How To Cook Biscuits In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

Recommended Equipments:

Biscuits are a quintessential comfort food, their golden, flaky layers offering warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Traditionally baked in an oven, biscuits can now be prepared conveniently and efficiently in an air fryer, which harnesses hot circulating air to produce a crisp exterior and soft, tender interior. Air frying biscuits not only reduces cooking time but also provides a beautifully uniform browning that rivals traditional methods. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a side for dinner, mastering air fryer biscuits can elevate your home cooking while saving both time and energy.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Biscuits In Air Fryer

Temperature plays a critical role in biscuit preparation. Setting your air fryer to the ideal heat ensures biscuits cook evenly, rise properly, and develop a golden-brown crust without drying out. For most biscuits, the optimal temperature is 350°F (175°C). This temperature strikes a perfect balance: it allows the exterior to crisp up while giving the interior enough time to cook through fully.

For frozen biscuits, a slightly higher temperature, around 360-370°F (182-188°C), may help achieve a golden exterior without overcooking the center. However, delicate, homemade biscuits with high butter content should generally remain around 350°F to prevent scorching.

How Long To Cook Biscuits In Air Fryer

Cooking time in an air fryer is significantly shorter than in a traditional oven. Fresh or homemade biscuits usually require 8-12 minutes, depending on size and thickness. Frozen biscuits may need 10-15 minutes, as they require additional time to thaw and cook through.

It’s important to remember that air fryer models vary, and hot spots may affect cooking times. Starting with a slightly shorter time and checking for doneness is the safest approach. Rotating the basket halfway through cooking can also promote even browning.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Perfectly cooked biscuits have a firm yet tender exterior and a fluffy, airy interior. Here are some reliable indicators:

• Color: The top should be a deep golden brown, and the bottom should have a slightly lighter but equally firm hue.
• Texture: Gently press the top of a biscuit. It should spring back slightly, indicating the interior is fully cooked and not doughy.
• Internal Check: If uncertain, you can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no sticky dough clinging, the biscuits are done.

Avoid relying solely on visual cues, as air fryers can brown foods faster than conventional ovens.

Ingredients Needed

To make air fryer biscuits, you will need basic baking ingredients. A simple recipe includes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – for structure and tenderness
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – to help biscuits rise
• 1 teaspoon salt – for flavor
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – chilled and cut into cubes for flakiness
• 3/4 cup milk – or buttermilk for richer flavor
• Optional: sugar, herbs, or cheese for added taste

These ingredients create a classic biscuit base, but you can experiment with mix-ins such as shredded cheese, garlic powder, or chopped herbs.

How To Cook Biscuits In Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for fresh biscuits. Preheating ensures even cooking.
2. Prepare the Dough: Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk gradually until dough forms.
3. Shape Biscuits: Roll out dough to about 1/2-3/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or knife.
4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place biscuits in the basket, leaving 1 inch of space between them to allow for expansion.
5. Cook: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, checking halfway for even browning.
6. Cool Slightly: Remove biscuits and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Changing the temperature can dramatically alter the texture and doneness:

• Lower temperature (325°F / 163°C): Biscuits may cook more slowly, resulting in lighter color and a softer crust. Excellent for very delicate or buttery biscuits but may reduce browning.
• Higher temperature (375-400°F / 190-204°C): The exterior will brown faster, but there’s a risk of an undercooked center. You may need to reduce cooking time or lower the temperature halfway through.

It’s best to adjust gradually and observe the results for your specific air fryer.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking time adjustments impact both texture and doneness:

• Shorter time: Biscuits may appear done on the outside but remain doughy inside. Use a toothpick or press test to check.
• Longer time: Overcooked biscuits may be dry or overly browned. If using longer time, reduce the temperature slightly to prevent burning.

Always start on the lower end of suggested cooking times and increase gradually, especially with new air fryer models.

When Things Go Wrong

Even experienced cooks face hiccups:

• Undercooked biscuits: Likely from too high a temperature or insufficient cooking time. Reduce temperature and add 2-3 minutes.
• Overly dry biscuits: Could be overcooked or made with too little fat. Lower temperature and reduce cooking time next attempt.
• Uneven browning: Often caused by overcrowding the basket. Ensure biscuits have space for air circulation and rotate the basket halfway.

Expert Tips

• Do not skip preheating; air fryers cook unevenly when cold.
• Chill your butter and dough for flakier layers.
• Rotate the basket halfway to avoid hot spots.
• Add moisture: Brushing tops with milk or melted butter before cooking can enhance browning.
• Experiment with spacing: Crowding can cause biscuits to stick together or cook unevenly.

FAQs

What Type Of Biscuits Can I Cook In An Air Fryer?

You can cook a variety of biscuits in an air fryer, including refrigerated pre-made biscuits, homemade dough biscuits, and even frozen biscuit dough. Both sweet and savory biscuit recipes work well, but cooking times may vary depending on size and thickness.

Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer Before Cooking Biscuits?

Yes, preheating the air fryer is recommended for even cooking and proper browning. Most air fryers reach optimal temperature in 2-5 minutes, usually around 350-400°F (175-200°C) for biscuits.

How Long Should Biscuits Be Cooked In An Air Fryer?

Cooking times generally range from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on biscuit size, dough type, and air fryer model. Check for a golden-brown top and a fully cooked center. Smaller biscuits may cook faster, while larger or thicker ones may need extra minutes.

Do I Need To Grease The Air Fryer Basket For Biscuits?

It is recommended to lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Avoid heavy greasing, as biscuits may become overly oily.

Can I Cook Multiple Biscuits At The Same Time?

Yes, but arrange biscuits in a single layer with space between each one for proper air circulation. Crowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and less crispy edges.

How Do I Know When Biscuits Are Fully Cooked In The Air Fryer?

Biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and have a firm, slightly springy texture. You can also gently insert a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean without raw dough.

Can I Reheat Leftover Biscuits In The Air Fryer?

Yes, leftover biscuits can be reheated in the air fryer at 300-325°F (150-165°C) for 3-5 minutes. This method restores crispiness without drying out the interior, unlike microwaving, which can make biscuits soggy.