Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, making it faster, healthier, and crispier. If you love warm, buttery biscuits but want to skip the hassle of turning on the oven, air fryer biscuits are the perfect solution. These biscuits come out golden, fluffy, and slightly crispy in just minutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make biscuits in an air fryer, the best ingredients to use, tips for getting a crispy texture, and answers to common biscuit questions. By the end, you’ll master the art of making perfect air fryer biscuits every time.
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Air Fryer Biscuits: The Best Recipe for Fluffy, Golden Perfection
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These air fryer biscuits are golden, fluffy, and ready in minutes! They have a crispy outside and soft, buttery inside—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving with gravy. This quick and easy recipe uses simple ingredients and an air fryer to achieve bakery-style biscuits with minimal effort.
Ingredients
✅ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✅ 1 tbsp baking powder
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ½ cup cold butter, cubed
✅ ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
Optional Add-ins:
- Cheese: ½ cup shredded cheddar
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp for extra flavor
- Honey: 1 tbsp for a slight sweetness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2️⃣ Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3️⃣ Gradually stir in milk (or buttermilk) until just combined—avoid overmixing!
Step 2: Shape the Biscuits
4️⃣ Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough to ½-inch thickness.
5️⃣ Cut out biscuits using a round cutter or glass.
6️⃣ Place biscuits in an air fryer basket with space between each one.
Step 3: Air Fry the Biscuits
7️⃣ Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
8️⃣ Cook biscuits for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9️⃣ Remove, brush with melted butter, and serve warm!
Notes
✔️ Use cold butter for flaky, layered biscuits.
✔️ For extra crispiness, brush biscuits with butter before air frying.
✔️ Spacing is important—don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
✔️ Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Air fryer biscuits, fluffy biscuits, crispy biscuits, homemade biscuits, easy biscuit recipe, air fryer baking, buttermilk biscuits
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Biscuits Are a Game-Changer
1.1 The Benefits of Cooking Biscuits in an Air Fryer
Air fryer biscuits offer several advantages over traditional baking methods:
- Faster cooking time – No need to preheat a large oven.
- Even cooking – The hot air circulation ensures a golden, crispy texture.
- Less oil – A healthier option compared to deep frying.
- Energy-efficient – Uses less electricity than an oven.
1.2 How Air Frying Changes the Texture of Biscuits
Air fryers use rapid air circulation to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Unlike baking in an oven, where heat is distributed more slowly, air frying locks in moisture quickly, preventing biscuits from drying out.
To enhance your air fryer cooking skills, check out these related recipes on Julia Recipes:
- How Do I Get Crispy Results in My Air Fryer? – Learn tips for extra crispiness.
- Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin – Another delicious air fryer recipe to try.
- Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Perfect side dish to pair with biscuits.
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes – Another easy and crispy air fryer recipe.
1.3 Comparing Air Fryer Biscuits vs. Oven-Baked Biscuits
Feature | Air Fryer Biscuits | Oven-Baked Biscuits |
---|---|---|
Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes | 12-15 minutes |
Texture | Crispier outside | Softer outside |
Convenience | No preheating | Preheating needed |
Energy Use | Lower | Higher |
If you’re looking for quick, crispy, and delicious biscuits, the air fryer is the way to go!
Essential Ingredients and Foolproof Air Fryer Biscuit Recipe

2.1 Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Biscuits
To make fluffy and golden air fryer biscuits, you only need a few simple ingredients:
Basic Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – The base of the biscuit dough.
- Baking powder – Helps the biscuits rise.
- Salt – Enhances flavor.
- Butter (cold and cubed) – Creates a flaky texture.
- Milk (or buttermilk) – Adds moisture and richness.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- Cheese – Sharp cheddar or parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Herbs – Rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic flavor.
- Garlic powder – For a subtle garlic kick.
- Honey or sugar – Adds slight sweetness.
2.2 Step-by-Step Air Fryer Biscuit Recipe
1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk (or buttermilk) and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
2: Shape the Biscuits
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out biscuits.
- Arrange biscuits in a single layer on parchment paper.
3: Air Fry the Biscuits
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place biscuits in the air fryer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove when golden brown and brush with melted butter.
2.3 Tips for Perfect Biscuits Every Time
✅ Use cold butter – This ensures flakiness.
✅ Don’t overmix – Overworking the dough makes biscuits dense.
✅ Space them out – Proper air circulation helps them cook evenly.
✅ Flip halfway – This guarantees even browning.
Why Are Biscuits Crispy and How to Achieve the Best Texture
3.1 The Science Behind Crispy Biscuits
The crispiness of biscuits comes down to three key factors:
- Air Circulation: The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air removes moisture from the biscuit’s surface, creating a crispy crust.
- Butter and Fat Content: When the cold butter melts during cooking, it forms steam pockets that give biscuits a flaky and crispy texture.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking at 350°F to 375°F helps biscuits develop a golden-brown exterior without overcooking the inside.
3.2 How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits Extra Crispy
Want an even crispier bite? Try these tips:
✅ Brush with butter before and after cooking – This enhances browning and crispiness.
