There’s nothing better than a warm, flaky biscuit, fresh from the air fryer. With a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, buttery inside, they come together quickly and effortlessly. No need to heat up the oven, your air fryer does all the work, giving you perfect biscuits in mere minutes. Serve them with breakfast, pair them with dinner, or enjoy one with a drizzle of honey. This simple recipe is sure to become a favorite!

What Are Air Fryer Biscuits?

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a faster, healthier, and more convenient way to prepare crispy, delicious food. But did you know they can also make perfect biscuits? Thanks to the air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation, biscuits cook faster and more evenly, achieving a crispy exterior without drying out.

Here’s why air frying biscuits is a game-changer:

✅ Even Cooking: No more burnt edges or undercooked centers.
✅ Faster Bake Time: Cuts traditional baking time nearly in half.
✅ Energy Efficient: Uses less power than heating an entire oven.
✅ Perfect Texture: Crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for Air Fryer Biscuits

Key Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits

The right ingredients make all the difference when baking air fryer biscuits. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour All-purpose flour works best for traditional biscuits, while self-rising flour simplifies the process by eliminating the need for baking powder.
Leavening Agents If using all-purpose flour, add baking powder and baking soda to help the biscuits rise.
Butter or Shortening Cold unsalted butter creates flaky layers, while shortening makes biscuits extra tender.
Milk or Buttermilk Buttermilk gives biscuits a tangy flavor and helps with tenderness. Regular milk works too, but the acidity in buttermilk improves texture.
Salt and Sugar A pinch of salt enhances the flavor, and a small amount of sugar can add a subtle sweetness.
Optional Add-ins Cheese, herbs, or even garlic powder can take your biscuits to the next level.

Essential Tools for Making Biscuits in an Air Fryer

To get the best results, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Mixing Bowls – A large bowl for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet ingredients.
Pastry Cutter or Fork – Helps blend the butter into the flour for a flaky texture.
Rolling Pin and Biscuit Cutter – If making traditional cut biscuits, these tools shape the dough evenly.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Liner – Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
Air Fryer – Any basket-style or oven-style air fryer works, but some models may require slight temperature adjustments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Biscuits

Step 1: Preparing the Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly add in buttermilk and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Biscuits

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick.
Use a biscuit cutter to cut out uniform circles. If you don’t have one, a glass works too!
For drop biscuits, skip rolling. Just scoop and place directly into the air fryer.

Step 3: Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Arrange the biscuits in the basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Remove and brush with melted butter for an extra golden, delicious finish.

Step 4: Serving and Storing

Enjoy biscuits warm with butter, jam, or gravy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 300°F.

Pro Tips

✔ Avoid overcrowding: Biscuits need space for airflow to cook evenly.
✔ Flip halfway: Helps biscuits brown evenly on both sides.
✔ Brush with butter: Adds a delicious golden finish.
✔ Check frequently : Air fryers cook fast, so watch closely!

Delicious Variations of Air Fryer Biscuits

Cheesy Garlic Air Fryer Biscuits

If you love cheese and garlic, this version is for you! The combination of melted cheese and aromatic garlic makes these biscuits irresistible.

Follow the basic air fryer biscuits recipe, but mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder with the dry ingredients.
Once baked, brush the tops with melted butter and minced garlic for extra flavor.

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits

For a dessert-style biscuit, try adding a hint of warm cinnamon and a touch of sugar.

Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
After baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve with honey or a drizzle of icing for a sweet treat.

Keto and Gluten-Free Air Fryer Biscuits

Need a low-carb or gluten-free option? You can make biscuits using almond or coconut flour.

Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure.
Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk for extra richness.
Cook at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) to prevent burning.

Buttermilk Herb Biscuits

Fresh herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor to biscuits, making them perfect for savory dishes like soups and stews.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or rosemary) into the dough.
Serve warm with butter or alongside a bowl of soup.

Why not try our recipe for delicious Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake next!

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems

Biscuits Didn’t Rise Properly

If your air fryer biscuits turn out flat, the problem is usually with the leavening agents or dough handling.

