If you’re a busy parent or just someone who loves fast and easy meals, frozen biscuits are a lifesaver in your kitchen. Have you wondered if you can skip the oven and cook them in your air fryer instead? The answer is a resounding yes! Cooking frozen biscuits in the air fryer is not only possible but also incredibly simple, quick, and efficient.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cooking perfect frozen biscuits in your air fryer. From step-by-step instructions to tips for getting golden, flaky layers, you’ll become the ultimate air fryer pro in no time.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Biscuits?
If you already own an air fryer, you know just how versatile this kitchen gadget is. But when it comes to biscuits, the air fryer truly shines. Here’s why:
1. Quick and Efficient
Air fryers dramatically cut down cooking time. While your traditional oven can take 15–20 minutes to preheat alone, an air fryer heats up almost instantly, reducing the overall time needed to cook.
2. Even Cooking
Air fryers circulate hot air to cook evenly, which means you get that beautiful golden crust on the outside while keeping the biscuit soft and fluffy on the inside. No more worrying about uneven baking or overcooked bottoms!
3. No Need for Extra Oil
Unlike frying or baking, which sometimes requires greasing your surfaces or trays, air-frying frozen biscuits doesn’t call for any extra oil. It’s a healthier (and less messy) option.
4. Great for Small Batches
Cooking for one or two people? Cooking biscuits in the oven can feel wasteful if you’re not filling multiple trays. With an air fryer, you can make just what you need and save the rest for later. Plus, you won’t have to wait for the oven to preheat, making it a quicker and more convenient option.
5. Versatility
Air fryers are known for their versatility in cooking various types of food, and frozen biscuits are no exception. Not only can they be used to cook biscuits, but they can also be used to reheat leftovers or even make other dishes like roasted vegetables or chicken wings.
6. Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside
One of the best benefits of air-frying frozen biscuits is that they come out with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, just like traditionally baked biscuits. This is achieved by circulating hot air around the food, creating a similar effect to deep frying but without all the added oil and grease. Plus, air frying is much healthier since it uses little to no oil.
7. Less Mess and Easy Cleanup
Another advantage of using an air fryer for frozen biscuits is that there is minimal mess and easy cleanup afterward. Unlike traditional baking methods, where you may have to deal with greasy pans and spills, air frying requires very little oil, which means less mess in your kitchen. Plus, most air fryers come with dishwasher-safe parts, which makes cleanup even easier.
8. Time-Saving Option
If you’re short on time or just looking for a convenient breakfast option, using an air fryer for frozen biscuits is the way to go. With traditional baking methods, you may have to wait for your oven to preheat and then wait for the biscuits to cook for 20-25 minutes. But with an air fryer, you can have perfectly crispy and delicious biscuits in just 10-12 minutes.
9. Versatility with Other Breakfast Foods
Not only can you use your air fryer for frozen biscuits, but it’s also a versatile kitchen appliance when it comes to cooking other breakfast foods. You can easily make hash browns, bacon, eggs, and even French toast in your air fryer. This means you can have a complete breakfast ready in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
10. Saving Time and Energy
One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for breakfast is that it saves you both time and energy. As mentioned before, cooking frozen biscuits takes half the time compared to using an oven. But this also applies to other breakfast foods like bacon or eggs. And since air fryers use hot air instead of oil, they are more energy-efficient than deep frying or stovetop cooking methods.
How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in the Air Fryer Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 330°F to 350°F. Preheating ensures the biscuits cook evenly from the start. Most air fryer models only take about 2–3 minutes to heat up.
Step 2: Arrange Biscuits in a Single Layer
Place your frozen biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit 4–6 standard-sized biscuits at a time.
Pro Tip: Line the basket with parchment paper or a perforated silicone liner for easier cleanup, but make sure these are safe for air fryer use.
Step 3: Cook for 8–10 Minutes
Set the timer to 8–10 minutes. For best results, check the biscuits at the halfway mark and flip them, especially if your air fryer doesn’t have 360-degree cooking capability.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Use a kitchen thermometer if needed. Biscuits should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F for safety. If they aren’t quite done, add additional time in 2-minute increments.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once fully cooked, remove the biscuits and serve immediately. They’re best when warm! You can add toppings like butter, jam, honey, or even make a breakfast sandwich with them. Get creative and enjoy your homemade air fryer biscuits!