✅ Use a perforated parchment liner – Allows better airflow under the biscuits.
✅ Increase cooking time slightly – An extra 1-2 minutes at the end helps crisp up the edges.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the basket – Proper spacing ensures even cooking and crispiness.
✅ Use buttermilk – The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking powder, leading to a lighter, crispier texture.
3.3 Preventing Biscuits from Sticking in the Air Fryer
Sticking can be frustrating, but here’s how to avoid it:
- Use parchment paper or a silicone liner – This prevents direct contact with the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or brush it with melted butter.
- Don’t move the biscuits too soon – Let them firm up before flipping.
- Preheat the air fryer – This helps the biscuits form a crust quickly, reducing sticking.
How Air Affects Biscuit Softness & The Best Storage Tips
4.1 Why Does Air Make Biscuits Soft?
Ever noticed that biscuits get softer when left out? This happens due to humidity and air exposure. Here’s why:
- Moisture Absorption: Biscuits pull moisture from the air, making them soft over time.
- Steam Retention: Right after baking, trapped steam keeps biscuits fluffy. However, sealing them too soon locks in excess moisture, softening the crispy edges.
- Cooling Process: Allowing biscuits to cool completely before storage prevents condensation, which leads to sogginess.
To maintain perfect texture, let biscuits cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before storing.
4.2 How to Store Air Fryer Biscuits
Want to enjoy your biscuits later? Use these storage methods:
Storage Method | How to Store | Shelf Life |
---|---|---|
Room Temperature | Store in an airtight container at room temp. | 1-2 days |
Refrigerator | Place in a sealed container to retain moisture. | 4-5 days |
Freezer | Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. | Up to 3 months |
Best Practices for Storing Biscuits:
✅ Use parchment paper between biscuits to prevent sticking.
✅ Avoid plastic bags for room-temperature storage—traps moisture and makes biscuits soggy.
✅ Label freezer bags with the date for freshness tracking.
4.3 Can You Reheat Biscuits in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Reheating biscuits in the air fryer restores their original texture better than a microwave.
Steps to Reheat Biscuits in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- Place biscuits in the basket without overlapping.
- Heat for 2-4 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Optional: Brush with butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
Other reheating options:
- Microwave – 10-15 seconds (soft but not crispy).
- Oven – 5-7 minutes at 350°F for a slower, even reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Biscuits
5.1 How Long Can You Put Biscuits in the Air Fryer?
The cooking time for air fryer biscuits varies depending on their size and thickness. In general, canned biscuits should be cooked at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. Homemade biscuits require a similar temperature of 350°F (175°C) but need 9-12 minutes to cook properly, also flipping halfway. Frozen biscuits, on the other hand, should be cooked at a slightly lower temperature of 325°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes, without the need for flipping. Pro Tip: If your biscuits start browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time to ensure they cook through without burning.
5.2 What Do You Need for Biscuits?
To make classic air fryer biscuits, you only need a few pantry staples:
✅ All-purpose flour – Forms the biscuit structure.
✅ Baking powder – Helps biscuits rise.
✅ Salt – Enhances flavor.
✅ Butter (cold, cubed) – Creates layers and flakiness.
✅ Milk or buttermilk – Adds moisture and richness.
For flavor variations, try adding cheese, herbs, honey, or garlic powder.
5.3 Why Are Biscuits Crispy?
Biscuits become crispy due to:
Hot air circulation – The air fryer’s fan crisps up the edges.
Butter content – When butter melts, it creates flaky layers that crisp up.
Proper spacing – Overcrowding reduces air circulation, making biscuits soft.
Brushing with butter – A light coat before and after air frying enhances crispiness.
5.4 How Do You Keep Biscuits from Sticking in an Air Fryer?
Prevent sticking by:
✅ Using parchment paper or a silicone liner.
✅ Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
✅ Avoiding moving biscuits too soon—let them firm up before flipping.
5.5 Why Does Air Make Biscuits Soft?
Air exposure increases moisture absorption, which makes biscuits softer over time. To keep them crispy, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer before serving.
5.6 Can You Reheat Biscuits in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 2-4 minutes to restore warmth and crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Biscuits
6.1 Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Biscuits
Tired of plain biscuits? Try these fun variations to level up your air fryer biscuits:
Savory Biscuits
- Cheddar & Garlic Biscuits – Add shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder to the dough for a cheesy, flavorful twist.
- Herb Butter Biscuits – Mix in rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fragrant and buttery flavor.
- Bacon & Cheese Biscuits – Stir in crispy bacon bits and parmesan cheese for a smoky, salty kick.
Sweet Biscuits
- Honey Butter Biscuits – Drizzle honey over warm biscuits and brush with melted butter for a sweet, golden glaze.
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits – Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top before air frying for a warm, spiced treat.
- Chocolate Chip Biscuits – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a delicious dessert-style biscuit.
