How To Cook Mary Berry Biscuits In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Mary Berry, the legendary British baker renowned for her precision and mastery of classic recipes, has long inspired home bakers to elevate their baking game. Among her most adored creations are her biscuits-delicately crisp on the outside, tender and buttery on the inside, with a flavor that’s perfectly balanced. While traditionally baked in a conventional oven, air fryers have emerged as a modern solution for achieving that same golden perfection in a fraction of the time. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, which can transform Mary Berry’s classic biscuit recipe into a quick, fuss-free treat without compromising texture or flavor. In this guide, we’ll explore how to adapt Mary Berry’s biscuits for the air fryer, ensuring you achieve consistent results every time.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Mary Berry Biscuits In Air Fryer

Temperature control is crucial when air frying biscuits. Too high, and the exterior may brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked; too low, and the biscuits may become dry and unevenly cooked. For Mary Berry biscuits, the ideal air fryer temperature is 170-180°C (340-356°F).

This range allows the biscuits to cook evenly, promoting a lightly golden crust while keeping the center soft and tender. Some air fryers run hotter than others, so it’s wise to test the lower end of this temperature range first and adjust as necessary. Preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures the air circulation is stable and helps achieve that signature Mary Berry texture.

How Long To Cook Mary Berry Biscuits In Air Fryer

Cooking time in an air fryer is typically shorter than in a conventional oven due to the concentrated heat and rapid airflow. Mary Berry biscuits generally take 8-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer at the optimal temperature.

The exact time depends on factors such as:

• The size and thickness of your biscuits
• The efficiency and model of your air fryer
• Whether the biscuits are chilled before cooking

It’s better to start checking at the 8-minute mark. If they aren’t golden yet, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals to avoid overcooking.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Determining doneness in Mary Berry biscuits relies on both visual and tactile cues:

• Color: The biscuits should be a uniform light golden-brown on top.
• Texture: The edges should be firm but not overly hard, while the center remains slightly soft to the touch.
• Bottom Check: Carefully lift one biscuit-its base should be lightly golden and dry, not soggy or doughy.

Resist the temptation to overcook; biscuits continue to firm slightly as they cool, so removing them at the perfect golden stage ensures a tender interior.

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry biscuits in an air fryer, you will need:

• 225g (8 oz) plain flour
• 110g (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (3.5 oz) caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tbsp milk, if needed for consistency

Optional for decoration: a sprinkle of sugar or a light glaze after baking.

How To Cook Mary Berry Biscuits In Air Fryer

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour and baking powder until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then gently combine into a dough. If necessary, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to bring the dough together.
2. Shape the biscuits: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to shape as desired.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 175°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
4. Arrange biscuits: Place biscuits in the air fryer basket, ensuring a small gap between each to allow hot air circulation.
5. Cook: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, checking at 8 minutes for doneness. Adjust the time depending on the color and texture.
6. Cool: Remove and place on a wire rack to cool for at least 5 minutes. The biscuits will firm slightly as they cool.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Lower temperature (150-160°C / 300-320°F): Biscuits will cook more slowly, which can lead to a softer, lighter color. This might work for very delicate biscuits but risks undercooking if not extended.
• Higher temperature (190-200°C / 374-392°F): The biscuits may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw in the middle. You would need to reduce cooking time and monitor carefully to prevent burning.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

• Shorter time (<8 minutes): The biscuits will be undercooked and doughy in the center.
• Longer time (>12 minutes): They risk becoming hard, dry, and overly browned. Always check visually and by touch rather than relying solely on the timer.

When Things Go Wrong

Even experienced bakers encounter air fryer mishaps. Common issues include:

• Undercooked centers: Usually caused by high temperature or overcrowding. Remove a biscuit and test for doneness; reduce temperature and cook in smaller batches.
• Over-browning: Caused by too high a temperature. Lower the temperature and cover the biscuits loosely with foil if necessary.
• Uneven cooking: Ensure the basket isn’t overcrowded, and rotate or shake halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hotspots.

Expert Tips

1. Chill the dough: Refrigerating for 20-30 minutes makes the dough easier to handle and helps maintain shape.
2. Avoid overcrowding: Biscuits need space for hot air circulation to cook evenly.
3. Use parchment paper or a silicone mat: This prevents sticking and makes cleaning easier.
4. Rotate halfway: Some air fryers have uneven heating; turning the basket ensures consistent browning.
5. Experiment with thickness: Thinner biscuits cook faster and are crispier, while thicker ones are softer inside.

FAQs

Can I Bake Mary Berry Biscuits In An Air Fryer Instead Of A Conventional Oven?

Yes, Mary Berry biscuits can be successfully baked in an air fryer. The air fryer circulates hot air around the biscuits, providing a crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft. It is particularly useful for small batches and quicker cooking times.

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To When Cooking Mary Berry Biscuits?

Set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for most Mary Berry biscuit recipes. This temperature allows even baking without burning the biscuits. However, keep in mind that air fryer models can vary, so slight adjustments may be necessary.

How Long Do Mary Berry Biscuits Take To Cook In An Air Fryer?

Cooking time is generally between 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the biscuits and the specific air fryer model. Check for a light golden-brown color on the top and a firm texture before removing them.

Do I Need To Preheat My Air Fryer Before Baking Mary Berry Biscuits?

Preheating is recommended for consistent results. Preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at the desired temperature before placing the biscuits inside. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the correct texture.

Should I Line The Air Fryer Basket Or Tray When Baking Biscuits?

Yes, lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or using a silicone mat helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Ensure the paper does not block airflow around the biscuits, as proper circulation is necessary for even cooking.

Can I Bake Multiple Batches Of Mary Berry Biscuits In An Air Fryer At Once?

It is possible, but you should avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave enough space between biscuits for hot air to circulate, usually 1-2 cm. If necessary, bake in multiple smaller batches for optimal results.

How Can I Tell When Mary Berry Biscuits Are Perfectly Cooked In An Air Fryer?

The biscuits are ready when they are golden brown on top, slightly firm to the touch, and have a crisp edge while remaining soft inside. Overbaking can make them dry, so it is better to check a few minutes before the recommended cooking time.