Solution:

Make sure your baking powder is fresh (it loses effectiveness over time).
Avoid overmixing the dough as this can make biscuits dense instead of fluffy.
Keep the butter cold; warm butter won’t create those flaky layers.

Biscuits Are Too Brown on Top

Air fryers cook fast, so biscuits can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Solution:

Lower the cooking temperature if your air fryer runs hot. Try 325°F instead of 350°F.
Check biscuits two minutes before the recommended time to prevent overcooking.
If the tops brown too fast, place a small piece of foil over the biscuits halfway through cooking.

Biscuits Are Doughy in the Middle

Underbaked biscuits are often caused by crowding or improper cooking time.

Solution:

Arrange biscuits in a single layer with space between them to allow airflow.
Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes if they seem underdone.
Let the biscuits sit for a minute after cooking as they’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Biscuits Are Too Hard or Dry

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can lead to tough, dry biscuits.

Solution: Mix the dough just until combined, and be sure to use cold butter for a flaky texture. If the biscuits still turn out dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of buttermilk next time.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Biscuits

If you’ve made a batch of delicious air fryer biscuits and want to keep them fresh, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy them the next day or weeks later, following the right methods will help maintain their soft, flaky texture.

How to Store Biscuits for Freshness

Biscuits taste best when eaten fresh, but they can last longer with the right storage:

At Room Temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate biscuits for up to a week. Place them in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
In the Freezer: Biscuits freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

For extra freshness, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Best Methods for Reheating in an Air Fryer

Reheating biscuits properly keeps them warm and crispy without drying them out. The air fryer is one of the best ways to bring back their just-baked texture!

To reheat biscuits in an air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
Place biscuits in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overcooking.
Remove and brush with melted butter for extra flavor.

If reheating frozen biscuits, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Avoid microwaving, as it can make biscuits rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make air fryer biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, cut out the biscuits, and freeze them. When ready to bake, simply place them in the air fryer and add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A: While not always necessary, preheating helps achieve a more even bake and a crispier exterior.

Q: Can I Make Gluten-Free Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

A: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure. Gluten-free biscuits may need a little extra liquid to achieve the right consistency.

Q: Can I Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer for Biscuits?

A: Yes! Parchment paper prevents sticking, but make sure to:

Use perforated parchment paper for better airflow.
Cut it to fit your air fryer basket.
Weigh it down with biscuits to prevent it from flying up into the heating element.

Don’t miss this delicious fusion recipe of Chicken Fajita Pasta.

Final Thoughts

Making air fryer biscuits is one of the easiest ways to enjoy warm, buttery, homemade biscuits in no time. Serve them for breakfast, as a side for dinner, or even as a sweet treat with jam or honey. Once you try making biscuits in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to the oven! Happy cooking!

For more inspiration and amazing week-night dinner ideas, check out this recipe for Fried Chicken without Buttermilk

Air Fryer Biscuits

Author: Nina
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 8 biscuits 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These air fryer biscuits are light, flaky, and perfectly golden brown and best of all, ready in just minutes! The air fryer delivers biscuits with a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Serve them warm with butter, honey, or jam for the perfect breakfast or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour)
1 tablespoon baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Cut in Butter: Add cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Buttermilk: Pour in buttermilk and gently mix until the dough comes together. Do not overwork!
Shape & Cut: Lightly flour a surface, roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness, and cut biscuits using a round cutter.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between each for airflow.
Air Fry for 8-10 Minutes: Cook until golden brown. Check at 8 minutes and adjust if needed.
Brush with Butter: For extra flavor, brush the warm biscuits with melted butter.

Serving Suggestions:

With Butter & Jam: A classic pairing for any meal.
Biscuits & Gravy: Perfect for a Southern-style breakfast.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Add eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Sweet Twist: Brush with honey or cinnamon sugar.

Notes

✔️ Use Cold Butter: This creates steam pockets, making biscuits extra flaky.
✔️ Don’t Overmix Dough: Overworked dough leads to dense, tough biscuits.
✔️ Adjust Cook Time: Air fryer models vary—check a minute or two early.
✔️ Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for later.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 8-10 min

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 biscuit
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 20mg

How to Make Fluffy, Golden, and Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits Every Time

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