6.2 Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Biscuits
Air fryer biscuits are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas:
For Breakfast
✅ Biscuits & Gravy – Top with homemade sausage gravy for a Southern-style breakfast.
✅ Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches – Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage for a hearty morning meal.
✅ Biscuits with Jam & Butter – Classic and simple, perfect with strawberry, raspberry, or honey butter.
For Lunch or Dinner
✅ Biscuits as Sliders – Use biscuits as buns for mini sandwiches with ham, turkey, or pulled pork.
✅ Soup or Chili Side – Serve warm biscuits alongside a bowl of soup or chili for dipping.
✅ Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches – Add crispy fried chicken and pickles for a Southern-style meal.
For Dessert
✅ Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits – Slice biscuits in half and fill with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
✅ Biscuits with Ice Cream – Serve warm biscuits with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
✅ Nutella or Peanut Butter Spread – Slather biscuits with Nutella, peanut butter, or almond butter for a sweet snack.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Problems

Even the best bakers run into issues sometimes. Here are common problems with air fryer biscuits and how to fix them.
7.1 Why Are My Biscuits Too Hard?
If your biscuits turn out too hard or dense, it could be due to:
❌ Overmixing the dough – Stir until just combined; overmixing leads to tough biscuits.
❌ Too much flour – Use exact measurements and avoid over-packing the measuring cup.
❌ Not enough fat (butter or shortening) – Fat creates a tender texture, so use cold butter for best results.
❌ Overcooking – Check biscuits at the 8-minute mark to prevent drying out.
Fix: Brush with melted butter after cooking for extra moisture.
7.2 Why Didn’t My Biscuits Rise?
Flat biscuits may result from:
❌ Expired baking powder – Make sure your leavening agent is fresh.
❌ Butter too warm – Cold butter creates air pockets that help biscuits rise.
❌ Rolling dough too thin – Keep the dough at ½-inch thickness for tall, fluffy biscuits.
Fix: Always chill the dough for 10 minutes before air frying.
7.3 Why Are My Biscuits Doughy in the Middle?
If biscuits are raw or gummy inside, it’s usually due to:
❌ Too high heat – Lower the temperature slightly (325°F to 340°F) to allow even cooking.
❌ Biscuits too thick – If biscuits are thicker than ¾ inch, increase the cooking time.
❌ Crowded basket – Leave space for air circulation.
Fix: Air fry 2-3 minutes longer if the center is undercooked.
7.4 Why Are My Biscuits Too Dry?
Biscuits become dry when:
❌ Not enough liquid – Ensure the right amount of milk or buttermilk.
❌ Overbaking – Set a timer and check biscuits early.
❌ Skipping butter brushing – Melted butter locks in moisture.
Fix: Serve with honey, jam, or gravy to add moisture back.
Healthier Air Fryer Biscuits & Dietary Modifications
Want to enjoy biscuits with a healthier twist? Whether you’re looking for low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free options, there’s a recipe for you!
8.1 How to Make Healthier Air Fryer Biscuits
Swap a few ingredients for a nutrient-packed, lower-calorie version of classic biscuits:
Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefit |
---|---|---|
All-Purpose Flour | Whole wheat flour or almond flour | Adds fiber & nutrients |
Butter | Greek yogurt or coconut oil | Reduces saturated fat |
Milk | Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Dairy-free option |
Sugar | Honey or maple syrup | Natural sweetener |
White Flour | Oat flour or gluten-free flour mix | Gluten-free alternative |
8.2 Special Diet Biscuit Variations
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Biscuits
✅ Use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum for texture).
✅ Add an extra egg for better structure.
✅ Use cornstarch for extra lightness.
Keto & Low-Carb Air Fryer Biscuits
✅ Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of wheat flour.
✅ Replace milk with heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk.
✅ Use baking powder + psyllium husk for a fluffier texture.
Vegan Air Fryer Biscuits
✅ Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
✅ Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
✅ Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs.
8.3 How Do Healthy Biscuits Compare?

Biscuit Type | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classic Buttery Biscuit | ~180 kcal | 24g | 9g | 3g |
Gluten-Free Biscuit | ~150 kcal | 22g | 7g | 4g |
Keto Almond Flour Biscuit | ~140 kcal | 4g | 12g | 5g |
Vegan Biscuit | ~160 kcal | 23g | 6g | 4g |
💡 Tip: Adding chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or protein powder can boost fiber and protein content in biscuits!
Final Thoughts, Internal Links & SEO Optimization
9.1 Key Takeaways for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits
Let’s recap everything you need to know to make fluffy, crispy, and delicious air fryer biscuits:
✅ Use cold butter – It creates flaky layers.
✅ Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking makes biscuits dense.
✅ Preheat your air fryer – Ensures even cooking.
✅ Flip halfway through – For a golden brown, even texture.
✅ Store properly – Keep biscuits in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
✅ Reheat in the air fryer – This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
Whether you’re making classic biscuits, keto-friendly options, or vegan versions, the air fryer makes baking quick, easy, and mess-free. Try different flavors, pair them with gravy, jam, or honey, and enjoy!