Cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer is fast, easy, and gives you golden, fluffy biscuits with almost no effort. Air fry frozen biscuits at 340°F for 8–12 minutes until golden brown and fully heated inside.
If you've ever pulled a can of biscuits out of the fridge wondering if there's a faster way to get them on the table, the air fryer is your new best friend. I've been baking frozen biscuits this way for years now, and I honestly can't remember the last time I turned on my oven just for a batch. The hot air circulates around each biscuit, giving you that beautiful crispy outside and soft, pillowy inside, all in less than 15 minutes. Whether it's a lazy Sunday breakfast or a quick dinner side, this method never lets me down.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything I wish I'd known from the start. From picking the right biscuits to avoiding common mistakes, you'll get the full picture. By the end, you'll feel confident enough to skip the oven forever.
Why Air Fry Frozen Biscuits Instead of Baking Them
Let me be real with you, the oven works fine. But the air fryer does it better in almost every way that matters when you're hungry and short on time.
The air fryer preheats in about 3 minutes. My oven takes 10 to 15. That's a huge difference when you're trying to feed hungry kids or guests. The circulating heat also means every side of the biscuit cooks evenly, so you don't get that one sad pale bottom that never browns.
Another reason I love it? No preheating a giant oven for six little biscuits. It keeps my kitchen cooler, especially in the summer, and uses way less energy. Plus, cleanup is easier because any cheese or butter that drips just stays in the basket, not baked onto a sheet pan.
If you've been hesitant because you're worried about frozen dough exploding or sticking, don't be. Modern air fryers handle frozen biscuit dough beautifully. You just need to follow a few simple steps, which I'll cover next.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before you even open that can, gather a few things. Trust me, having everything ready makes the process feel like a breeze instead of a scramble.
- Frozen biscuits (any brand works: Pillsbury, Annie’s, store brand, or homemade frozen ones)
- Air fryer (basket style or oven style both work)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
- Tongs or a silicone spatula
- Optional: melted butter for brushing, honey, or jam for serving
One thing I learned the hard way: always check the label on your biscuits. Some "frozen" biscuits are actually meant to be thawed first, while others go straight from freezer to heat. Most popular brands like Pillsbury Grands are designed for both oven and air fryer use, so you're usually safe.
Also, make sure your air fryer basket is clean. Cheese or grease from a previous cook can smoke up and give your biscuits a weird taste. I wipe mine down with a damp paper towel before starting every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Now for the main event. Follow these steps, and you'll have perfect biscuits every single time. I've made this recipe dozens of times, so I'm giving you the exact method that works.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 340°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Some people skip preheating, but I've found that starting with a hot basket helps the biscuits rise better and gives you a nicer golden color right from the start.
Don't go higher than 350°F. I tried crouching at 375°F once, hoping to save time, and the tops browned too fast while the centers stayed doughy. Lower and slower is the way to go for frozen biscuits.
Prep the Biscuits
If your biscuits are stuck together, gently separate them while they're still cold. Don't try to pull apart frozen dough that's already warm because it can tear or lose shape. A little wiggle and twist works best.
Lightly spray both sides of each biscuit with cooking spray. This step is optional but recommended. It helps with browning and prevents sticking. You can also brush on a thin layer of melted butter for extra flavor.
Arrange in the Basket
Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they have at least half an inch of space between them. They will expand as they cook, and crowding them leads to uneven rising and biscuits that stick together.
If you're cooking a full can (usually 8 biscuits), you'll likely need to do two batches. I know it's tempting to cram them all in, but patience pays off here. Better two perfect batches than one sad, squished batch.
Cook Until Golden
Cook at 340°F for 8 to 12 minutes. Flip each biscuit halfway through using tongs. Smaller biscuits may be done in 8 minutes, while larger Grands-style biscuits usually need the full 12.
How do you know they're done? The outside should be a deep golden brown, and the bottom should sound slightly hollow when you tap it. If you're unsure, cut one open. The inside should be fluffy and fully cooked, not doughy or gummy.
Cool and Serve
Let the biscuits cool for about 2 minutes before serving. They come out of the air fryer screaming hot inside, and that steam needs a moment to settle. I usually use this time to melt some butter or warm up some jam.
Serve them warm with butter, honey, sausage gravy, or whatever your heart desires. My personal favorite? Split one open and stuff it with a scrambled egg and cheese for the fastest breakfast sandwich ever.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Biscuits
After many batches, I've picked up a few tricks that take these from good to great. These small details make a real difference.
- Use parchment paper liners with holes if you're worried about sticking. They make cleanup effortless.
- Don't thaw the biscuits first. They actually rise better when they go from frozen to hot air quickly.
- For extra buttery flavor, brush the tops with melted butter during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- If your biscuits are browning too fast on top, loosely tent a piece of foil over them to protect the surface while the inside finishes.
- Always check your air fryer's manual. Some models run hotter than others, so you may need to adjust the temp by 10 to 20 degrees.
