How to Cook Frozen Biscuits in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Perfect Results Every Time​

2025-11-11

If you’re short on time but craving warm, fluffy, or crispy biscuits, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s faster, more energy-efficient, and often yields better results than a conventional oven. Whether you’re using store-bought buttermilk biscuits, cheese-stuffed varieties, or even homemade frozen dough, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve golden, tender biscuits with minimal effort. We’ll cover prep work, cooking times, troubleshooting common issues, and even creative twists to elevate your biscuit game. By the end, you’ll never reach for the oven on biscuit mornings again.

Why Air Fryers Are Great for Frozen Biscuits

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds around food, mimicking deep frying without the oil. For frozen biscuits, this means:

  • ​Speed: Air fryers preheat faster than ovens (most reach 350°F/175°C in 2–3 minutes) and cook biscuits in half the time.

  • ​Even Cooking: The circulating air prevents hot spots, reducing the risk of burnt edges or raw centers.

  • ​Crispier Results: Unlike microwaves (which leave biscuits soggy) or toaster ovens (which can over-dry), air fryers toast the exterior while keeping the interior soft—perfect for classic flaky biscuits.

  • ​Energy Efficiency: Smaller appliances use less power, making them a budget-friendly choice for daily breakfasts.

Step 1: Prep Your Frozen Biscuits (and Your Air Fryer)

The key to success starts with preparation. Here’s what to do before hitting “start”:

Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Biscuits?

This is a common question, and the answer depends on your timeline and preference:

  • ​No Thawing Needed: Most frozen biscuits cook beautifully straight from the freezer. The air fryer’s intense heat works quickly enough to defrost and bake simultaneously. This is ideal for busy mornings when you don’t have 30 minutes to wait for thawing.

  • ​Thaw for Softer Centers: If you prefer biscuits with a slightly softer, less dense texture, thaw them on the counter for 10–15 minutes first. This lets the dough relax slightly, reducing the chance of a tough interior. Avoid thawing in the microwave, as it can start cooking the edges prematurely.

Check the Package Instructions (But Don’t Rely on Them Blindly)

Many store-bought frozen biscuits include air fryer instructions, but these are often generic. Use them as a starting point, then adjust based on your air fryer’s wattage and your desired texture. For example, a brand might suggest 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, but if your air fryer runs hot, you may need to lower the temp to 350°F (175°C) to prevent burning.

Grease the Basket (or Use Parchment Paper)

Most frozen biscuits have a light coating of fat (like butter or shortening) to help them brown, but adding a little extra insurance prevents sticking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper cut to size. Avoid silicone mats—they can trap steam and make biscuits soggy.

Step 2: Cooking Times and Temperatures: What Works Best

Air fryer models vary widely in wattage (1,000–1,800W) and design, so exact times may differ. However, we’ve tested dozens of biscuits to land on a reliable baseline:

Standard Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits (2.5–3 inches in diameter)

  • ​Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

  • ​Time: 6–10 minutes

  • ​Process: Place biscuits in a single layer, leaving ½ inch of space between them (overcrowding traps steam and leads to softness). Cook for 4 minutes, then flip them using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes until golden brown.

Larger or Stuffed Biscuits (e.g., cheese, bacon, or jalapeño)

  • ​Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

  • ​Time: 8–12 minutes

  • ​Process: These have more mass, so they need extra time. After the initial 4 minutes, flip them, then cook 6–8 more minutes. Check the center—if it’s still cold, add 2 minutes and check again.

Mini Biscuits (1–1.5 inches)

  • ​Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

  • ​Time: 4–6 minutes

  • ​Process: Their small size means they cook quickly. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 3: How to Tell When Your Biscuits Are Done

Overcooking leads to dry, crumbly biscuits; undercooking leaves them doughy. Use these visual and tactile cues:

  • ​Color: The exterior should be deep golden brown, not pale or patchy. Some brands have sugar in the dough, which will caramelize to a rich amber.

  • ​Touch: Gently press the top of a biscuit. It should feel firm but yield slightly—like a well-toasted bread roll. If it’s hard, it’s overcooked; if it collapses, it’s undercooked.

  • ​Internal Temp: For peace of mind, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center. It should register 190–200°F (88–93°C), the temperature at which dough fully cooks and starches gelatinize.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect prep, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix them:

My Biscuits Are Burnt on the Outside but Raw Inside

  • ​Cause: Your air fryer runs hot, or you overcrowded the basket.

  • ​Fix: Lower the temperature by 25°F (15°C) next time. Ensure biscuits are spaced evenly. For very thick biscuits, try cooking at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

They’re Soggy, Not Crispy

  • ​Cause: Excess moisture in the basket or undercooking.

  • ​Fix: Always use a preheated basket (preheating dries out residual moisture). If biscuits are soggy after cooking, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to crisp up.

The Edges Are Tough or Chewy

  • ​Cause: Overworking the dough during prep (if using homemade) or overcooking.

  • ​Fix: For store-bought, avoid pressing down on the biscuits before cooking—this compresses the layers. For homemade, make sure the dough isn’t over-kneaded.

Creative Twists: Elevate Your Frozen Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Once you master the basics, experiment with these flavor boosts:

  • ​Garlic Butter Biscuits: Brush the tops with melted garlic butter before cooking. Sprinkle with parsley or parmesan after.

  • ​Everything Bagel Biscuits: Press everything bagel seasoning into the dough before freezing, or sprinkle it on top halfway through cooking.

  • ​Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: Toss frozen biscuits in a mix of 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon before cooking. The heat caramelizes the sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust.

  • ​Stuffed with Extras: Add a slice of cheese or a piece of cooked bacon between two biscuits before cooking—they’ll melt into gooey pockets.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Biscuits

Biscuits are relatively low-mess, but here’s how to keep your appliance in top shape:

  • Let the basket cool completely before cleaning.

  • Wipe away loose crumbs with a dry paper towel.

  • Wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water—avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the nonstick coating.

  • For stubborn residue, soak the basket in warm water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Final Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits

  • ​Invest in an Oven Thermometer: Air fryer displays aren’t always accurate. A $10 thermometer ensures you’re cooking at the right temp.

  • ​Batch Cooking: If you’re feeding a crowd, cook in batches rather than overcrowding the basket.

  • ​Freeze Your Own Biscuits: Make a double batch of homemade biscuits, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll cook just as well as store-bought.

Cooking frozen biscuits in an air fryer is a simple, satisfying skill that transforms weekday mornings. By following these steps—adjusting for your air fryer’s quirks, mastering timing, and getting creative with flavors—you’ll achieve biscuits that rival those from your favorite diner. The next time you’re tempted to reach for the toaster oven, remember: your air fryer is faster, crispier, and waiting to make your breakfast unforgettable.

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