coating of oil or perforated parchment paper.
- Biscuits Are Dry: They were overcooked or not brushed with butter after baking.
- Frozen Biscuits Cooked Unevenly: Increase spacing and add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooled biscuits up to 2 months.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes, this restores crisp edges without drying interior.
- Avoid microwave if possible, it makes them rubbery.
How long do biscuits take in the air fryer?
Typically 6–12 minutes depending on size and type.
What temperature is best for air fryer biscuits?
350-400°F works best for even cooking.
Do you need to flip biscuits in the air fryer?
No, flipping is not necessary.
Can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?
Yes. They cook beautifully and often faster than in an oven.
Why are my air fryer biscuits doughy?
They likely need lower heat and slightly longer cook time.
Can I use parchment paper?
Yes, but only air fryer safe parchment with holes for airflow.
Can I make biscuits ahead?
Yes. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Are air fryer biscuits healthier?
They are not lower in calories, they simply cook faster and more efficiently.
Can you cook biscuits in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fryers are one of the easiest and fastest ways to bake biscuits with excellent rise and browning.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is helpful but not always required. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can I cook frozen biscuits without thawing?
Yes. Frozen biscuits can go directly into the air fryer and simply require a few extra minutes.
Are air fryer biscuits as good as oven biscuits?
Yes. Many cooks find they are even better because the circulating hot air creates crisp tops and fluffy centers.
Biscuit Recipes
Drop Biscuits Recipe
Mayonnaise Biscuits
Homemade Drop Biscuits
How To Make Biscuits With Cheddar Rosemary & Cranberries
Air Fryer Recipes
Frozen Broccoli In Air Fryer
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Steak Bites
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cup Flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspon salt
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 6 Tablespoons Butter cold, cut into half inch pieces
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk cold
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
-
Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
-
Whisk together the flour mixture until blended.
-
Add in the cold butter pieces.
-
You can use a food processor for this or a pastry cutter or your hands.
-
Once all the flour is coated in the butter and the mixture feels like coarse crumbs with pea size butter pieces, it's ready.
-
Add in the buttermilk right into the bowl of the coarse butter and flour mixture.
-
Shape The Dough
-
Use a fork or your hands or food processor to make the dough and add it to a flat surface and then cut the dough into 3 equal pieces.
-
Add the pieces on top of each other and roll them together. This creates a layered fluffy biscuit.
-
Roll the dough into a half inch thick dough.
-
Now use your favorite cookie cutter shape and cut the biscuits out of the dough.
-
Preheat air fryer to 390-400°F for just 3 minutes.
-
Arrange the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
-
Cook 8–12 minutes depending on size until the biscuits are golden brown.
-
Once the biscuits are out of the oven and still warm, brush some melted butter on top evenly over the cooked biscuits.
-
Cool slightly before serving.
-
Canned Biscuits Instructions
-
Preheat to 390°F.
-
Place biscuits spaced apart (they expand significantly).
-
Cook 6–10 minutes.
-
If tops brown too quickly, reduce heat slightly.
-
Frozen Biscuits Instructions
-
Preheat to 350°F.
-
Place frozen biscuits directly in basket.
-
Cook 12–16 minutes, the pillsbury grands biscuits are significantly larger in size.
-
Flip halfway for even browning if needed.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Expert Pro Tips For Air Fryer Biscuits
- Do not overcrowd the basket for air flow and because biscuits rise and expand during baking.
- Use a basket type or oven type air fryer depending on the size.
- Preheat the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes.
- Start checking early because air fryers vary significantly.
- If making the dough from scratch, use cold butter, always.
- Use a food processor or hands to rub the butter into the flour.
- Add cold buttermilk as well so the dough remains cold.
- Cut the dough into thirds and stack them to create layers.
- Brush with butter after cooking for the best flavor and shine.
- If the tops brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
- Serve immediately for the fluffiest texture.Air Fryer Cheddar Biscuits
Variations Of Air Fryer Biscuits
- Garlic Herb Biscuits: Add your favorite garlic herb seasoning or some herbs and Roasted Garlic.
- Drop Biscuits: Follow the recipe for this Drop Biscuits Recipe
- Air fryer canned biscuits :The fastest and most popular method using refrigerated dough.
- Air fryer frozen biscuits: Cooks straight from the freezer with excellent results.
- Cheese biscuits: Includes cheddar and herbs for extra richness.
- Gluten-free Air fryer biscuits: Uses gluten-free flour blends for dietary needs.
- Sweet Air Fryer Biscuits with Honey: Use honey instead of sugar and serve with some whipped honey!
Why Air Fryers Bake So Efficiently
An Air fryer circulates concentrated hot air around the biscuits, which speeds up evaporation, promotes rapid rise, and creates a beautifully golden crust.
Why Cold Dough Produces Taller Biscuits
Cold butter and chilled dough release steam as they bake, separating the layers and helping the biscuits rise higher.
Why You Should Leave Space Between Biscuits
Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate around each biscuit, ensuring even cooking and preventing doughy centers.
Why Butter Is Brushed On After Cooking
Applying melted butter while the biscuits are still hot adds flavor and keeps the crust tender and glossy.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Biscuits
- Biscuits Are Doughy in the Center: They need more cooking time, or the biscuits were placed too close together.
- Tops Brown Too Quickly: Lower the cooking temperature slightly or loosely cover the tops with foil if your air fryer allows it safely.
- Biscuits Did Not Rise: The dough was overworked, the butter was too warm, or the baking powder was no longer active.
- Bottoms Are Too Dark: The temperature was too high or the basket was preheated excessively.
- Biscuits Stuck to the Basket: Use a light coating of oil or perforated parchment paper.
- Biscuits Are Dry: They were overcooked or not brushed with butter after baking.
- Frozen Biscuits Cooked Unevenly: Increase spacing and add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooled biscuits up to 2 months.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes, this restores crisp edges without drying interior.
- Avoid microwave if possible, it makes them rubbery.
How long do biscuits take in the air fryer?
Typically 6–12 minutes depending on size and type.
What temperature is best for air fryer biscuits?
350-400°F works best for even cooking.
Do you need to flip biscuits in the air fryer?
No, flipping is not necessary.
Can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer?
Yes. They cook beautifully and often faster than in an oven.
Why are my air fryer biscuits doughy?
They likely need lower heat and slightly longer cook time.
Can I use parchment paper?
Yes, but only air fryer safe parchment with holes for airflow.
Can I make biscuits ahead?
Yes. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Are air fryer biscuits healthier?
They are not lower in calories, they simply cook faster and more efficiently.
Can you cook biscuits in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fryers are one of the easiest and fastest ways to bake biscuits with excellent rise and browning.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is helpful but not always required. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I cook frozen biscuits without thawing?
Yes. Frozen biscuits can go directly into the air fryer and simply require a few extra minutes.
Are air fryer biscuits as good as oven biscuits?
Yes. Many cooks find they are even better because the circulating hot air creates crisp tops and fluffy centers.
Leave a Reply