If you’ve ever wondered how to cook biscuits in an air fryer, the good news is that it’s quicker, cleaner, and often more consistent than using your oven. Whether you’re working with canned biscuits, frozen biscuits, or homemade dough, the air fryer can deliver soft, fluffy centers and crisp, golden tops in just minutes. As someone who’s tested countless air fryer brands and biscuit types, this guide will give you clear, fail-proof instructions for every method.
Before you preheat anything, let’s go through everything you need to know to get perfect biscuits every time.
Why Make Biscuits in an Air Fryer?
Oven baking works, but the air fryer offers major advantages:
- Faster cook time
- Better browning due to circulating air
- No heating the whole kitchen
- Perfect for small batches
- Easy to check halfway and adjust
The only rule? Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is what makes this method shine.
Quick Overview: Temperatures and Cook Times
Here’s a simple comparison chart so you can see exactly how long each type of biscuit takes in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Biscuit Cooking Times Comparison
| Biscuit Type | Temperature | Cook Time | Flip? | Notes |
| Canned / Refrigerated | 330°F (165°C) | 7–11 minutes | Yes | Regular: 7–9 min, Grands: 9–11 min |
| Frozen Biscuits | 325–350°F (160–175°C) | 14 minutes | Yes | 8 min one side + 6 min other side |
| Homemade Biscuits | 350°F (175°C) | 9–12 minutes | Optional | Great rise, check center for doneness |
| Reheating Biscuits | 300°F (150°C) | 2–4 minutes | No | Wrap in foil for soft reheating |
Now let’s get into the detailed steps for each method.
How to Cook Canned Biscuits in an Air Fryer
This is the easiest and most popular method. Pillsbury, Annie’s, Trader Joe’s, and other canned brands all work perfectly.
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your machine to 330°F (165°C).
If your model requires preheating, let it run for 3–5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Basket
Lightly spray with oil so the biscuits don’t stick.
Avoid parchment that’s not perforated—it blocks airflow.
3. Arrange the Biscuits
Place them in a single layer.
They should not touch; giving them space helps them rise properly.
4. Air Fry for 7–11 Minutes
- Standard-size biscuits: 7–9 minutes
- Larger “Grands”-style biscuits: 9–11 minutes
5. Flip Halfway
Flip at the 4–5 minute mark for even browning.
6. Check for Doneness
Golden brown outside, fully cooked center.
If the middle is still doughy, turn off the air fryer and let the biscuits sit inside for 1–2 minutes using residual heat.
This prevents burning while the inside finishes cooking.
How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Frozen biscuits can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer—no thawing needed.
1. Preheat
Set the air fryer to 325–350°F (160–175°C).
2. Arrange and Cook
Cook for 14 minutes total:
- 8 minutes on one side
- Flip
- 6 minutes on the other side
3. Check the Centers
Frozen biscuits are thicker, so check the middle before serving. If needed, add 2 more minutes at a lower heat.
How to Cook Homemade Biscuits in an Air Fryer
If you’re making biscuits from scratch, the air fryer still delivers bakery-style results.
1. Preheat
Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Basket
Use a light coating of nonstick spray or perforated parchment paper.
3. Arrange the Dough
Place biscuits in a single layer without touching.
Homemade dough expands more than canned biscuits.
4. Cook for 9–12 Minutes
Check them around the 9-minute mark.
They should rise nicely and turn golden on top.
5. Brush With Butter
While warm, brush with melted butter for a glossy finish.
How to Reheat Biscuits in an Air Fryer
If you have leftover biscuits, reheating them in the air fryer keeps them flaky instead of soggy.
Reheating Instructions
- Place biscuits in the basket
- Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 2–4 minutes
- For softer biscuits: wrap them loosely in foil
- For crispier biscuits: reheat without foil
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using Too High a Temperature
This causes biscuits to brown too quickly on top but stay raw inside.
Stick with 330–350°F for best results.
Overcrowding the Basket
Air needs to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
Not Checking Early
Different air fryers cook at different intensities. Always check 2–3 minutes before the timer ends the first time you try a new brand.
Skipping the Flip
Flipping improves browning and eliminates doughy bottoms.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If…
The tops burn but the middle is raw
- Lower the temperature by 15–20 degrees
- Cover lightly with perforated parchment
- Allow biscuits to sit in a turned-off air fryer for 1–2 minutes
The biscuits come out too dry
- Reduce cook time slightly
- Brush with butter immediately after cooking
- Store properly if reheating
The bottoms are too pale
Add a minute or two after flipping, or use a darker air fryer basket.
Which Air Fryer Works Best for Biscuits?
Basket-Style Air Fryers
Great for crisp bottoms; cook time tends to be a bit shorter.
Oven-Style Air Fryers
More room, better airflow; may add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
Dual-Basket Air Fryers
Work well but tend to brown unevenly if only one basket is used.
If your model allows, preheat both sides for better balance.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits
- Let biscuits cool for 2 minutes before serving to allow the centers to set
- For homemade dough, chill the dough before cooking for better lift
- Avoid using aluminum foil (blocks airflow)
- Rotate the basket during cooking for even browning
- Use parchment sparingly and only when perforated
These small steps make a noticeable difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I stack biscuits in the air fryer?
No. Stacking blocks airflow and leads to doughy, uneven cooking. Always cook in a single layer.
2. Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?
Yes, especially with homemade or canned biscuits. A light spray helps prevent sticking and improves browning.
3. Is preheating necessary?
Some air fryers require it; others heat quickly. For consistent results, it’s best to preheat for 3–5 minutes.
4. Can I bake air fryer biscuits without flipping?
You can, but flipping halfway ensures even color and texture. For best results, always flip.
5. Why are my biscuits still raw in the middle?
Either the temperature was too high or the biscuits were overcrowded. Lower the heat slightly or cook in batches.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Air Fryer Biscuits
Learning how to cook biscuits in an air fryer is a game changer, fast, reliable, and surprisingly foolproof. With the right temperature, spacing, and quick mid-cook check, you’ll get fluffy, golden biscuits every time. Whether you’re heating up canned biscuits, going straight from frozen, or baking from scratch, the air fryer makes the process easier than ever. Use this guide as your reference, try different biscuit types, and adjust times based on your specific air fryer model. Once you get the hang of it, the results are consistently excellent.
