Using an air fryer to cook Pillsbury biscuits is definitely possible and can result in delicious, crispy biscuits in much less time than baking them in the oven. Air frying biscuits is a quick and easy way to make them with minimal effort and just a fraction of the oil that deep frying would require.
Can You Cook Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you absolutely can cook Pillsbury biscuits, including the refrigerated canned biscuits, in an air fryer! The hot circulating air will cook the biscuits evenly on all sides, resulting in flaky, golden brown exterior and soft, pillowy interior.
An air fryer works by rapidly circulating super hot air around food to cook it. This allows food to get crispy and browned like deep frying, but using little to no oil. The convection heat of an air fryer is perfect for baking up biscuits nice and flaky.
Benefits of Cooking Biscuits in an Air Fryer
There are a few advantages to cooking biscuits in an air fryer rather than the traditional oven method:
- Faster cooking time – Air fryers can cook biscuits in about half the time as the oven.
- Less oil needed – Only a small amount of oil is needed to brush the biscuits for browning.
- Crispier exterior – The circulating hot air crisps up the outside of the biscuits.
- No preheating required – Air fryers heat up in just minutes, unlike a conventional oven.
- Smaller batch cooking – Easily make a few fresh biscuits rather than a whole pan.
Challenges of Biscuits in an Air Fryer
There are just a couple potential challenges to keep in mind when making biscuits in an air fryer:
- Smaller capacity – Air fryer baskets hold around 3-5 biscuits at a time.
- No rising room – The confined space won’t allow biscuits to rise as much as baking.
- Possible uneven cooking – Air flow can create hot and cool spots.
- Watch for burning – Air fryers cook very quickly so keep an eye on them.
How to Make Pillsbury Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Cooking Pillsbury biscuits in an air fryer is super simple to do. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Open can of biscuits and separate each one. Place on a baking sheet.
- Brush tops of biscuits lightly with oil or melted butter.
- Working in batches, place biscuits oiled-side up in air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry biscuits for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip halfway through if needed.
- Check frequently as cook times can vary. Biscuits are done when tops are browned.
- Remove biscuits from air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the size and model of your particular air fryer. But generally the biscuits will cook completely in around 5-9 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each biscuit for air circulation.
- Brush biscuits lightly with oil or melted butter before air frying for enhanced browning.
- Flip or rotate biscuits midway during cooking for even browning on both sides.
- Check biscuits a minute or two early to prevent burning. Air fryers cook very rapidly.
- Let biscuits cool for 1-2 minutes before removing from air fryer so they hold their shape.
How to Make Different Kinds of Biscuits
Nearly any type of canned or refrigerated biscuit, including Pillsbury, will work well when air fried. Here are some ideas:
Buttermilk Biscuits
For tender, flaky biscuits with a subtle tang, use refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Brush with melted butter before air frying.
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
Cheddar cheese biscuits get super crispy and golden brown in the air fryer. The cheese filling will ooze out deliciously.
Cinnamon Biscuits
Pre-made canned cinnamon roll dough works perfectly for air frying. Top with glaze after cooking if desired.
Garlic Biscuits
For homemade flavor, brush refrigerated biscuits with garlic butter before cooking in the air fryer.
Using an Air Fryer Biscuit Basket
For easier cooking and removal, consider using a special air fryer biscuit basket. It fits perfectly in the air fryer chamber and has slots that allow air flow while keeping food contained.
Simple lightly grease the biscuit basket and add 3-6 biscuits cut-side down. Air fry at 350°F for around 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Use tongs to lift basket out when done.
Biscuit Air Fryer Recipe Ideas
Air fried biscuits pair deliciously with all kinds of breakfast dishes, lunches, dinners, and desserts. Get creative with these recipe ideas:
- Eggs Benedict with air fried biscuits
- Breakfast sandwiches on air fried biscuits
- Fried chicken biscuit sandwiches
- Mini biscuit pizzas
- Biscuits with sausage gravy
- Strawberry shortcake biscuits
- Chicken pot pie using biscuit dough
- Biscuits and honey butter
Tips for Reheating Leftover Biscuits
Here are some tips for reheating leftover biscuits that were made in the air fryer:
- Reheat biscuits in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Split biscuits open and toast cut-sides down in air fryer for crispy reheating.
- Microwave biscuits for 10-20 seconds to refresh and soften.
- Wrap biscuits in foil and reheat at 325°F oven for 5-10 minutes if air fryer is unavailable.
Common Questions about Air Fryer Biscuits
Should biscuits be flipped during air frying?
It’s recommended to flip or rotate biscuits at least once during air frying. This allows for even browning on both sides. Use tongs to gently turn them over midway through cooking.
How long do biscuits take in an air fryer?
On average, biscuits take 5-9 minutes to fully cook in an air fryer. Smaller or thicker biscuits may take a minute or two longer. Check frequently after 5 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
Can you put frozen biscuits in an air fryer?
It’s best to thaw frozen biscuits before cooking in an air fryer. Air frying directly from frozen can result in uneven cooking. Thaw first, then brush with oil and air fry as usual.
Do you need oil to air fry biscuits?
A small amount of oil helps biscuits brown evenly in the air fryer. Brush biscuits lightly with oil, butter, or nonstick spray before air frying. But it’s not strictly required if avoiding oil.
Conclusion
Air frying provides a quick and easy way to cook up hot, home-style biscuits any time. Pillsbury and other canned biscuits work perfectly in the air fryer, becoming crisp on the outside while staying tender within. Follow the simple directions to enjoy flaky biscuits in a fraction of the time and with less mess than baking. Get creative with savory or sweet recipes using air fried biscuits.