If you love those famous cheesy biscuits from the seafood restaurant, you’ll be happy to know you can make them at home easily. Learning how to make red lobster biscuits in air fryer is a simple way to get that warm, savory flavor fast. Your air fryer gives them a perfect golden top and a tender inside without turning on the oven. This method is quicker and just as reliable as the traditional way.
This guide will walk you through the entire process. We’ll cover the ingredients you need, the simple steps to mix the dough, and the best way to cook them in your air fryer. You’ll also find tips for getting the texture just right and ideas for customizing the flavors. Let’s get started on making these cheesy, garlicky biscuits a regular treat in your kitchen.
How To Make Red Lobster Biscuits In Air Fryer
This recipe uses simple ingredients to recreate the classic taste. The air fryer’s rapid circulation creates a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the center soft and fluffy. It’s important not to overmix the dough for the best texture.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather these items before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and quick.
- 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the pre-shredded kind works fine, but block cheese you grate yourself melts better)
- 2/3 cup cold whole milk or buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- A pinch of salt (optional, taste the dough first)
For the garlic butter glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- A tiny pinch of salt
Essential Kitchen Tools
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Here’s what to have on hand.
- Your air fryer (any model will work)
- A medium-sized mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A measuring cups and spoons
- A pastry brush or spoon for the glaze
- Parchment paper or air fryer liners (optional, but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for the best results. The total time from start to finish is about 20 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your dry ingredients. In your mixing bowl, add the baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Give this a quick stir with your spoon to combine everything evenly. This ensures the flavors are distributed throughout the biscuit.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter and the cold milk. Using your wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir the mixture until it just comes together. It will be a bit sticky and shaggy—that’s perfect! Overmixing is the main cause of tough biscuits, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Step 2: Shape the Biscuits
Lightly dust your hands with a little extra baking mix. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each biscuit. Gently roll it into a rough ball in your hands, then place it on a clean surface. Slightly flatten the ball into a thick disc, about 1 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough. You should get about 8 biscuits.
If your air fryer basket is non-stick, you can place the biscuits directly inside. For easy cleanup, you can use a small piece of parchment paper cut to fit the basket. Just make sure to leave a little space around the edges for air flow. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer, leaving at least an inch of space between each one for proper cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry the Biscuits
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps them start cooking immediately for a better rise. Once preheated, carefully place the basket in the air fryer. Cook the biscuits for 8 to 10 minutes. Check them at the 8-minute mark.
They should be puffed up and have a golden brown top. Because air fryer models vary, your cooking time might need a minute or two adjustment. The biscuits are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter Glaze
While the biscuits are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt until well combined. As soon as the biscuits come out of the air fryer, use your pastry brush to generously brush the warm garlic butter over the top of each one.
This step is crucial for that authentic flavor and moist texture. The hot biscuits will soak up the garlic butter beautifully. Let them cool for just a minute or two before serving—they are best enjoyed warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits Every Time
These small details can make a big difference in your final result. Paying attention to them ensures success.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and milk helps create steam in the hot air fryer, leading to a fluffier biscuit.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Giving the biscuits space allows the hot air to circulate evenly, cooking them uniformly on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: If your biscuits look golden but seem soft, add one more minute of cook time. They should feel firm to a gentle touch.
- Fresh Garlic Option: For the glaze, you can use 1 small minced garlic clove instead of garlic powder for a sharper flavor. Just mix it into the melted butter.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is classic, try a mix of cheeses. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, and a bit of parmesan adds savoriness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steering clear of these errors will give you much better biscuits. Here’s what often goes wrong.
- Overmixing the Dough: This develops the gluten and makes biscuits dense. Mix until just combined.
- Using Warm Ingredients: If your butter melts before cooking, the biscuits won’t rise as well.
- Skipping the Preheating: A hot air fryer gives the biscuits an immediate lift, improving their texture.
- Forgetting the Glaze: The garlic butter soak is what makes these biscuits special. Don’t leave it out!
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative. You can add different flavors to suit your taste.
- Herb Biscuits: Add 1 teaspoon of your favorite dried herbs, like chives or dill, to the dough.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the dry ingredients.
- Everything Bagel Style: After brushing with garlic butter, sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bacon Cheddar: Fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped, cooked bacon into the dough with the cheese.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
These biscuits are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with many meals. Think of them as a versatile side dish.
They are perfect alongside soups, stews, salads, or pasta dishes. Of course, they make a great appetizer or snack all by themselves. For storing, let the biscuits cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes until warm. You can also freeze the unglazed, cooked biscuits. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, then add the glaze.
Why the Air Fryer Method Works So Well
The air fryer is an excellent tool for this recipe. It works by circulating very hot air around the food rapidly. This mimics the effect of a convection oven. For biscuits, this means the outside gets crispy and brown quickly while the inside continues to cook and rise.
It also preheats much faster than a traditional oven, saving you time and energy. The concentrated heat environment is ideal for small batches of baked goods, giving you consistent results. Many people find it easier to get a reliably golden top without the bottom burning.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While sharp cheddar is traditional, other cheeses work great. Try Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretch. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
Why are my biscuits dry or dense?
This is usually from overmixing the dough. Remember to stir until the ingredients are just combined. Also, be careful not to over-measure your baking mix; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Prepare the dough and shape the biscuits. Place them on a plate or tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, cook them directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the air fry time.
Do I have to use a baking mix like Bisquick?
It’s the easiest way to get the right texture. However, you can make a substitute by combining 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup of cold shortening or butter. Use this in place of the commercial baking mix.
What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting?
No problem. Just turn your air fryer on to the cooking temperature (350°F) and let it run empty for 3 minutes before you add the biscuit dough. This accomplishes the same thing as a preheat function.
How do I prevent the bottoms from burning?
If you find the bottoms are browning to fast, try placing a small, empty air fryer liner or a piece of parchment under the biscuits to create a slight barrier. Also, ensure you’re not cooking at a temperature higher than 350°F.
Making these biscuits in your air fryer is a straightforward process that yields fantastic results. The key is in the simple, cold ingredients and the quick, hot air that cooks them so efficiently. With this method, you can have warm, cheesy, garlicky biscuits ready in minutes any time the mood strikes. They are sure to become a favorite in your household for meals or as a tasty snack.