Learning how to cook pillsbury buttermilk biscuits in an air fryer is a fantastic way to get a hot, flaky side dish on the table in minutes. Baking Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits in an air fryer yields a golden, flaky finish faster than a conventional oven. This method is perfect for quick breakfasts, easy dinners, or when you just want a few biscuits without heating up the whole kitchen.
The process is straightforward, but a few simple tips can make a big difference in your results. This guide covers everything you need to know, from preparation to serving ideas.
how to cook pillsbury buttermilk biscuits in air fryer
This section provides the complete, step-by-step method for cooking your biscuits. Following these instructions will give you consistently good results. The key factors are temperature, timing, and proper spacing in the air fryer basket.
What You Will Need
Gathering your items before you start makes the process smooth and quick. You don’t need any special equipment beyond your air fryer.
- One can of Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (any size: Grands!, Flaky Layers, etc.)
- An air fryer
- Air fryer parchment paper or a light coating of oil (optional, for easy cleanup)
- A pastry brush (optional, for butter topping)
- Melted butter or cooking spray (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
These steps are designed for foolproof biscuits. Do not preheat your air fryer for this method, as starting cold helps the biscuits rise properly.
- Open the can of biscuits. Carefully peel the label and pop the tube open on the provided seam. Separate the biscuits gently, trying not to over-handle them.
- Prepare the air fryer basket. If your air fryer basket tends to stick, you can line it with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit or give it a very light mist of cooking spray. Avoid using aerosol sprays directly on non-stick coatings; use an oil mister instead.
- Arrange the biscuits in the basket. Place them in a single layer with at least 1 inch of space between each biscuit. They will expand as they cook. You will likely need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer’s size and the biscuit size.
- Set the temperature and time. For most standard and flaky layer biscuits, set your air fryer to 330°F. For larger Grands! biscuits, use 320°F. The lower temperature prevents the outside from over-browning before the inside is fully cooked.
- Cook the biscuits. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes for standard biscuits, or 10 to 12 minutes for Grands! biscuits.
- Check for doneness. At the halfway mark, it’s a good idea to open the air fryer and flip the biscuits with tongs to ensure even browning. The biscuits are done when they are puffed up, golden brown on top and bottom, and sound hollow when tapped lightly.
- Remove and serve. Use tongs to carefully transfer the biscuits to a plate or cooling rack. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Essential Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits
These tips address common questions and pitfalls to help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.
- Do Not Preheat: Starting with a cold air fryer mimics the burst of heat from a popping biscuit can and helps with maximum rise.
- Mind the Space: Overcrowding is the most common mistake. Biscuits need room for hot air to circulate; otherwise, they steam and become dense.
- Adjust for Your Model: Air fryers vary. Your first batch is a test. Note the time and temperature that works best for your specific appliance.
- Flip for Even Color: Flipping halfway through is recommended for an even, all-around golden color, though it’s not strictly nessecary if you’re in a hurry.
- Brush with Butter: For an extra-rich flavor and sheen, brush the tops of the hot biscuits with melted butter immediately after removing them from the air fryer.
Why the Air Fryer Method Works So Well
The air fryer’s cooking mechanism offers distinct advantages for refrigerated dough like Pillsbury biscuits. It uses rapid air circulation to create a crisp exterior while cooking the interior thoroughly and quickly.
This concentrated heat helps the layers of dough puff up rapidly, creating that desirable flaky texture. The result is a biscuit that is often more consistent than oven-baked ones, with less risk of a soggy bottom or pale top.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your biscuits didn’t turn out as expected, here are likely causes and solutions.
Biscuits Are Undercooked or Doughy in the Middle
This usually means the temperature was too high, cooking the outside too fast. Next time, reduce the temperature by 10°F and add a minute or two to the cooking time. Also, ensure you are using the correct setting for the biscuit size; Grands! need more time at a slightly lower temp.
Biscuits Are Burned on Top or Bottom
This indicates the temperature is too high for your air fryer model. Lower the temperature by 15-20°F on your next batch. The proximity of the heating element in some models can cause faster browning on top, so flipping halfway is crucial.
Biscuits Didn’t Rise Much
Over-handling the dough when separating can deflate them. Be gentle. Also, check the expiration date on the can; old dough may not rise properly. Ensure you didn’t preheat the air fryer, as a cold start is better for rise.
Biscuits Stuck to the Basket
Always use a liner or a light coating of oil. Parchment paper with holes or a silicone air fryer liner works perfectly. Let the biscuits cool for 30 seconds in the basket before removing them; they firm up slightly and are less likely to tear.
Adapting for Different Pillsbury Biscuit Varieties
Not all Pillsbury biscuits are the same size or composition. Here’s how to adjust for popular varieties.
- Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk Biscuits: Use 320°F for 10-12 minutes. They require more space—cook only 2 or 3 at a time.
- Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits: Use 330°F for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely, as the thin layers can brown quickly.
- Pillsbury Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits: These are thicker. Try 325°F for 10-11 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pillsbury Butter Tastin’ Biscuits: Follow the standard 330°F for 8-10 minutes. They may brown a bit faster due to butter content.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
Fresh air-fried biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them beyond just butter and jam.
- Classic Breakfast: Serve with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon.
- Biscuit Sandwiches: Split a Grands! biscuit for a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and ham or sausage.
- Shortcake: Use slightly sweetened biscuits as a base for fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
- With Soups and Stews: They are the perfect tool for soaking up chili, soup, or stew.
- Honey Butter: Whip together softened butter and honey for a simple, delicious spread.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Biscuits
Biscuits are best served fresh, but leftovers can still be tasty if handled correctly.
To store, let biscuits cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, the air fryer is your best tool. Reheat at 300°F for 2-4 minutes until warmed through. This will restore some of the crispness. You can also use a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them tough and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for Pillsbury biscuits?
No, you should not preheat. Placing the biscuits in a cold air fryer helps them achieve a better rise as the heat builds gradually, similar to the effect in a traditional oven.
Can I cook frozen Pillsbury biscuits in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook biscuits straight from the freezer. Add 2-4 minutes to the cooking time, and use the same temperature guidelines. There’s no need to thaw them first, which makes this a very convienient option.
What is the best temperature for air fryer biscuits?
For standard-sized biscuits, 330°F is ideal. For larger Grands! biscuits, use 320°F. These slightly lower temperatures ensure the inside cooks through before the outside gets too dark.
How do I prevent the tops from burning?
If the tops are browning too quickly, you can place a small piece of foil loosely over the basket for the last few minutes of cooking. Also, ensure you are using the recommended temperature and not overcrowding the basket.
Can I make other Pillsbury products in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Crescent rolls, cinnamon rolls, and even some pie crusts work well in the air fryer. Always adjust the temperature down by about 20°F from oven instructions and reduce the time, checking frequently.