Air fryers have taken over kitchens everywhere, and honestly, it makes sense. They cook fast, crisp up everything beautifully, and don’t leave a greasy mess. But if you’re staring at that tube of Pillsbury dough and wondering, Can Pillsbury dough go in an air fryer?—the answer is a big YES! But (and this is important), you gotta do it right, or things can go sideways fast.
This guide covers everything from cook times to common mistakes, so you don’t end up with burnt biscuits or raw middles. Stick around, and you’ll be air-frying Pillsbury goodies like a pro in no time!
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The Short Answer: Yes, But Here’s What You Need to Know
So, can you toss that Pillsbury dough in your air fryer and call it a day? Technically, yes. But if you want those biscuits, cinnamon rolls, or crescent rolls to come out flaky, golden, and fully cooked (instead of a half-raw disaster), there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Here’s what you need to know before air-frying Pillsbury dough:
Temperature matters: Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside is done. Too low, and they won’t rise properly.
Spacing is everything: If you cram too many pieces together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
Time varies by dough type: Biscuits and crescent rolls cook faster than cinnamon rolls or pizza dough.
Airflow is key: If your air fryer doesn’t circulate air well, you might need to flip or rotate your dough halfway through.
Now, let’s break it all down so you can get the best possible results.
How Different Pillsbury Dough Products Cook in the Air Fryer
Not all Pillsbury dough cooks the same way. Biscuits, crescent rolls, and cinnamon rolls each have slightly different needs in an air fryer.
1. Pillsbury Biscuits
- Temp: 330°F
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Tip: Don’t stack them! Cook in a single layer for even browning.
2. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- Temp: 320°F
- Time: 6–7 minutes
- Tip: Roll them loosely so air circulates better.
3. Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls
- Temp: 340°F
- Time: 9–11 minutes
- Tip: The icing melts easily, so add it after cooking.
4. Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- Temp: 370°F
- Time: 6–8 minutes (varies by thickness)
- Tip: Pre-bake the crust before adding toppings for a crispier bite.
“The first time I tried air-frying biscuits, I cranked the heat up to 400°F—big mistake. The outside turned brown fast, but the inside was basically raw. Lower and slower is definitely the way to go!”
Common Problems When Cooking Pillsbury Dough in an Air Fryer (And How to Fix Them)
Even if you follow the instructions, things don’t always go as planned. Here are the most common air fryer Pillsbury dough mishaps—and how to fix them.
The Dough Doesn’t Rise Properly—What Went Wrong?
If your biscuits or rolls come out flat and sad, the problem is usually one of these:
Air fryer was too hot: If the outside cooks too fast, the inside doesn’t get enough time to puff up.
Overcrowding: If they’re too close together, they steam instead of baking.
Dough was too cold: Pillsbury dough needs to warm up slightly before baking.
Fix it:
- Set your air fryer to 325–340°F—not higher.
- Arrange biscuits or rolls with at least an inch of space between them.
- Let the dough sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before cooking.
Why Are My Biscuits Still Doughy Inside?
Oh boy, this is a common one. If your biscuits look golden outside but feel gooey inside, you’re not alone.
Main causes:
- Air fryer temp is too high.
- The biscuits are stacked or touching.
- You didn’t flip or rotate them.
Fix it:
- Try lowering the temperature to 325°F and cooking a couple minutes longer.
- Make sure your biscuits are in a single layer.
- Flip them halfway through cooking (only if your air fryer cooks unevenly).
Avoiding Burnt or Overcooked Pillsbury Dough
On the flip side, burning happens too—especially with smaller air fryers that run hot. If your biscuits, crescents, or cinnamon rolls keep coming out too dark, try this:
Drop the temp by 10–15°F from the original recipe.
Use parchment paper or foil to prevent over-browning.
If the tops brown too fast, tent them with foil halfway through cooking.
“I learned the hard way that my air fryer runs way hotter than the manual says. If yours does too, just reduce the temp a little—makes a huge difference!”
Want to try another delicious breakfast option? These baked apple fritters are a fantastic alternative to cinnamon rolls and come out perfectly in the air fryer with a crispy, caramelized glaze.
The Best Pillsbury Dough Recipes for Air Frying
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and ridiculously good way to enjoy Pillsbury dough in the air fryer, these recipes are foolproof.
Air Fryer Pillsbury Biscuits: Buttery, Flaky Perfection
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pillsbury Biscuits | 1 can |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F.
- Place the biscuits in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- Brush with melted butter and garlic powder right after cooking.
Pro Tip: If you like extra crispy biscuits, brush them with butter before air-frying too!
Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer: A Game-Changer
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls | 1 can |
| Icing (included) | As needed |
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 340°F.
- Place cinnamon rolls evenly spaced in the basket.
- Cook for 9–11 minutes, checking at 9 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with icing.
“I used to bake cinnamon rolls in the oven, but the air fryer makes them so much faster—and somehow even fluffier. It’s my go-to now!”
Now that we’ve covered the basics—like cooking times, avoiding common mistakes, and some easy recipes—it’s time to tackle the rest of your air fryer questions. We’re talking about foil and parchment paper, airflow tricks, and even what not to cook in an air fryer. If you’re looking to up your Pillsbury air-frying game, this is the part you don’t want to miss!
Can You Use Parchment Paper or Foil in the Air Fryer?
