Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by providing a fast, efficient, and healthier way to prepare meals. One delightful treat that can be easily cooked in a digital air fryer is biscuits. Whether you’re baking fresh dough or reheating pre-made biscuits, knowing the right temperature and settings is key to achieving perfect results. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ideal temperature for cooking biscuits in an air fryer, tips for perfect texture, and some common mistakes to avoid.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Biscuits?

Air fryers are known for their ability to mimic the effects of deep frying but without the need for excessive oil. They circulate hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly. For biscuits, this means a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior, achieved in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. Plus, using an air fryer minimizes the need for preheating, saving you both time and energy.

What Temperature Should You Cook Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

The optimal temperature for cooking biscuits in the air fryer depends on whether you are working with raw dough or reheating pre-cooked biscuits. Here’s a breakdown:

• For fresh or canned biscuits: Set the air fryer to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature ensures that the biscuits cook evenly without burning on the outside before the inside is fully done.
• For frozen biscuits: You can set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This higher temperature allows the frozen dough to thaw and cook thoroughly in less time.
• For reheating biscuits: Pre-cooked biscuits can be reheated at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes, depending on their size. This lower temperature will warm them through without drying them out.

Cooking Time and Tips

Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model, the thickness of the biscuit dough, and how many biscuits you’re cooking at once. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Fresh Biscuits: Cook for 8-10 minutes at 325°F (160°C). Check halfway through and flip the biscuits if necessary for even browning.
2. Frozen Biscuits: Cook for 12-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Be sure to space them evenly on the air fryer tray to allow proper airflow.
3. Reheating Biscuits: Reheat for 3-5 minutes at 300°F (150°C).

It’s essential to use the air fryer tray correctly. Make sure the biscuits are evenly spaced out to ensure the hot air circulates around them. Overcrowding the tray may result in uneven cooking, with some biscuits undercooked while others become too crispy.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Biscuits in an Air Fryer

1. Prepare the Biscuits: Whether you’re using canned, frozen, or homemade dough, arrange your biscuits on the air fryer tray or basket. Leave enough space between each biscuit to allow the air to flow around them evenly.
2. Set the Temperature: For fresh biscuits, set your digital air fryer to 325°F (160°C). For frozen, go with 350°F (175°C).
3. Cook Time: Fresh biscuits will cook in 8-10 minutes, while frozen biscuits will need 12-15 minutes. Always check them halfway through to ensure they’re cooking evenly. If your air fryer doesn’t automatically flip the biscuits, you might want to flip them over to get an even golden brown color.
4. Check for Doneness: Biscuits should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, with a fluffy interior. If you’re unsure, you can always insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit. If it comes out clean, your biscuits are done!
5. Let Them Cool: Once cooked, remove the biscuits from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This resting period allows the steam inside to finish the cooking process and ensures a soft interior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Air Fryer Tray: Always ensure there is enough space between biscuits. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, with some biscuits overcooked and others undercooked. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary.
2. Setting the Temperature Too High: Some people might be tempted to cook biscuits at a higher temperature to speed up the process, but this can result in burnt exteriors and raw centers. Stick to the recommended temperature settings for the best results.
3. Not Preheating the Air Fryer: While many air fryers do not require preheating, some models might benefit from a quick preheat cycle, especially when baking delicate items like biscuits. Check your air fryer’s manual for guidance.
4. Skipping the Flip: If your air fryer model doesn’t have a rotating basket, you may need to manually flip the biscuits halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

Additional Tips for Perfect Biscuits

• Use parchment paper: Lining your air fryer tray with parchment paper will help prevent the biscuits from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Brush with butter: For extra flavor, consider brushing the tops of the biscuits with melted butter or a butter substitute halfway through cooking. This will give them a richer taste and a beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Add toppings: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a bit of cheese, herbs, or garlic powder on the biscuits before placing them in the air fryer. It adds a delightful twist to a classic treat.

Why Air Fryer Biscuits Are a Game-Changer

Cooking biscuits in the air fryer is not only quick and easy but also ensures a perfectly crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This method works great whether you’re making a savory breakfast biscuit or preparing a quick side for dinner. With fewer dishes to clean and no need to heat up the entire kitchen, air fryers are becoming the go-to for biscuit lovers everywhere.

Final Thoughts

Air fryers provide a fast and efficient way to bake your favorite biscuits without the hassle of a conventional oven. By setting the right temperature—325°F (160°C) for fresh dough and 350°F (175°C) for frozen—and following simple tips like spacing your biscuits properly on the air fryer tray, you’ll enjoy perfectly baked biscuits every time.

So, next time you’re craving biscuits, why not give the digital air fryer a try? You’ll be surprised at how quick and easy it is to enjoy fresh, fluffy, and delicious biscuits with minimal effort.