From dough to done: how to make air fryer biscuits
Canned dough air fryer biscuits are coming in HOT! Literally!
In one of country music star Kacey Musgraves’s songs, she says, “Mind your biscuits and life will be gravy” and I think that especially applies to making air fryer biscuits. Hear me out.
It’s a song about refusing to tear down others and focusing on what you’re accomplishing right now. We’re here to help you accomplish the easiest, fastest, and tastiest biscuits on the block and I promise I won’t make you listen to me sing.
The air fryer is a game-changer for healthy and convenient cooking. Air fryer biscuits are a big hit in my house. As a busy mom of 4, I’m always searching for quick easy recipes to serve my family on the go and these are not only filling but kinda fun to make.
In this post, we’ll explore if it makes sense to make your biscuits in the air fryer, provide a step-by-step guide, air fryer recipes, and offer creative variations to help you master air fryer biscuit making.
Why the air fryer?
The popularity of air fryers has surged recently, and for good reason. One of the key benefits of air frying food is its health-conscious approach to cooking. Unlike traditional deep frying, air fryers require only a fraction of the oil, significantly reducing the overall fat content in your favorite dishes.
Additionally, air frying is known for efficiency – it cooks food faster than conventional methods.
The quick and even circulation of hot air ensures that meals are not only prepared swiftly but also come out with perfect crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the inside.
Also, if you have an air fryer separate from other appliances, you can cook a bunch of things at once with different appliances.
Choosing the Right Biscuit Recipe for Air Fryer biscuits
You can make homemade air fryer biscuits from scratch, which are always delicious, or you can grab the refrigerated kind and save yourself a mess of time. Homemade biscuits are just going to take more time.
I’ve seen people using the Pillsbury biscuits, but I recently tried the Aldi version because I like the grocery chains’ low prices and that was the brand they offered.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Biscuits
Air frying canned biscuits, frozen biscuits, or refrigerated biscuits is simple. Pull apart the dough and place the biscuits air fryer. Be sure to use nonstick cooking spray on the air fryer basket or tray. Don’t layer the biscuits, but they can be close to each other. I just wouldn’t have them touching because the spot where they touch won’t cook as fast and will stay doughy” longer
I like to brush a little melted butter on mine to give it a little extra flavor and golden brown crispness. I prefer salted butter in general but I think unsalted butter will do also the trick.
I have used several different brands and types of air fryers. Right now, I have an oven that doubles as an air fryer which I love because I don’t have to have another device in my kitchen.
The air fryer basket can be stored away separately when not in use. Cooking time will vary depending on what type of air fryer you own. There’s nothing like smelling cooking biscuits in the air. I cooked mine for about 13 minutes.
The above-pictured Air Fryer was the first one I bought. I’ve since gifted it to my niece because we have one in our over now. This small air fryer was our main source of cooking food while we lived in the basement during our first-floor remodel.
Troubleshooting Common Issues for air fryer biscuits
Air fryers cook differently depending on the style and brand so you may have to watch them closely the first time around and play with it. I’ve used a couple of different air fryers and I can vouch for the need to adjust the cook time.
Some people say their biscuits look golden brown on the outside but are still not done on the inside. If that happens to you, simply air fry them a little longer. You could even break them in half (cut horizontally) if you need to to ensure they’re fully cooked.
You could cut with a knife or use a pastry cutter. Once you’ve made them, you’ll get a good idea of how long you need to cook yours. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
I wouldn’t put parchment paper or foil in the air fryer basket as you need good airflow all around to evenly cool the biscuits.
Creative Variations and Additions for air fryer biscuits
Feel free to customize air-fried biscuits by adding flavors and ingredients for a unique twist. You can easily incorporate sweet or savory elements
Cheesy Bliss:
Grate your favorite cheese and fold it into the biscuit dough before air frying. The result? Cheesy goodness that adds a savory kick to your biscuits.
Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra flavor boost.
Herb Infusion:
Elevate your biscuits by adding a medley of fresh herbs to the dough.
Chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley can bring a burst of aromatic flavors.
Garlic Butter Indulgence:
Combine melted garlic butter with your biscuit dough for a rich and savory twist.
Brush the tops of the biscuits with more garlic butter before air frying for a golden, flavorful crust that’s simply irresistible.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Surprise:
Mix cinnamon and sugar into your biscuit dough for a yummy dessert variation.
Drizzle a sweet glaze over the freshly air-fried biscuits or roll them in cinnamon sugar for a delectable treat reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
Bacon Bits Delight:
Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch to your biscuits. Chop cooked bacon into bits and fold them into the dough.
