These Air Fryer Biscuits are a revelation for anyone craving warm, homemade goodness without the wait. Crafted from scratch, these buttery, flaky delights bake to golden perfection in just 6 minutes using your air fryer. Forget long preheating times and extended baking sessions; this recipe delivers irresistibly soft interiors and wonderfully crunchy tops in a fraction of the time. Perfect as a comforting side with hearty soups, savory pot pies, or classic sausage gravy, they also shine as a quick breakfast treat slathered with butter and jam. Get ready to transform your kitchen routine with the ultimate speedy biscuit recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Biscuit Recipe
Discovering the magic of baking biscuits in the air fryer has been a game-changer! This recipe marks my inaugural air fryer baking adventure, and the results have truly exceeded all expectations. Who knew you could achieve such delicious, perfectly baked biscuits right in your air fryer, and in less than half the time of a conventional oven? The speed and convenience are unparalleled, making homemade biscuits an accessible luxury any day of the week.
My carefully developed biscuit dough is designed to be effortlessly simple and practically foolproof, even if you’re a novice baker. The cold butter technique ensures those coveted flaky layers, while the air fryer provides a beautifully crisp, golden-brown crust. I am still amazed by how beautifully these biscuits bake in just 6 minutes, yielding a texture that is both tender and wonderfully crunchy. I am confident that once you try this recipe, you’ll be as delighted with these quick and easy air fryer biscuits as I am!
The Undeniable Benefits of Air Frying Biscuits
If you’ve ever hesitated to make biscuits from scratch due to the time commitment, the air fryer is about to become your new best friend. The primary advantage of using an air fryer for homemade biscuits is the incredible efficiency it offers. Traditional ovens require 15 to 20 minutes to preheat, depending on the model, effectively adding a significant delay to your baking process. In stark contrast, an air fryer preheats in approximately 2 minutes, getting you ready to bake almost instantly.
Furthermore, these biscuits bake in an astonishing one-third of the time compared to an oven. What might take 18 minutes in a conventional oven is accomplished in a mere 6 minutes in the air fryer! This dramatic reduction in cooking time makes homemade biscuits a viable option even when you’re incredibly short on time, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute meal additions. Beyond speed, the air fryer circulates hot air evenly, creating a consistently baked biscuit with a wonderfully crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that store-bought canned biscuits simply cannot match. It’s the ultimate combination of convenience, speed, and superior homemade quality.
Essential Ingredients for Your Flaky Air Fryer Biscuits
Crafting the perfect biscuit starts with the right ingredients and understanding their roles. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these irresistible air fryer biscuits:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our biscuits. Always whisk your flour in its container or bag before measuring, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents packing too much flour, which can lead to dry, dense biscuits.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount of white granulated sugar adds a subtle sweetness and aids in the beautiful golden-brown color of the biscuit crust. It enhances the flavor without making the biscuits overly sweet.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents are critical for achieving that light, fluffy, and well-risen biscuit texture. Baking powder reacts with liquid and heat, while baking soda requires an acidic component (like buttermilk) to activate and help the biscuits rise beautifully and brown evenly.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the biscuits. Don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter (Cold): This is arguably the most crucial ingredient for flaky biscuits. Using cold butter, cut into small pieces or even grated, creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in those desirable distinct layers. Unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness.
- Buttermilk: The star of tender, tangy biscuits. Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a superior crumb and a wonderfully soft texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a homemade substitute: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (any fat percentage) to the ½-cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Large Egg: An egg acts as a binder, helping to hold all the ingredients together and adding a touch of richness and a slightly softer texture to the dough.
- Melted Butter (for brushing): A final brush of melted butter both before and after baking contributes to a gorgeously golden crust and an extra layer of buttery flavor that takes these biscuits to the next level.
How to Make Homemade Biscuits in the Air Fryer: A Visual Guide
Making biscuits from scratch might seem intimidating, but this air fryer method simplifies the process, ensuring perfect results every time. Follow these steps for flaky, golden biscuits:
- Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures all leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Incorporate Cold Butter. Take your very cold unsalted butter and grate it directly over the dry flour mixture. Grating helps create tiny pieces of butter that will melt slowly during baking, creating those desirable flaky layers. Alternatively, you can chop it into small cubes.
- Step 3: Cut in the Butter. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips (working quickly to keep the butter cold), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This is crucial for flakiness.
- Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients. In a separate small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk and the large egg until well combined.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits. A slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
- Step 6: Shape the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring the dough together and shape it into a soft ball.
- Step 7: Cut Biscuits. Gently press the dough into a disk approximately ½ inch thick. Using a round biscuit cutter (or a glass rim if you don’t have one), cut out individual biscuits. Avoid twisting the cutter; press straight down to ensure an even rise. Gather any dough scraps, gently press them together, and cut out additional biscuits until all dough is used.
- Step 8: Preheat and Bake. Turn on your air fryer. Set it to “air fry” at 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 2 minutes. Once preheated, place a sheet of parchment paper in the air fryer basket (this prevents sticking and aids cleanup). Arrange 4 to 6 biscuits (depending on your air fryer size, ensuring they are not overcrowded for proper airflow), brush their tops generously with melted butter, and bake for 6 minutes.
- Step 9: Finish and Serve. Once baked to a beautiful golden brown, carefully remove the biscuits from the air fryer. For an extra touch of deliciousness, brush them again with any remaining melted butter while they’re still warm. Repeat the process for any remaining raw biscuits. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Top Tips for Flaky Air Fryer Biscuit Perfection
- Embrace the Cold: The single most important rule for flaky biscuits is to use very cold butter, straight from the fridge. You can chop it into small pieces and cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter, but I find grating it with a cheese grater works even better, distributing tiny pieces of butter evenly throughout the dough for maximum flakiness.
