If you’re a biscuit lover but dread the hassle of preheating your oven, then you’re in for a treat with this air fryer biscuit recipe! Air frying is a game-changer, making it possible to enjoy hot, fluffy biscuits with minimal prep time. Not only are air fryer biscuits quick, but they also come out irresistibly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With this guide, you’ll learn how to make classic biscuits in an air fryer using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. These homemade biscuits are perfect for breakfast, a side for your favorite meals, or even a delicious
Table of Contents
Ingredients Overview
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and why each is essential to achieving the perfect biscuit.
- All-Purpose Flour: This flour provides the perfect balance of texture and structure for these biscuits. Make sure to sift it to avoid clumping, resulting in light and fluffy biscuits.
- Baking Powder: As the leavening agent, baking powder is what makes these biscuits rise, giving them their signature light and airy texture. It’s essential for creating fluffiness without yeast.
- Salt: A little salt enhances the flavor of the biscuits, balancing out the butter and adding a touch of savoriness.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key to creating flaky layers. When the butter melts in the air fryer, it releases steam, which helps create those desirable layers in your biscuits.
- Milk: This adds moisture and richness to the dough. Whole milk works best, but you can also use buttermilk for an extra hint of tangy flavor.
Optional Ingredient: Brushing the biscuits with melted butter after cooking gives them a lovely sheen and an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients List:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk (or more if needed)
- Optional: Melted butter for brushing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating is essential for even cooking and ensuring that your biscuits rise properly. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes while you prepare the dough. - Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing; small chunks of butter in the dough create pockets of steam during baking, leading to a flaky texture. - Add the Milk Gradually
Pour in the milk slowly, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it’s too dry, add an extra splash of milk. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough biscuits. - Shape the Biscuits
Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuit shapes. Each cut should be sharp and straight down, as twisting the cutter can compress the edges, preventing a full rise. - Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for even air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking. - Cook in the Air Fryer
Air fry the biscuits at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Check them around the 6-minute mark to assess how quickly they are browning. Depending on your air fryer model, you might need to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. - Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of flavor, brush the hot biscuits with melted butter as soon as they’re done cooking. This gives them a beautiful golden sheen and adds richness. Serve the biscuits warm with your favorite toppings, like butter, jam, or honey.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Once cooled, these biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: To bring leftover biscuits back to life, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes. This method preserves their crispiness and warms them through without drying them out.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some exciting variations that add flavor twists to the classic air fryer biscuit recipe:
- Cheddar and Chive Biscuits
Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and a tablespoon of chopped chives to the dough. These savory biscuits make an excellent addition to breakfast or as a side with soups. - Garlic and Herb Biscuits
Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder and a teaspoon of Italian herbs for a more flavorful biscuit. Brush with garlic butter after air frying for an added burst of flavor. - Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits
For a sweeter variation, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of the biscuits before cooking. They come out slightly caramelized on top, perfect for a treat with coffee or tea. - Buttermilk Biscuits
Swap out the milk for buttermilk, which adds a subtle tanginess and makes the biscuits even more tender.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer biscuits are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice the biscuits in half and add scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
- Side for Soups and Stews: Biscuits make a great accompaniment to creamy soups, like tomato bisque or chicken pot pie soup.
- With Gravy: For a Southern-inspired dish, serve these biscuits smothered in homemade sausage gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make air fryer biscuits without preheating?
While you can skip the preheating step, it’s recommended to preheat for a more consistent cooking result. Preheating ensures that the biscuits cook evenly and rise properly. - What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
No problem! You can use the rim of a glass or even a round cookie cutter if you have one. Just make sure to avoid twisting the cutter, as this can affect the rise of your biscuits. - Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can! Shape the biscuits, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. - How do I make gluten-free air fryer biscuits?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Check the dough texture, as gluten-free flours may require a slight adjustment in milk quantity. - Do I need to grease the air fryer basket?
Generally, no greasing is needed, as air fryers are designed for low-oil cooking. However, if you notice sticking, you can lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
“Once you’ve experienced the simplicity of making biscuits in an air fryer, you’ll never want to go back to traditional baking! Crispy, golden, and quick, these air fryer biscuits are a must-try for any biscuit lover.”