Tips for Making the Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer before placing the biscuits inside.
- Check for doneness using a kitchen thermometer if needed.
- Flip the biscuits at the halfway mark if your air fryer doesn’t have 360-degree cooking capability.
- Serve immediately for best results.
- Experiment with different toppings and fillings to create delicious variations of air fryer biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Biscuits
Use the Right Biscuits
Not all frozen biscuits are created equal! Brands like Pillsbury, Mary B’s, or Great Value tend to work great in the air fryer. Check the packaging for size and cooking instructions, but don’t worry if they don’t specifically mention air fryers.
Adjust Cooking Times
Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your biscuits. Smaller biscuits may cook in just 5–7 minutes, while jumbo biscuits may need closer to 12 minutes.
Keep an Eye on Them
The air fryer cooks quickly and can brown biscuits faster than you expect. Keep an eye on your first batch to get a feel for the timing that works best with your specific air fryer.
Add a Buttery Finish
For extra delicious biscuits, brush them with melted butter or sprinkle with garlic powder and herbs right after cooking. This is especially tasty if you’re serving them with a savory meal like soup or stew.
Pairing Ideas for Air-Fried Biscuits
Air-fried biscuits are incredibly versatile and can shine at any meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Breakfast: Pair your biscuits with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage gravy for a cozy and satisfying breakfast.
- Lunch: Use biscuits as the base for mini sandwiches. Add slices of ham, cheese, and your favorite spreads for a quick midday meal.
- Dinner: Serve biscuits as a side for soups, stews, or pasta dishes. They’re perfect for soaking up hearty broths and sauces.
- Snacks: Spread a warm biscuit with butter and jam or honey for a quick pick-me-up. You can also use them as a base for sweet or savory toppings, such as avocado and tomato or apple slices and peanut butter.
- Dessert: Biscuits can also be transformed into a delicious dessert. Top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Additionally, biscuits can be used in a variety of international dishes. In the United Kingdom, they are known as scones and are often served with tea and jam. In Australia, they are called “damper” and are traditionally cooked over an open fire while camping. In South Africa, they are known as “butterkuchen” and are often served savory with cheese or sweet with sugar.
The Air Fryer Advantage for Busy Parents
If you’re a busy parent juggling family and work, the air fryer can quickly become your best friend for hectic mornings or meal prep shortcuts. Frozen biscuits in the air fryer allow you to make a fresh, warm breakfast without dirtying up the kitchen or waiting for the oven to preheat.
Plus, the simplicity of tossing frozen biscuits into the air fryer makes it an easy task for older kids or teens to handle when they’re hungry, encouraging independence in the kitchen.
Why You Should Give It a Try Today
Cooking frozen biscuits in the air fryer is a game-changer. It’s fast, it’s efficient, and the results are consistently delicious. The convenience of the air fryer, coupled with the crowd-pleasing charm of buttery, flaky biscuits, is hard to beat. Whether you’re mastering mealtime prep or just craving a quick snack, this method will simplify your life.
Have you tried air-frying frozen biscuits? We’d love to hear your favorite tips and tricks in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook any brand of frozen biscuits in an air fryer?
Yes! Most brands of frozen biscuits work well in an air fryer. Always check the packaging for cooking instructions, but generally, the air fryer can handle a wide variety of frozen biscuit options.
2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer is recommended for even cooking. This usually takes just a few minutes and helps ensure your biscuits come out flaky and perfectly cooked.
3. How long should I cook frozen biscuits in the air fryer?
Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. On average, it takes about 10-12 minutes at 350°F. Check occasionally to ensure they don’t overcook.
4. Can I add toppings to the biscuits before air frying?
Absolutely! You can brush on butter, sprinkle on some cheese, or add herbs before cooking for extra flavor. Just make sure not to add anything that might burn.
5. How do I clean my air fryer after cooking biscuits?
Most air fryer components, like the basket and tray, are dishwasher safe. Remove them, wipe off any crumbs, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Conclusion
Air frying biscuits is a quick, simple, and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat with minimal effort. With the variety of options for pre-made or homemade dough and the opportunity to customize toppings, you can create a snack that suits your taste perfectly. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for any busy cook. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, air-frying biscuits is a technique worth adding to your culinary repertoire. So why give it a try and see for yourself how easy and tasty air-frying biscuits can be?
