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

If you’ve ever tossed a frozen biscuit into the oven only to wait 20 minutes for a mediocre result—or worse, microwaved it into a soggy, rubbery mess—you’re not alone. The good news? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend for cooking frozen biscuits. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to use an air fryer to achieve golden-brown, fluffy-centered biscuits with crispy edges, every single time. Whether you’re using store-bought frozen biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands or Homestyle Buttermilk) or homemade ones you froze yourself, these steps will work. We’ll cover prep, cooking times, troubleshooting, and even creative twists to elevate your biscuit game. By the end, you’ll never look back at other cooking methods again.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Frozen Biscuits (And Why Other Methods Fall Short)

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Air fryers have exploded in popularity for a reason: they circulate hot air rapidly, cooking food quickly while mimicking the crispiness of deep frying—with almost no oil. For frozen biscuits, this makes them far superior to ovens or microwaves:

• ​Ovens: While reliable, ovens take longer to preheat (often 10–15 minutes) and cook biscuits unevenly, especially if your oven runs hot or cold. The result? Some biscuits burn on the edges while the centers stay doughy.

• ​Microwaves: They’re fast, but microwaving frozen biscuits turns them soft and squishy. The microwave excels at reheating but fails at creating that desirable crispy exterior.

• ​Air Fryers: With most models preheating in 3–5 minutes and cooking biscuits in 8–12 minutes total, they’re faster than ovens. The circulating air ensures even browning, and you can skip the oil for a lighter, crispier bite.

Step 1: Choose the Right Frozen Biscuits (and Prep Them Correctly)

Not all frozen biscuits are created equal, and prep matters more than you think. Here’s what to do:

​Pick Quality Frozen Biscuits​

Start with a brand known for consistent results. Popular options include:

• ​Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits: Thick, buttery, and designed for baking from frozen.

• ​Homemade Frozen Biscuits: If you make your own, freeze them unbakedon a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping.

• ​Store Brands: Many grocery store brands (like Great Value or Aldi’s Baker’s Corner) work well—just check the packaging for “cook from frozen” instructions.

Avoid biscuits with add-ins like cheese or jalapeños if you’re new to air frying them; the extra ingredients can affect cooking time. Stick to plain buttermilk or flaky layers until you master the basics.

​Do You Need to Thaw Them?​​

No—and here’s why. Air fryers cook frozen foods so efficiently that thawing first often leads to overcooked edges and undercooked centers. Leave your biscuits fully frozen straight from the freezer. This also saves time; who wants an extra step?

​Brushing with Oil (Optional, but Recommended)​​

For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter or olive oil. Use a pastry brush or a spray bottle (like an olive oil mister) to avoid soaking them. If you prefer a lighter option, skip this—your biscuits will still brown, just not as richly.

Step 2: Set Up Your Air Fryer for Success

Prep your air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking:

• ​Grease the Basket (Lightly)​: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or wipe it with a paper towel dipped in oil. This stops biscuits from adhering, especially if they’re buttery.

• ​Space Them Out: Arrange frozen biscuits in a single layer, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each. Crowding the basket traps steam, leading to soggy bottoms. If you have a lot, cook in batches—better to do two small batches than one overcrowded one.

Step 3: Cook Time and Temperature: The Sweet Spot

This is where precision matters. Most frozen biscuits will cook perfectly at ​350°F (175°C)​​ for ​8–12 minutes, but variables like biscuit size, your air fryer model, and whether you brushed with oil can adjust this. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

​General Guidelines​

• ​Small Biscuits (1.5–2 inches diameter)​: 8–10 minutes.

• ​Large Biscuits (2.5–3 inches diameter)​: 10–12 minutes.

​Check for Doneness​

Start checking at 8 minutes. A fully cooked biscuit should:

• Have a deep golden-brown top and bottom.

• Feel firm but springy when pressed (not hard or doughy).

• Sound hollow when tapped on the bottom (a classic biscuit doneness test).

If the tops are browning too fast but the centers are still pale, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) for the remaining time. If they’re pale but feel done, you might have a model that runs cooler—extend cooking by 1–2 minutes next time.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Biscuit Issues

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

​Problem: Biscuits Are Soggy on the Bottom​

• ​Cause: Steam trapped in the basket.

• ​Fix: Use a wire rack insert if your air fryer has one (this elevates biscuits, letting air circulate underneath). If not, flip the biscuits halfway through cooking (at 4–6 minutes) to ensure both sides crisp evenly.

​Problem: Edges Are Burning Before Centers Cook​

• ​Cause: Air fryer runs hot, or biscuits are too close together.

• ​Fix: Lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and extend cooking time by 2–3 minutes. Next time, space biscuits farther apart.

​Problem: Biscuits Taste Dry​

• ​Cause: Overcooked or low-fat biscuit dough.

• ​Fix: Brush with a little honey or maple syrup before cooking for moisture. For homemade biscuits, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to the dough before freezing to keep them tender.

Step 5: Elevate Your Frozen Air Fryer Biscuits (Creative Twists)

Once you master the basics, have fun experimenting:

• ​Garlic Butter Biscuits: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush on top before cooking, or drizzle over cooked biscuits.

• ​Cheese-Stuffed Biscuits: Split a frozen biscuit horizontally, stuff with shredded cheddar or pepper jack, and press closed. Cook as usual—they’ll ooze cheesy goodness.

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

Step 6: Storing and Reheating Leftover Biscuits

Leftover air fryer biscuits? They’re still delicious if reheated properly:

• ​Air Fryer Reheating: 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes. This revives crispiness without drying them out.

• ​Oven Reheating: 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes on a baking sheet.

• ​Microwave (Last Resort)​: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 20–30 seconds. The moisture prevents sogginess.

Final Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits Every Time

• ​Invest in an Air Fryer Thermometer: Cheap models can run 25–50°F (14–28°C) hotter or cooler than labeled. A $10 thermometer ensures accuracy.

• ​Use Parchment Paper Liners: If your basket is prone to sticking, cut parchment paper to fit—just poke holes for air circulation.

• ​Batch Cook and Freeze Cooked Biscuits: Cook a double batch, let cool, then freeze. Reheat in the air fryer for fresh-tasting biscuits anytime.

By now, you should feel confident tossing those frozen biscuits into your air fryer and achieving bakery-quality results. The key? Skip thawing, use enough space, and adjust time based on your specific model. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, a side for soup, or a buttery snack, air-fried frozen biscuits deliver every time. Give it a try, and don’t forget to tweak the recipe to your taste—because cooking should be fun, not fussy.