Picture this: It’s a chilly Saturday morning, or maybe a busy weeknight. You’re craving that warm, fluffy, buttery goodness of a freshly baked biscuit. But the thought of preheating your big oven, waiting forever, and heating up the whole kitchen just for a few biscuits feels like too much work.
What if I told you there’s a way to get perfectly golden-brown, flaky biscuits with a soft, steamy center in under 15 minutes? Enter your kitchen’s superhero: the air fryer.
Learning how to cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer is a complete game-changer. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and honestly, the results are incredible. The circulating hot air creates a wonderfully crisp exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender and cooked through. Forget dry, hockey-puck biscuits or those that are burnt on top and raw in the middle. We’re about to unlock the secret to flawless biscuits every single time.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the simple step-by-step process to pro-tips that will make you a true air fryer biscuit master.
Why the Air Fryer is Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Biscuits
Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” You might be skeptical. Can a small countertop appliance really outperform a traditional oven? When it comes to frozen biscuits, the answer is a resounding yes!
- Speed is Everything: An air fryer preheats in just a few minutes, compared to the 10-15 minutes your conventional oven needs. The total cook time is also significantly shorter. You can go from freezer to plate in about 12 minutes.
- Unbeatable Texture: The magic of an air fryer is its powerful fan that circulates hot air all around the food. This creates a beautifully crisp, golden-brown crust on your biscuits that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven without overbaking them. Inside? They stay wonderfully soft and fluffy.
- Energy Efficiency: Why heat a giant oven box for just a handful of biscuits? An air fryer uses a fraction of the energy, which is great for your utility bill and the environment.
- No More Hot Kitchens: On a warm day, the last thing you want is an oven blasting heat into your kitchen. The air fryer contains the heat, keeping your cooking space comfortable.
- Incredibly Forgiving: Once you get the timing down for your specific model, the process is almost foolproof. It’s much harder to burn them, especially with our tips.
What You’ll Need (The Bare Essentials)
The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients.
- Your Air Fryer: Any brand or model will work, whether it’s a basket-style or an oven-style air fryer. We’ll cover how to adjust for different types.
- Frozen Biscuits: This method works for all kinds of frozen, ready-to-bake biscuits. This includes popular brands like Pillsbury Grands! Frozen Biscuits, Mary B’s, or any generic store brand. Whether they are buttermilk, flaky layers, or Southern style, the process is the same.
- Optional but Recommended:
- Parchment Paper: Specifically, perforated air fryer parchment paper liners. These are a lifesaver for easy cleanup and prevent the biscuit dough from sticking, but the holes still allow for proper air circulation.
- Melted Butter: For brushing on top after they’re cooked. This is the secret to that glossy, bakery-fresh look and an extra layer of delicious flavor.
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Ready to make the best frozen biscuits of your life? Let’s get started. Follow these simple steps for flawless results.
Step 1: To Preheat or Not to Preheat?
This is a common question in the air fryer world. For frozen biscuits, a short preheat is highly recommended. It helps the biscuits start cooking immediately and rise evenly.
Action: Set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. This lower temperature is crucial—if you go too hot, the tops will burn before the center has a chance to cook.
Step 2: Preparing Your Biscuits and Basket
While the air fryer is preheating, get your biscuits ready.
Action: Place a perforated parchment liner in your air fryer basket if you’re using one. Then, arrange the frozen biscuits in a single layer inside the basket.
The Golden Rule: Give Them Space!
Do not overcrowd the basket! This is the most important rule of air frying. The biscuits need space for the hot air to circulate around them completely. If they are touching, the sides will be gummy and undercooked. Leave at least an inch of space between each biscuit. Cook in batches if you need to.
Step 3: Setting the Perfect Time and Temperature
Now for the magic numbers. As we mentioned, a lower temperature is key to avoiding the dreaded “burnt top, doughy middle” syndrome.
Action: Place the basket with the biscuits into the preheated air fryer. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 8 to 12 minutes.
The exact time will depend on the size of your biscuits and the power of your air fryer model. Larger, thicker biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands!) will likely need closer to 12 minutes, while smaller biscuits might be done in 8.
Step 4: The Mid-Cook Flip (The Secret to Even Browning)
To ensure both the top and bottom of your biscuits are perfectly golden and cooked through, you need to flip them.
Action: About halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark), pause the air fryer and carefully use tongs to flip each biscuit over. This allows the bottom to get direct heat and become just as golden as the top.
Step 5: Checking for Doneness
After the timer goes off, it’s time to check if your biscuits are ready for their close-up.
How to Check:
- Look: They should be a beautiful, deep golden-brown on both sides.
- Feel: They should feel firm to the touch, not squishy or doughy.
- Listen: A perfectly cooked biscuit will sound hollow if you give it a light tap on the bottom.
- The Toothpick Test: For ultimate certainty, you can insert a toothpick into the center of the thickest biscuit. If it comes out clean with no wet dough attached, they are done!
If they need another minute or two, pop them back in. It’s better to add one minute at a time than to overcook them.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
This final step is optional, but it takes your biscuits from great to absolutely irresistible.
