Grands Biscuits, with their pillowy layers, buttery aroma, and golden crust, have long been a breakfast staple in American households. Traditionally baked in the oven, these biscuits have made a seamless transition into modern kitchens, especially with the rising popularity of air fryers. Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also gives Grands Biscuits a uniquely crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, flaky interior. This method is perfect for anyone seeking a convenient, efficient, and delicious way to enjoy freshly baked biscuits without heating an entire oven. Understanding the nuances of temperature, timing, and technique is essential to achieving biscuits that are tender inside and lightly browned outside.
Temperature is arguably the most critical factor when baking biscuits in an air fryer. For Grands Biscuits, an ideal range is 325°F to 350°F (163°C to 177°C). This temperature range allows the biscuits to rise evenly while forming a delicate, golden-brown crust. Lower temperatures can result in undercooked, doughy centers, while higher temperatures may quickly brown the exterior but leave the inside raw. Preheating the air fryer is highly recommended; it ensures consistent heat circulation and helps the biscuits achieve that signature flaky texture without sticking to the basket or pan.

Cooking time varies slightly depending on the air fryer model, biscuit size, and batch quantity. On average, Grands Biscuits require 8 to 12 minutes to cook fully in an air fryer. It’s best to start checking at the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking. Factors such as biscuit thickness, dough temperature, and whether the biscuits are frozen or refrigerated can slightly adjust cooking time. Lightly rotating the basket midway through baking can promote even browning on all sides, preventing the bottom from burning while the top remains pale.
Perfectly cooked Grands Biscuits should exhibit a light golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. To test doneness, gently press the top of a biscuit; it should spring back without leaving an indentation. Another reliable method is to insert a toothpick into the center: if it comes out clean, the biscuit is done. Overbaking can lead to a dry, tough texture, while underbaking leaves the center doughy and dense. Relying on visual and tactile cues is key, especially since air fryers can vary in heat intensity.
Cooking Grands Biscuits in an air fryer doesn’t require additional ingredients beyond the biscuits themselves, but a few optional items can enhance flavor and texture:
Using melted butter after air frying can impart an extra layer of richness and help the biscuits shine with a golden finish.
Using a lower temperature than recommended (e.g., 300°F/149°C) will slow down baking, resulting in pale, dense biscuits. Conversely, using a higher temperature (e.g., 375°F/190°C or more) can rapidly brown the exterior while leaving the center raw. Adjusting the temperature requires careful monitoring: lower temperatures need longer cook times, while higher temperatures need shorter times. Always check visually and with a toothpick to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Shorter cooking times may leave biscuits doughy, especially in the center, while excessively long cooking can dry them out and make them overly hard. If adjusting cooking time, reduce or increase in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently for doneness. Remember that factors like biscuit thickness and air fryer model can significantly affect timing, so flexibility and observation are essential.
Even experienced cooks can encounter problems:
Yes, Pillsbury Grands biscuits can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer provides a fast and even cooking method, resulting in biscuits that are golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the biscuits to cook through evenly without burning the exterior.
Cook the biscuits for 8-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. Check at 8 minutes and continue cooking if they are not golden brown or fully cooked.
It is recommended to lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the biscuits from sticking and ensures even browning.
Yes, but make sure to leave space between each biscuit to allow hot air to circulate. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
No, flipping is generally not necessary. The hot circulating air cooks the biscuits evenly on all sides. However, if you notice uneven browning, you can rotate the basket halfway through the cooking time.
The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They should feel firm but still soft when gently pressed.