If you’ve ever used foil or parchment paper in an oven, you might be wondering if it works in an air fryer. The short answer? Yes—but only if you do it the right way.
When Foil is Okay (and When It’s Not)
Aluminum foil can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re worried about cleanup. But before you start lining your air fryer basket with it, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Yes: You can use foil if it’s placed securely and doesn’t block airflow.
No: Don’t cover the bottom of the basket completely—this stops air from circulating properly.
Yes: It works well for keeping cinnamon rolls or biscuits from browning too quickly.
No: Never put foil near the heating element—this can be a fire hazard.
“I once lined my entire basket with foil, thinking I was being smart. Big mistake! My biscuits barely cooked because the air couldn’t flow around them. Lesson learned!”
The Best Way to Use Parchment Paper for Even Cooking
Parchment paper is usually the better option since it allows more airflow than foil. But not all parchment paper is air fryer-friendly.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Use perforated parchment paper (the kind with tiny holes) so air can circulate.
- Cut the parchment to fit the basket—don’t let it curl up the sides.
- Never put parchment paper in the fryer without food on top. (It can fly up and touch the heating element!)
Pro Tip: If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, parchment paper can help by preventing the bottom from getting too dark too fast.
Pro Tips for Cooking Pillsbury Dough in an Air Fryer Like a Pro
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over some tricks that’ll make your air-fried Pillsbury dough even better.
Preheating: Is It Necessary?
Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but should you do it anyway? For Pillsbury dough, yes!
Why? Because preheating helps biscuits and rolls rise quickly, giving them that perfect fluffy texture. If you start with a cold air fryer, they may not cook evenly.
Good rule of thumb: Preheat for 2–3 minutes before adding your dough.
“I used to skip preheating, but after trying it, I noticed a huge difference. My crescent rolls actually came out flaky instead of dense!”
The Right Airflow Makes a Huge Difference—Don’t Overcrowd!
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food. That means if your Pillsbury dough is packed too closely, it won’t cook properly.
Here’s what you should do:
Cook in batches if needed. (Better to wait a few extra minutes than end up with undercooked dough!)
Leave space—at least an inch between each biscuit or roll.
Shake the basket or flip halfway if your air fryer tends to cook unevenly.
Should You Brush Dough with Butter or Oil for Extra Flavor?
You can air-fry Pillsbury dough straight from the can, but if you want next-level flavor, brushing with butter or oil is the way to go.
Butter: Adds richness and helps biscuits crisp up beautifully.
Olive oil: Works great for a golden, slightly crunchier finish.
Egg wash: Gives crescent rolls a deeper golden-brown color.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder or cinnamon sugar on top before baking!
What You Shouldn’t Cook in an Air Fryer (And Why)
Air fryers can handle a lot, but there are some things that just don’t work well—especially when it comes to baked goods.
Raw Batter and Super Wet Doughs—Big No-Nos
If you’re thinking about whipping up homemade biscuits or cake batter and popping it in the air fryer, think again. Unlike an oven, an air fryer doesn’t heat evenly enough for wet batters.
What happens? The batter drips through the basket, making a huge mess.
Workaround: Use a muffin tin or oven-safe dish inside the air fryer if you must cook batter-based foods.
Overly Thick Dough—Why It’s Tricky in an Air Fryer
Thick dough, like a deep-dish pizza crust or large loaf of bread, isn’t the best fit for an air fryer.
Why? The outside will cook too fast, leaving the inside raw.
Better option: If you’re making homemade pizza, roll the dough thin so it bakes evenly.
FAQs: Your Biggest Pillsbury Air Fryer Questions Answered
Still got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common ones people ask.
Can I Make Pillsbury Grands in the Air Fryer?
Yep! Grands biscuits cook beautifully in an air fryer—just be sure to space them out.
Temp: 325°F
Time: 9–11 minutes
Tip: Flip halfway if needed for even cooking.
Can You Cook Papa Murphy’s in an Air Fryer?
Most Papa Murphy’s pizzas are too big for an air fryer basket, but if you have a smaller one (like the mini personal pizzas), they’ll cook just fine!
Temp: 370°F
Time: 6–8 minutes
Pro Tip: If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?
While air fryers are amazing, they can’t handle everything. Here are a few foods to avoid:
Anything with super wet batter (like cake or pancake batter)
Foods that need boiling (like pasta or rice)
Cheese-heavy foods (melted cheese can drip and burn)
Can I Put Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
Yes, but with caution! Make sure it’s secure and doesn’t block airflow.
Best use: Wrapping food to prevent over-browning.
Worst mistake: Covering the entire basket—this stops air from circulating.
Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts on Air Frying Pillsbury Dough
So, can Pillsbury dough go in an air fryer? Absolutely! And when done right, it’s even better than baking. Whether you’re whipping up biscuits for breakfast or throwing cinnamon rolls in for a quick dessert, air-frying Pillsbury dough is fast, easy, and seriously delicious.
Remember: Keep the temp between 320–340°F, don’t overcrowd the basket, and use parchment paper wisely.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to enjoy your air fryer, this Brookies recipe combines brownies and cookies into a decadent dessert that cooks up beautifully in an air fryer.
For extra flavor: Brush with butter or oil before air-frying.
Troubleshooting tips: If your biscuits are burning or coming out raw inside, adjust the temp and spacing.
Now go fire up that air fryer and get cooking! And if you’ve got any Pillsbury air fryer hacks of your own, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
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