Air frying canned biscuits transforms store-bought dough into flaky, golden perfection in minutes. With minimal effort and no oven preheating, you’ll get restaurant-quality biscuits ideal for breakfast, snacks, or side dishes.
If you’ve ever opened a can of refrigerated biscuits and thought, “These could be better,” you’re not alone. While convenient, oven-baked canned biscuits often turn out dense, unevenly cooked, or lacking that flaky, golden crust we crave. But what if you could get that perfect texture—crispy on the outside, tender and layered on the inside—without the wait or hassle of preheating an oven? Enter the air fryer: your new secret weapon for transforming ordinary canned biscuits into something truly special.
Air frying canned biscuits is a game-changer for busy mornings, last-minute snacks, or when you just want a warm, comforting treat without the fuss. The rapid circulation of hot air in an air fryer cooks the dough evenly, creating a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside soft and flaky. Plus, it’s faster than baking and uses less energy—perfect for small households or when you’re short on time. Whether you’re making breakfast sandwiches, serving biscuits with soup, or craving a buttery side dish, air frying delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
Key Takeaways
- Air fry canned biscuits for faster cooking: Skip the oven and enjoy hot, flaky biscuits in under 15 minutes.
- No preheating required: Air fryers heat up quickly, saving time and energy compared to traditional baking.
- Even browning and crisp texture: The circulating hot air ensures uniform cooking and a beautifully golden exterior.
- Versatile and customizable: Add cheese, herbs, garlic, or sweet fillings to elevate plain canned biscuits.
- Perfect for small batches: Ideal for singles, couples, or when you only need a few biscuits without heating a full oven.
- Easy cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
- Great for beginners: No baking experience needed—just pop, air fry, and enjoy!
📑 Table of Contents
Why Air Fry Canned Biscuits?
Let’s be honest: not everyone has the time or patience to make biscuits from scratch. Canned biscuits are a pantry staple for a reason—they’re quick, reliable, and require no measuring or mixing. But they often fall short in texture and flavor when baked in a conventional oven. That’s where air frying comes in.
Faster Cooking Time
One of the biggest advantages of air frying canned biscuits is speed. While oven baking can take 20–25 minutes (plus preheating time), air frying cuts that down to just 8–12 minutes. There’s no need to wait for your oven to reach temperature—just place the biscuits in the air fryer basket and go. This makes air frying ideal for busy mornings when you need a hot breakfast fast.
Even Heat Distribution
Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking from all angles. This means your biscuits won’t have undercooked centers or burnt edges—a common issue with oven baking. The result? Uniformly golden, flaky biscuits with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior.
Energy Efficiency
Air fryers are smaller and more energy-efficient than conventional ovens. They use less electricity and heat up faster, making them a greener choice for everyday cooking. If you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption or just want to keep your kitchen cooler on hot days, air frying is a smart alternative.
How to Air Fry Canned Biscuits: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get started? Air frying canned biscuits is incredibly simple, even if you’ve never used an air fryer before. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.
1. Preheat (Optional but Recommended)
While some air fryer models don’t require preheating, doing so ensures more consistent cooking. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes before adding the biscuits. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
2. Prepare the Biscuits
Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Most cans contain 8–12 biscuits, so you can cook them all at once or in batches, depending on your air fryer size. For best results, leave a little space between each biscuit so the hot air can circulate freely. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a rack or tray, use it to elevate the biscuits slightly for even browning on the bottom. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush the biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
4. Air Fry at the Right Temperature
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the biscuits. Check them at the 7-minute mark—they should be golden brown and puffed up. If they’re not quite done, give them another minute or two.
5. Cool and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the biscuits using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. This allows the steam to escape and prevents them from becoming soggy. Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Biscuits
Even with a simple recipe, a few small tweaks can take your air fried biscuits from good to great. Here are some pro tips to ensure flawless results every time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air circulation is key to even cooking. If you’re cooking a full can of biscuits and your air fryer is small, cook them in two batches. Overlapping or touching biscuits can trap moisture and lead to uneven browning or undercooked centers.
Flip for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
For an even crispier texture, flip the biscuits halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides brown evenly. Use tongs to gently turn them over at the 4–5 minute mark.
Brush with Butter or Oil
For a richer flavor and shinier crust, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter, olive oil, or a butter-herb mixture before air frying. This adds moisture and enhances browning.
Experiment with Add-Ins
Plain biscuits are delicious, but why not jazz them up? Before air frying, press a small piece of cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, or herbs into the center of each biscuit. For a sweet twist, add a dab of Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or diced apples.
Use Parchment Paper (If Needed)
If you’re worried about sticking, line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper. Avoid using regular parchment paper without holes, as it can block airflow and cause uneven cooking.
Creative Ways to Serve Air Fried Canned Biscuits
Once you’ve mastered the basics, the possibilities are endless. Air fried canned biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up for any meal or occasion.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Split a warm biscuit and fill it with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a hearty breakfast sandwich. The flaky texture holds up perfectly to fillings without falling apart.
Garlic Herb Biscuits
Brush the biscuits with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley before air frying. These make a fantastic side for pasta, soups, or roasted meats.
Sweet Cinnamon Rolls
Roll out a biscuit slightly, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and add a few raisins or chopped nuts. Roll it up, slice into rounds, and air fry until golden. Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Biscuit Pizzas
Top each biscuit with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Air fry for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Perfect for kids’ snacks or mini appetizers.
Dessert Biscuits
Split a warm biscuit and fill it with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It’s a quick and impressive dessert that feels homemade.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best techniques, things don’t always go perfectly. Here’s how to fix common problems when air frying canned biscuits.
Biscuits Are Undercooked in the Center
This usually happens if the biscuits are too large or the air fryer is overcrowded. Try flattening the biscuits slightly before cooking or reducing the batch size. You can also lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cook for a few extra minutes to ensure the center cooks through.
Biscuits Are Too Dark or Burnt
If the outside is browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) or shorten the cooking time. Every air fryer is different, so adjust based on your model.
Biscuits Are Soggy
This can happen if the biscuits release too much moisture or aren’t spaced properly. Make sure there’s enough room between them and avoid stacking. Letting them cool for a minute after cooking also helps crisp them up.
Conclusion
Air frying canned biscuits is a simple, fast, and delicious way to upgrade a pantry staple. With minimal effort, you can achieve flaky, golden biscuits that rival homemade—without the mess or wait. Whether you’re making breakfast, a snack, or a side dish, the air fryer delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.
So the next time you reach for a can of biscuits, don’t just bake them—air fry them. You’ll be amazed at the difference in texture, flavor, and convenience. It’s a small change that makes a big impact, and once you try it, you might never go back to the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you air fry canned biscuits without preheating?
Yes, you can skip preheating if you’re in a hurry, but preheating ensures more even cooking and better browning. If you skip it, add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
How long do you air fry canned biscuits?
Most canned biscuits take 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check them at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking. Cooking time may vary by air fryer model.
Do air fried biscuits taste different from oven-baked ones?
Yes! Air fried biscuits are typically crispier on the outside and flakier inside, with more even browning. The texture is often superior to oven-baked versions.
Can you freeze air fried biscuits?
Yes, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
What’s the best temperature for air frying canned biscuits?
350°F (175°C) is ideal for most air fryers. Lower temperatures (325°F) work better for larger or stuffed biscuits to prevent burning.
Can you add toppings before air frying?
Absolutely! Add cheese, herbs, garlic, or sweet fillings before cooking. Just avoid heavy wet ingredients that could make the biscuits soggy.