Alright, let’s get real—can you cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer? Absolutely! And once you try it, you might never go back to the oven.
Now, if you’ve ever had one of those “uh-oh” moments where you pop open a can of biscuits and realize your oven takes forever to preheat, an air fryer is your new best friend. No waiting, no fuss, and you’ll still get that golden, flaky goodness. But before we jump into the how, let’s talk about why this works so well.
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Why Air Fryers Work So Well for Biscuits
There’s something magical about the way an air fryer crisps up food. It’s like an oven but faster, and instead of blasting your biscuits with dry heat, it circulates hot air all around them. This means they cook evenly, get that perfect golden brown top, and don’t end up half-burnt and half-doughy like they sometimes do in a regular oven.
- Crispy outside, soft inside – The air fryer mimics deep frying without all the oil.
- Faster cooking time – No preheating for 10+ minutes like a regular oven.
- No need for extra grease – The biscuits brown beautifully without buttering the tray.
- Less mess – No baking sheets or parchment paper to deal with.
Sounds like a win-win, right? But hold on—there are a few mistakes people make when trying this method.
The Biggest Mistakes People Make (And How to Fix Them)
Let’s be honest—sometimes, things don’t go as planned in the kitchen. If you’ve ever pulled out a batch of biscuits only to find them still raw in the middle, you’re not alone. Here are the top slip-ups and how to avoid them:
Stacking biscuits too close together
Give them space so the air can circulate. Crowding them leads to uneven cooking.
Using the wrong temperature
Stick to 330-350°F—too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Forgetting to flip halfway through
Some air fryers heat more from the top, so flipping ensures even browning.
If you’re looking for more air fryer tricks, check out this guide on achieving perfectly crispy textures with different foods. It’s packed with tips that apply not just to biscuits, but to meats, veggies, and more!
Now that you know the dos and don’ts, let’s talk about the three easiest ways to cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer!
Method 1: Classic Air Fryer Biscuits (No Fuss, No Mess)
This is your basic, go-to method—no extra ingredients, just a can of Pillsbury biscuits and your air fryer. Perfect for when you just want fresh, warm biscuits without the hassle.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pillsbury Biscuits | 1 can (any variety) |
| Cooking Spray (optional) | Light spritz |
| Melted Butter (optional) | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fluffy Pillsbury biscuits
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (if your model requires preheating).
- Open the Pillsbury biscuit can and separate them carefully.
- Place biscuits in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
- Set the timer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- When golden brown, remove and brush with melted butter (optional).
- Let them cool for a minute—trust me, they’ll be HOT!
“I used to think air fryers were just for fries and chicken, but once I made biscuits in it, I never went back to baking them in the oven!”
How to Tell When They’re Perfectly Golden
You’re looking for that deep golden brown color—not too pale, not too dark. The tops should be slightly crisp, and the bottoms shouldn’t feel doughy. If they still look raw, pop them back in for another 1-2 minutes.
But what if you want something a little extra? Maybe a biscuit that’s got more of that layered, buttery goodness? That’s where the next method comes in.
Method 2: Buttery Layered Pillsbury biscuits (For That Extra Flakiness)
If you love biscuits that pull apart into soft, buttery layers, this is for you. The trick? Brushing them with butter before they go into the air fryer.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits | 1 can |
| Melted Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder (optional) | ¼ tsp |
The Trick to Achieving Buttery Layers
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F.
- Separate the biscuits and lightly brush each one with melted butter.
- Arrange them in the basket, not touching.
- Cook for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway.
- When done, brush with more butter and sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder if you like.
“Ever bite into a biscuit so good you close your eyes and just savor it? That’s this one.”
Best Air Fryer Settings for This Method
The key to flaky layers is cooking low and slow—if you set your air fryer too high, the outside crisps up before the layers can fully cook through. Stick to 330°F, and check them around the 8-minute mark.
But what if you want flavor—I mean, biscuits that make you want to eat the whole batch in one sitting? Let’s add some cheese and garlic.
Method 3: Cheesy Garlic Pillsbury biscuits (Flavor Upgrade!)
If you’ve ever had Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you know exactly where we’re going with this. Adding cheese and garlic takes your Pillsbury biscuits from “good” to “why didn’t I make more?”