One more thing I learned the hard way: never cook biscuits at a higher temperature to save time. The outside burns before the inside cooks. I know it's tempting when you're hungry, but just wait the extra few minutes. Your patience will be rewarded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is one of the easiest things to cook, there are a few pitfalls I've fallen into. Learn from my mistakes so you don't have to make them yourself.
Overcrowding the Basket
I can't stress this enough. Cramming too many biscuits in leads to uneven cooking and poor rise. Air needs to circulate around each one. If you need to cook in batches, do it. It's worth the wait.
Skipping the Flip
Forgetting to flip halfway through can leave you with a pale, soft bottom. A quick flip ensures both sides crisp up nicely. I set a timer on my phone so I don't forget.
Using Too Much Spray
A light coating is all you need. Too much oil or spray can make the biscuits greasy and heavy. A 1-second spray per side is plenty. If you're using butter, brush on a thin layer.
Not Checking Internal Temperature
If you're ever unsure, cut one open. The inside should look fully cooked and fluffy. Raw or gummy dough means they need another 2 to 3 minutes. Don't just go by color alone.
Different Types of Frozen Biscuits You Can Air Fry
The beauty of this method is that it works with almost any frozen biscuit you can find. I've tested quite a few, and they all turn out great.
Store-brand biscuits work just as well as name brands. Don't pay extra unless you have a favorite. Pillsbury Grands, Pillsbury Flaky Layers, and Buttermilk biscuits all cook beautifully in the air fryer.
Homemade frozen biscuits also work wonderfully. If you make a big batch and freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in a bag, just add an extra minute or two to the cook time since they're usually larger.
Even canned biscuits that you've frozen yourself (yes, people do this) cook up great. The key is making sure they're fully frozen before going into the air fryer. If they're just slightly soft from thawing, they may spread too much.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Biscuits
If you somehow have leftovers, here's how to keep them fresh. I say "somehow" because in my house, they never last more than 10 minutes.
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 to 4 minutes. They come out almost as good as fresh. Avoid the microwave if you can. It makes them soft and chewy instead of crispy.
I also like to split leftover biscuits in half and air fry them cut-side up for 2 minutes to make quick toast. Top with butter and jam, and you've got a fast snack.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them, from breakfast to dinner.
- Slather with butter and honey for a simple treat
- Split and fill with fried chicken for a quick sandwich
- Serve alongside sausage gravy for classic comfort food
- Use as a base for strawberry shortcake with fresh berries and whipped cream
- Stuff with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a breakfast sandwich
- Pair with soup or chili for a hearty lunch
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. I've even used leftover biscuits to make a quick bread pudding when they started to go stale. Waste not, want not.
Air Fryer Settings for Popular Biscuit Brands
Different brands may need slight tweaks. Here's a quick guide based on my experience and testing.
For Pillsbury Grands, cook at 340°F for 10 to 12 minutes. For Pillsbury Flaky Layers, 8 to 10 minutes at 340°F works best. For store-brand buttermilk biscuits, stick with 340°F for 9 to 11 minutes.
If you're using larger, homemade biscuits (think the size of a small burger bun), bump the time up to 12 to 14 minutes at the same temperature. Always flip halfway and check for doneness.
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so use these as a starting point. After one or two batches, you'll know your specific machine and can adjust accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put frozen biscuits directly in the air fryer without thawing?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, cooking them from frozen gives you the best rise and texture. Thawed biscuits can spread too much and lose their flaky layers. Just place them straight from the freezer into the preheated air fryer.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for frozen biscuits?
Preheating for 3 minutes at 340°F is highly recommended. It helps the biscuits start cooking immediately, which gives you a better rise and more even browning. Skipping preheat can lead to dense, uneven results.
Why are my air fryer biscuits not browning on top?
This usually happens when the biscuits are too close to the heating element or the temperature is too low. Try moving the basket to a lower position if your air fryer has one, or increase the temperature by 10 degrees. Also, make sure you're not overcrowding the basket.
Can I cook canned biscuits in the air fryer?
Yes, canned biscuits like Pillsbury work perfectly. Just remove them from the can, separate, and cook as directed. Many people actually prefer air fryer canned biscuits because they get extra crispy without the doughy middle.
How long do you cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?
Most frozen biscuits take 8 to 12 minutes at 340°F. Smaller biscuits finish in 8 minutes, while larger ones need the full 12. Always flip halfway through and check for a golden brown color and fluffy interior.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen biscuits in the air fryer is one of those small kitchen wins that makes life easier. You get golden, fluffy biscuits in under 15 minutes with minimal effort and cleanup. No more heating up the whole oven or dealing with soggy bottoms.
Give this method a try the next time you reach for that can of biscuits. Once you experience that perfect crispy outside and tender inside, you won't want to go back to the oven. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who loves easy breakfast ideas, or drop a comment below with your favorite way to serve biscuits. Happy cooking.