- Homemade Buttermilk is Best: For the ultimate tender crumb and tangy flavor, I highly recommend using homemade buttermilk. It’s incredibly easy to make with just milk and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice – no need to buy a whole carton if you don’t use it often! Check out my homemade buttermilk substitute recipe here.
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer for at least 2 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the correct temperature from the moment the biscuits enter, promoting an even rise and consistent baking.
- Brush for Golden Glory: For that irresistible golden crust and rich buttery flavor, brush the tops of your biscuits generously with melted butter both before and after air frying. This step adds moisture and helps create a beautiful, appetizing finish.
- Handle with Care: When mixing the dough, aim for minimal handling. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense biscuits instead of light and tender ones. Stir just until combined.
- No Twisting: When cutting biscuits with a cutter, press straight down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges of the biscuit, preventing them from rising as high and creating those lovely layers.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will hinder air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked or soggy biscuits. Leave some space between each biscuit.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent biscuits from sticking. Make sure it doesn’t cover the entire bottom to allow for proper airflow.
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Biscuits
These classic air fryer biscuits are wonderfully versatile, perfect for tailoring to your taste or pairing with any meal. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire you:
Savory Twists:
- Ham and Cheese Biscuits: Before cutting the dough, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped cooked ham and ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a simple green salad.
- Garlic and Herb Biscuits: Add 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic and 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary to the biscuit dough with the dry ingredients. Serve them with Italian-inspired meals or simply as a fragrant side.
- Bacon Cheddar Biscuits: Incorporate crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for a hearty, flavorful biscuit.
- Everything Bagel Biscuits: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the biscuits before air frying for a savory, textured crust.
Sweet Enhancements:
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon and an extra tablespoon of sugar into the dry ingredients. After baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar.
- Lemon Zest Biscuits: Add the zest of one lemon to the dry ingredients for a bright, citrusy flavor, especially lovely for breakfast or tea time.
Perfect Pairings:
- Classic Breakfast: Serve warm with generous dollops of butter, your favorite jams (strawberry or raspberry are fantastic!), jellies, or local honey. For a truly indulgent experience, pair them with cream cheese.
- Hearty Meals: These biscuits are an excellent accompaniment to warm, comforting dishes. Serve them alongside robust soups, creamy casseroles, or as a topping for chicken or beef pot pies.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Nothing beats these homemade biscuits paired with my classic homemade sausage gravy for a truly satisfying and delicious breakfast or brunch.
- Dessert Delight: Split a biscuit, fill it with fresh sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a quick and easy take on strawberry shortcake.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Biscuits (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master your air fryer biscuit making:
When served warm for breakfast, these biscuits are heavenly with just butter and jam. Strawberry jam and cream cheese is a particular family favorite! They are also fantastic with savory dishes like soups, casseroles, or our hearty sausage gravy. Don’t forget they make a delightful base for strawberry shortcake too!
The key is cold ingredients and minimal handling. Ensure your butter and buttermilk are very cold, and mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough texture. Properly measuring your flour (spooned into the cup, then leveled) also prevents adding too much, which can cause dryness.
Yes, you can! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder, baking soda, and salt from the recipe, as these are already included in self-rising flour. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly as self-rising flour can absorb differently.
This largely depends on the size of your air fryer basket. The most important thing is to ensure the biscuits are not overcrowded. Leave at least ½ inch of space between each biscuit to allow for proper hot air circulation. This usually means cooking in batches of 4 to 6 biscuits at a time.
The air fryer is perfect for reheating! Place leftover biscuits in the air fryer basket and cook for 1 to 2 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method brings them back to a wonderfully fresh-tasting state.
You can prepare the dough and cut out the biscuits, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap. You can also freeze raw cut biscuits for up to a month in an airtight container; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Explore
Once you discover the convenience and amazing results of air frying, you’ll want to try it for everything! Here are some other fantastic air fryer recipes from our kitchen that you’re sure to love:
- Air Fryer Donuts
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Air Fryer French Fries
If you try this incredible Air Fryer Biscuits recipe and love it as much as we do, please let us know! Leave a comment and rate the recipe below to share your experience. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks discover delicious new favorites!
Air Fryer Biscuits
Author: Anna
These Air Fryer Biscuits are made from scratch and baked in just 6 minutes. They are buttery, flaky, and delicious! Perfect with soups, pot pie, or sausage gravy.
Rating: 5 from 5 votes
Pin Recipe
Cooking Information
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Total Time: 21 mins
Classification
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: 186 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (one stick, cold)
- ½ cup buttermilk (use my homemade version)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and soda.
- Grate cold butter right over the flour mixture. Cut it in with a pastry cutter or fork until well incorporated and resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk buttermilk and egg.
- Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture. Stir in until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Place mixture on a lightly floured surface and gently shape the dough into a ball.
- Press the dough into a disk, about ½ inch thick. Cut out biscuits with a round cutter. Gather dough scraps and gently re-press to cut out any remaining biscuits.
- Turn on the air fryer. Press “air fry” setting, set temperature to 380° F (193°C) and timer to 2 minutes to preheat.
- After 2 minutes, place a sheet of parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Arrange 4 to 6 biscuits (depending on the size of your air fryer, do not overcrowd), brush with melted butter and bake for 6 minutes. Repeat until all biscuits are baked.
- Brush baked biscuits with remaining melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cold butter, straight from the fridge. Grating it works best for flaky layers.
- Homemade buttermilk yields the best crumb and texture. Find my recipe for a buttermilk substitute here.
- For ham and cheese biscuits, add chopped ham and grated cheddar to the biscuit dough before cutting.
- Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific products used. Always consult a trusted calorie counter for precise information.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 186kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 154mg
- Potassium: 114mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 331IU
- Calcium: 49mg
- Iron: 1mg
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