Canned biscuits are one of those simple kitchen staples that promise quick, comforting baked goods with minimal effort. Traditionally baked in an oven, they deliver a fluffy interior with a golden-brown exterior, making them a breakfast favorite or a perfect accompaniment to soups and stews. However, in recent years, the air fryer has emerged as a revolutionary tool in modern kitchens, offering speed, efficiency, and a slightly crispier texture than traditional baking. Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around food, creating a consistent, golden finish without requiring large amounts of oil. Cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer isn’t just a convenient alternative; it can transform the biscuit’s texture, giving it a perfectly crispy outside and tender, airy inside. This guide delves deep into the science, timing, and technique required to achieve biscuit perfection in an air fryer.
The key to perfect air-fried biscuits lies in temperature control. The ideal temperature for cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer typically ranges from 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). This range is high enough to trigger the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for browning and developing rich, savory flavors on the biscuit’s surface, yet gentle enough to prevent the exterior from burning before the interior is fully cooked. Cooking at 350°F will yield a slightly softer, more tender biscuit, while 375°F encourages a crispier crust with a deep golden-brown hue. Going beyond 400°F can risk an overcooked exterior with an undercooked center, as the heat may be too intense for the biscuit dough to expand properly.

Cooking time depends on the size of the biscuits and the specific air fryer model, but a standard guideline is 8 to 12 minutes. Smaller biscuits might take closer to 8 minutes, whereas larger, thicker varieties may need up to 12 minutes for a fully cooked center. Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens due to their compact size and rapid air circulation, so it’s crucial to monitor them, especially the first few times. For even cooking, it’s recommended to rotate the basket halfway through the cooking time to prevent hot spots and ensure uniform browning.
Determining biscuit doneness requires careful observation and a combination of cues:
Cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer is delightfully simple. Here’s what you need:
1 can of refrigerated biscuits (standard size, usually 8 biscuits per can)
Optional enhancements for flavor or texture:
Altering the temperature can significantly affect the outcome:
Cooking time impacts moisture, texture, and color:
Even with the best instructions, mistakes happen:
Yes, you can cook canned biscuits directly from the can in an air fryer. Simply separate the biscuits and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have some space to expand. Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking.
The ideal temperature for cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer is typically 350°F (175°C). This allows the biscuits to cook evenly, achieving a golden-brown exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside.
Canned biscuits usually take about 8 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The exact time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. It is recommended to check them halfway through and adjust the time as needed.
Preheating the air fryer is optional but recommended for more consistent results. Preheating for 2-3 minutes at the cooking temperature ensures that the biscuits start cooking immediately and achieve an even golden-brown color.
It is not strictly necessary to grease the air fryer basket, especially if it has a non-stick coating. However, lightly greasing or using parchment paper can prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
It is best to cook biscuits in a single layer for even cooking. If you need to cook multiple batches, do them sequentially. Stacking biscuits may lead to uneven cooking and doughy centers.
Biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also use a toothpick to check the center: it should come out clean. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.