Air Fryer Biscuits: Easy Recipe, Tips, and Variations

Last updated on November 14th, 2024 at 06:49 am

Biscuits are a quintessential comfort food, versatile enough to serve with any meal or enjoy as a snack. Whether you’re pairing them with a hearty breakfast, a savory dinner, or enjoying them on their own, biscuits are always a hit. Traditionally baked in an oven, biscuits can now be made quickly and easily in an air fryer, achieving that same golden exterior and fluffy interior in a fraction of the time. This air fryer biscuits recipe is perfect for those who want a quick, mess-free way to enjoy homemade biscuits without the hassle of preheating an oven.

With just a few ingredients and a handy air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these delectable biscuits in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this guide will walk you through each step, provide tips for success, and explore variations to suit your taste. For more delicious recipes, check out our detailed guide on making East Ditalini Soup for a perfect companion to these biscuits.

Why Make Biscuits in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen gadget for their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil than traditional frying methods. But their versatility extends far beyond frying. Using an air fryer for baking, like these biscuits, offers several advantages:

1. Speed: Air fryers heat up faster than conventional ovens, reducing total cooking time. This makes them ideal for a quick breakfast or a last-minute side dish.
2. Efficiency: No need to heat the entire kitchen; the air fryer does the job with less energy. It’s perfect for small batches or when you don’t want to use the oven.
3. Perfect Texture: The circulating hot air creates a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and moist. It’s a foolproof way to get consistently good results.
4. Consistency: Air fryers provide even cooking, which means no more unevenly baked biscuits.
5. Less Mess: Since the air fryer basket is compact, cleanup is minimal compared to baking trays and oven racks.
6. Versatility: You can easily adapt this recipe to include sweet or savory variations, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect air fryer biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of the biscuit dough. You can use self-rising flour and skip the baking powder and salt.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise, making them light and fluffy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the biscuits. Kosher salt or fine sea salt works best.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold): Butter gives the biscuits their flaky texture. Cold butter ensures the biscuits rise well and stay flaky. You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
• 3/4 cup milk (cold): Milk adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. For a richer flavor, you can use buttermilk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy.
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness to the biscuits. Use more or less depending on your preference.

Optional Add-ins:

• Cheddar Cheese: For cheesy biscuits, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to the dough. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives can be added for extra flavor. A teaspoon of garlic or onion powder can also add a savory touch.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can turn your biscuits into a delightful sweet treat.

How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If using, add the sugar as well. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain its light texture.

Step 2: Add Milk

Gradually add the cold milk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon more milk.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Pat or roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut more biscuits until all the dough is used.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the biscuits cook evenly right from the start. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it for a few minutes empty.

Step 5: Air Fry the Biscuits

Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the biscuits for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. For even browning, you can flip the biscuits halfway through the cooking time.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the biscuits from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy them as they are, or use them as a base for a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates pockets of steam as the biscuits bake, resulting in a flaky texture. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the butter from melting.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the biscuits tough. Mix just until the ingredients come together. The less you work the dough, the lighter and fluffier your biscuits will be.
3. Avoid Overcrowding: Air needs to circulate around the biscuits for even cooking. Leave space between them in the air fryer basket. This ensures a consistent rise and golden color.
4. Check for Doneness: Air fryer models can vary, so check the biscuits a minute or two before the suggested time. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If they’re still pale, give them an extra minute or two.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

1. Biscuits Are Too Dense

• The butter might have melted before the dough was mixed. Make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.

2. Biscuits Are Too Dry

• You may have added too much flour or not enough liquid. Add a tablespoon more milk if the dough feels too dry.

3. Biscuits Didn’t Rise

• Check the freshness of your baking powder. Expired baking powder can prevent biscuits from rising properly.

4. Uneven Cooking

• This could be due to overcrowding or uneven thickness of the dough. Make sure your biscuits are evenly shaped and spaced out in the air fryer.

Variations to Try

1. Cheese Biscuits:

Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a teaspoon of garlic powder to the flour mixture for cheesy, savory biscuits. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan before air frying for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Herb Biscuits:

Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These are perfect for serving with soups or stews. You can also try a mix of Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.

3. Sweet Biscuits:

Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough and drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk) for a sweet treat. You can also fold in fresh berries or chocolate chips for a decadent version.

4. Buttermilk Biscuits:

Substitute regular milk with buttermilk for a tangy flavor and extra tender texture. This is ideal for classic Southern-style biscuits.

5. Spicy Jalapeño Biscuits:

For a spicy kick, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped jalapeños and 1/2 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese. Serve with chili or as a snack with a cool dip.

6. Gluten-Free Biscuits:

Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Follow the same recipe, adjusting liquid as needed, and enjoy biscuits that are just as fluffy and delicious.

For a foolproof method to make light, fluffy, and perfectly golden biscuits, check out this Air Fryer Biscuits guide from Cookies and Cups. It provides a simple, step-by-step process that guarantees delicious results every time. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, even beginners can master making biscuits in an air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a savory snack, this recipe has you covered!

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

1. Classic Breakfast: Serve warm biscuits with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and hash browns for a hearty breakfast.
2. Biscuits and Gravy: Top with a rich sausage gravy for a Southern-style comfort food. Add a sprinkle of chives for color and flavor.
3. Sweet Treat: Spread with butter and honey or your favorite jam. For an extra indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
4. Savory Snacks: Use the biscuits to make mini sandwiches with deli meats, cheeses, and pickles. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
5. Side Dish: Pair with soups, stews, or chili. The buttery biscuits complement savory dishes beautifully.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Biscuits

While traditional biscuits are often considered a guilty pleasure, making them in an air fryer can be a healthier option. Here’s why:

• Less Oil: Unlike frying, the air fryer uses minimal oil, reducing the overall fat content.
• Portion Control: The smaller size of air fryer baskets naturally limits batch size, which can help with portion control.
• Whole Ingredients: You control what goes into your biscuits, avoiding preservatives and additives found in store-bought options.

FAQs About Air Fryer Biscuits

1. Can I use store-bought biscuit dough in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough. Place the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Can I freeze air fryer biscuits?

Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze the biscuits in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

3. Can I make air fryer biscuits dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

4. Why did my biscuits turn out tough?

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can make biscuits tough. Mix gently and avoid handling the dough too much.

5. How do I prevent the biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.