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pillsbury Biscuits | 1 can |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | ½ cup |
| Garlic Powder | ½ tsp |
| Melted Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Parsley (optional) | ¼ tsp |
Adding Cheese and Garlic Without Overcooking Pillsbury biscuits
- Preheat air fryer to 330°F.
- Open the biscuits and gently flatten each one.
- Sprinkle a little shredded cheese in the center and fold them back up.
- Arrange in the air fryer and cook for 9-11 minutes.
- Once golden brown, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
- Sprinkle parsley on top for a little fancy touch (optional but pretty).
For more Southern-inspired air fryer ideas, check out this guide on homemade brioche—perfect for pairing with biscuits for a bakery-style breakfast!
Ideal Pairings and Serving Ideas
These biscuits go crazy well with:
- Scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast
- A side with soup or chili
- Dipped in honey butter for a sweet-savory combo
“I served these at a family brunch, and they disappeared in minutes. Next time, I’m making a double batch!”
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Cooking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is pretty simple, but let’s be real—things don’t always go as planned. Maybe they come out raw in the middle, or they stick to the basket like glue. No worries! Let’s go over the most common biscuit mishaps and how to fix them.
My Biscuits Came Out Doughy—What Went Wrong?
This is probably the number one issue people run into. Nothing’s worse than biting into what looks like a perfect biscuit, only to hit a pocket of raw dough.
Why this happens:
- The air fryer temperature was too high, so the outside cooked too fast.
- The biscuits were too thick, and the heat couldn’t reach the center.
- They were stacked too close together, blocking air circulation.
How to fix it:
- Drop the temperature to 325-330°F and cook for a couple of extra minutes.
- If using Grands! biscuits (which are thicker), press them down slightly before cooking.
- Always leave space between biscuits for even cooking.
“I used to crank my air fryer up to the highest setting, thinking faster was better. Spoiler alert: it’s not! Lower heat and patience are key.”
How to Keep Pillsbury biscuits from Sticking to the Basket
Ever tried to pull a biscuit out, only to have half of it stick to the basket? Yeah, not fun.
Why this happens:
- Your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick.
- You didn’t spray it before cooking.
- The biscuits were too soft when flipped.
How to fix it:
- Use a light spray of oil on the basket before adding biscuits.
- If you’re out of cooking spray, place a piece of parchment paper in the basket.
- Be gentle when flipping—use tongs instead of a spatula to avoid smashing them.
“I once lost half a biscuit to the bottom of my air fryer. Now I always give the basket a quick spritz—it’s a game-changer.”
The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Pillsbury biscuits
If you made extra (or somehow managed not to eat them all in one sitting), you’ll want to reheat them the right way.
Best reheating method:
- Air fryer: 300°F for 2-3 minutes (best option).
- Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes (if reheating multiple biscuits).
- Microwave: 15-20 seconds (not ideal, but works in a pinch).
For that fresh-baked taste, brush them with a little melted butter before reheating. Trust me—it makes a difference!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Let’s knock out some of the most common questions people have when trying this method.
Can You Cook Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer?
Yes! And honestly, once you try it, you may never go back to baking them in the oven. Air fryers make the process faster, easier, and less messy, and you still get soft, fluffy biscuits with a crispy golden top.
Are Biscuits in the Air Fryer Good?
Oh, absolutely! The air fryer gives them that perfect crispy-yet-soft texture without drying them out. Plus, they cook in half the time compared to a traditional oven.
Can You Cook Papa Murphy’s in an Air Fryer?
Yep! Papa Murphy’s pizzas, breadsticks, and even cinnamon wheels can be air-fried. Just make sure to lower the temperature and check frequently to prevent overcooking.
How Do You Keep Biscuits from Sticking in an Air Fryer?
A light spray of oil or parchment paper will do the trick. Just avoid using aerosol sprays with additives—they can wear down your air fryer’s coating over time.
Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Get Fresh, Flaky Biscuits in Minutes
So, can you cook Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer? You bet! Whether you go for classic, buttery, or cheesy garlic, they turn out flaky, golden, and absolutely delicious—all in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in an oven.
If you’ve got an air fryer sitting on your counter, give this a try. And if you have your own biscuit hacks, I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment and let’s talk air fryer magic.
“I used to think air fryers were just for fries, but now they’re my secret weapon for quick and easy comfort food.”
Now, who’s ready for a biscuit?
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