Action: As soon as you remove the hot biscuits from the air fryer, use a pastry brush to gently brush their tops with a little melted butter. The biscuits will soak it right up, adding moisture, flavor, and a beautiful shine. Serve immediately while they’re hot and steamy!
Pro-Tips for Flawless Air Fryer Biscuits Every Time
You’ve got the basic method down. Now, let’s elevate your biscuit game with a few expert tips that address common issues.
Don’t Crowd the Basket
I’m saying it again because it’s that important. Air frying is all about airflow. Overloading the basket blocks that flow, resulting in unevenly cooked food. For a standard-sized air fryer, 4-6 biscuits is usually the sweet spot.
Know Your Air Fryer
Every air fryer is a little different. Some run hotter, some have stronger fans. The first time you make biscuits, think of it as a test run. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking. You might find that your machine needs 9 minutes instead of 11, or 320°F instead of 330°F. Make a note of what works for your model!
The Parchment Paper Trick
If you don’t have perforated parchment liners, you can make your own! Just take a regular piece of parchment paper, trim it to fit your basket, and poke several holes in it with a skewer or hole punch. Never place the parchment paper in the air fryer during preheating without food on it—the fan can blow it up into the heating element, creating a fire hazard.
Adjusting for Biscuit Size and Type
Not all biscuits are created equal. Smaller, thinner biscuits will cook much faster. Start checking them around the 6-minute mark. Giant, extra-thick “jumbo” biscuits might need a couple of extra minutes. The key is to keep the temperature low and adjust the time as needed.
What to Do if They’re Browning Too Fast
If you notice the tops of your biscuits getting too dark before the cooking time is up, your air fryer might run hot. You can loosely cover the tops with a small piece of aluminum foil for the last few minutes of cooking. This shields them from the direct heat while allowing the insides to finish cooking.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Air Fryer Biscuits
Now that you’re an expert at making them, what should you do with them? The possibilities are endless!
Quick Breakfast Sandwiches
Split a warm biscuit and fill it with a folded egg, a slice of cheese, and a sausage patty or bacon. You can even warm the sausage patty in the air fryer! It’s a delicious, hearty breakfast in minutes.
Mini Biscuit Pizzas
For a fun lunch or snack, split a cooked biscuit. Top it with a spoonful of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a few mini pepperonis. Pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Treats
As soon as the biscuits come out of the air fryer, brush them with melted butter and immediately dredge them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. They taste like a cross between a biscuit and a doughnut—absolutely divine!
The Foundation for Classic Biscuits and Gravy
These air fryer biscuits are the perfect vessel for a generous ladle of savory sausage gravy. The crisp exterior holds up beautifully to the creamy gravy, making for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about making frozen biscuits in an air fryer.
Do I have to preheat my air fryer for frozen biscuits?
You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended. A 2-3 minute preheat ensures the cooking environment is hot from the start, which helps the biscuits rise better and cook more evenly. If you skip preheating, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the total cook time.
Can I use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil, but parchment paper is generally better for this task. If you use foil, be sure to poke holes in it to allow air to circulate. Otherwise, the bottoms of the biscuits may end up soggy. Also, some acidic foods can react with foil, though that’s not a concern with biscuits.
Why are my biscuits still doughy in the middle but burnt on top?
This is the most common problem, and it’s almost always caused by the temperature being too high. Air fryers cook from the top down, so a high temperature will scorch the surface before the heat has time to penetrate and cook the dense center. Lower your temperature to 320°F-330°F (160°C-165°C) and cook them a little longer.
How do I cook Pillsbury Grands! frozen biscuits in the air fryer?
This is a popular question! For Pillsbury Grands! or other large, flaky biscuits, the method is the same, but you’ll be on the higher end of the time estimate.
- Temperature: 330°F (165°C)
- Time: 10-14 minutes
- Flip: Flip them after 6-7 minutes.
- Because they are thick, a toothpick test is the best way to ensure they are fully cooked inside.
How many frozen biscuits can I cook at once?
This depends entirely on the size of your air fryer. The key is to keep them in a single layer with space between each one.
- Small (3-4 quart) Air Fryer: 3-4 biscuits
- Medium (5-6 quart) Air Fryer: 4-6 biscuits
- Large (7+ quart) or Oven-Style Air Fryer: 6-8 biscuits or more
How do I reheat leftover biscuits in the air fryer?
The air fryer is fantastic for reheating biscuits! It brings them back to life without making them tough like a microwave does. Place the leftover biscuits in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-4 minutes, just until they are warmed through and the crust is crisp again.
Final Thoughts
The air fryer isn’t just for French fries and chicken wings. It is an incredibly versatile tool that can simplify so many daily cooking tasks, and making perfect frozen biscuits is one of its greatest talents. By using a lower temperature, giving the biscuits space to breathe, and flipping them halfway through, you can achieve results that are faster and arguably better than a conventional oven.
So next time that craving for a warm, buttery biscuit hits, don’t hesitate. Grab that bag of biscuits from the freezer and put your air fryer to work. You’re just 12 short minutes away from flaky, golden perfection. Happy cooking