The result is a savory-meets-sweet masterpiece that works well for breakfast or as a tasty side dish.
Honey Glazed Perfection:
Brush the tops of your biscuits with a honey glaze before air frying for a touch of sweetness.
The honey adds a glossy finish and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the flakiness of the biscuits.
Spicy Kick with Jalapeños:
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into your biscuit dough.
The mild spice of jalapeños adds a kick that complements the buttery goodness of the biscuits.
Everything Bagel Inspired:
Roll your biscuit dough in an “everything bagel” seasoning mix before air frying.
The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion creates a flavorful crust that reminds you of everyone’s favorite bagel.
Maple Pecan Elegance:
Add a touch of sweetness and crunch by incorporating chopped pecans into your biscuit dough.
Drizzle the finished biscuits with maple syrup for a luxurious flavor profile that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.
Parmesan and Herb Extravaganza:
Mix grated Parmesan cheese and a blend of dried Italian herbs into your biscuit dough. The result is a savory, cheesy delight that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This is a versatile dish as it can be the main course for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for a savory dinner meal. Here are some other options to pair with your air fryer biscuits.
Southern-style Fried Chicken:
Why it works: The crispy exterior of air-fried biscuits complements the crunchy texture of Southern-style fried chicken. Here’s a delicious recipe for fried chicken.
The buttery flavor of the biscuits balances the savory notes of the chicken, creating a classic and comforting combination.
Sausage Gravy:
Why it works: The flaky layers of air-fried biscuits are the perfect vessel for rich and creamy sausage gravy.
The biscuits absorb the flavorful gravy, offering a satisfying contrast in textures and a harmonious blend of savory tastes.
Eggs Benedict:
Why it works: The airy and buttery nature of air-fried biscuits provides an excellent base for the poached eggs and velvety hollandaise sauce in Eggs Benedict.
The biscuits add a delightful flakiness to the dish, enhancing its overall texture.
Shrimp and Grits:
Why it works: The versatility of air-fried biscuits allows them to pair well with savory and spicy dishes like shrimp and grits.
Honey Butter Glazed Ham:
Why it works: The sweetness of honey butter glazed ham complements the slightly sweet and buttery flavor of air-fried biscuits.
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich:
Why it works: The compact size of air-fried biscuits makes them an ideal choice for creating a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Chili con Carne:
Why it works: The hearty and robust nature of chili pairs well with air-fried biscuits.
The biscuits can be used to scoop up the flavorful chili, providing a satisfying contrast in textures and flavors between the flaky biscuit and the hearty chili.
Fried Catfish:
Why it works: Air-fried biscuits offer a light and fluffy accompaniment to the crispy and flavorful fried catfish.
Caprese Salad:
Why it works: For a lighter option, pair air-fried biscuits with a fresh Caprese salad.
The flakiness of the biscuits complements the juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil,..
Peaches and Cream Dessert:
Why it works: Air-fried biscuits can be transformed into a delightful dessert by pairing them with fresh peaches and a dollop of whipped cream.
Presentation ideas
Stacked Tower: Arrange air-fried biscuits in a vertical stack on a decorative plate. Dust the top biscuit with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Nested in a Basket: Place air-fried biscuits in a charming woven basket lined with a clean cloth or parchment paper.
Individual Serving Boards: Present each air-fried biscuit on individual wooden serving boards.
Floral Garnish: Elevate the presentation by incorporating edible flowers or fresh herbs as a garnish.
Dipping Station: Set up a dipping station with small bowls of various toppings or spreads. Arrange air-fried biscuits on a long platter and surround them with bowls of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fruit compotes, or savory dips.
Tiered Display: Use a tiered serving tray to showcase the biscuits at different heights. Place the air-fried biscuits on the various levels, creating an eye-catching arrangement.
Linen-Wrapped Elegance: Place air-fried biscuits on a plate lined with a crisp linen napkin or cloth.
Seasonal Decor: Tailor your presentation to the season by incorporating seasonal decorations. For example, during the fall, place air-fried biscuits on a wooden platter surrounded by small pumpkins.
Conclusion
I’ll be honest, I didn’t notice a big difference taste-wise when cooking my refrigerated biscuits in the air fryer as opposed to the conventional oven. It might have been slightly faster to air fry them but not crazy quicker. I’ll do it again, but it didn’t change my cooking life.
The cooked biscuits can last up to a week as long as you store leftover biscuits in an airtight container or freezer bag. Try this delicious and easy air fryer recipe for the perfect simple hot biscuits.
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
