Air Fryer Biscuits: Crispy, Flaky Perfection in Minutes

Let’s talk biscuits, but not those dainty little things you get with afternoon tea. I'm talking about proper, American-style biscuits: fluffy, buttery, and bursting with flavour. And let me tell you, the air fryer has completely changed my biscuit game.

For years, I've been a devout fan of traditional oven-baked biscuits. I mean, who can resist that golden-brown crust and that melt-in-your-mouth texture? But let's face it, oven baking can be a bit of a time commitment. Preheat the oven, wait for it to reach the right temperature, then bake for what feels like an eternity. And don't even get me started on the inevitable mess.

Then came the air fryer. This little countertop miracle has become my go-to appliance for everything from crispy fries to perfectly seared chicken. So, naturally, I had to see if it could handle the biscuit challenge. And you know what? It absolutely nailed it.

Air-fried biscuits are not only incredibly quick and easy, but they achieve that same irresistible crispy exterior and fluffy interior that I love so much. The best part? No preheating, no waiting, and minimal mess. Plus, the air fryer’s rapid heat circulation ensures that the biscuits cook evenly, resulting in a consistently delicious batch every single time.

So, if you’re looking for a simple, foolproof way to make the best biscuits ever, grab your air fryer and get ready to be amazed. Here’s everything you need to know to create air fryer biscuit magic in your own kitchen:

(Part 1) The Essential Ingredients

Flour, the Foundation of a Great Biscuit

The right flour is the foundation of a great biscuit. While all-purpose flour is perfectly fine, I prefer to use a combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour for a lighter, more delicate biscuit. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a softer, more tender crumb.

Here’s a little tip: When substituting cake flour for all-purpose flour in a recipe, use 1 ?? cups of cake flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This will ensure that you maintain the proper ratio of protein to starch, which is crucial for a light and airy biscuit.

Butter, the Key to Flavour and Tenderness

Cold butter is key. Seriously, cold. You want to use butter that is straight out of the fridge, still firm and slightly chilled. Don’t even think about using melted butter. Cold butter creates layers and flakiness, which is what makes biscuits so irresistible.

There are a couple of ways to incorporate the butter into the flour. You can use a pastry cutter, which is a great tool for ensuring that the butter is evenly distributed and doesn’t get over-worked. I, however, prefer to grate the butter directly into the flour. This helps to ensure that the butter pieces are evenly distributed, leading to a more consistent texture and perfect browning.

Baking Powder, the Secret to Rise

Baking powder is the key ingredient that allows our biscuits to rise and become those lovely, fluffy mounds. Use fresh baking powder for best results, and make sure to check the expiration date. Baking powder loses its potency over time, so using expired baking powder can result in biscuits that are flat and dense.

Milk, for Moisture and Richness

Milk adds moisture and richness to the dough, helping to create a tender crumb. I use whole milk, but you can use low-fat or even buttermilk for a tangier flavour. Buttermilk is especially popular for biscuits because its acidity reacts with the baking soda, resulting in a fluffier, chewier texture.

Salt, for Enhancing Flavour

Don’t forget the salt! Salt enhances the flavours of all the other ingredients, creating a more balanced and delicious biscuit. It may seem like a small detail, but salt plays a crucial role in highlighting the sweetness of the butter and the subtle tanginess of the milk.

(Part 2) Mastering the Dough

1. The Importance of a Light Touch

When mixing the dough, use a light hand. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Gently mix the ingredients just until they come together to form a shaggy dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

2. The Perfect Dough Consistency

The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. You want the dough to be just moist enough to hold together without being overly sticky.

3. Let the Dough Rest

Once you’ve formed the dough, cover it and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making for a tender and flaky biscuit. The resting time is also important for allowing the flavours to meld and for the butter to firm up, which will help create those beautiful layers.

(Part 3) Shaping the Biscuits

1. The Right Tools for the Job

I use a biscuit cutter to shape the biscuits. You can find various sizes, so choose one that suits your preference. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can use a drinking glass or even a round cookie cutter.

2. Pressing Out the Biscuits

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use your biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits, pressing down firmly but not twisting the cutter. Twisting the cutter can create a tough, uneven edge.

3. Don’t Re-Roll the Scraps

Resist the temptation to re-roll the dough scraps. While it may seem tempting, re-rolling can make the biscuits tough and dense. Instead, use the scraps to make a few smaller biscuits or even a biscuit “pie.” These scraps are perfect for a quick and easy snack or to add a touch of creativity to your biscuit creation.

(Part 4) The Air Fryer Advantage

1. Air Fryer Basics

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This is important for ensuring that the biscuits cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. Preheating the air fryer allows the air inside to reach the desired temperature, creating a consistent environment for baking.

2. Prepping for Success

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps to ensure that the biscuits cook evenly by preventing direct contact with the metal basket.

3. Baking Time

Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowding. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

If you’re using a smaller air fryer, you may need to bake the biscuits in batches. Just make sure that there is some space between the biscuits to allow for proper air circulation.

4. Keep an Eye on the Biscuits

Keep a close eye on the biscuits while they are cooking. Every air fryer is different, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

If the biscuits are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly. If they are not browning enough, you can increase the temperature slightly.

5. The Test of Doneness

To check if the biscuits are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready.

You can also gently press on the center of a biscuit. If it springs back, it’s done. If it feels soft and doughy, it needs to cook for a bit longer.

(Part 5) Enhancing the Flavour

Let’s face it, biscuits are delicious on their own, but there’s always room for a little something extra. Here are some of my favourite ways to add a touch of flavour and creativity to my air fryer biscuits:

1. Sweeten Up with Honey or Syrup

For a touch of sweetness, try drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over your biscuits. It’s a simple way to elevate the flavour and add a touch of decadence.

You can also incorporate a bit of sweetness into the dough itself by adding a teaspoon of sugar or a tablespoon of brown sugar. This will give your biscuits a subtle sweetness that complements the buttery flavour.

2. Savoury Goodness with Butter and Herbs

For a savoury twist, slather some melted butter on your biscuits and sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives. This is a perfect pairing for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

You can also add the herbs directly to the dough before baking. This will infuse the biscuits with a subtle herb flavour. I like to use a combination of rosemary and thyme for a classic flavour combination.

3. Creamy Indulgence with Cheese

For a cheesy delight, add a generous sprinkle of grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the dough before air frying. The cheese will melt into the biscuits, adding a creamy and salty flavour.

If you’re using a strong cheese like Parmesan, use a little less than you would with a milder cheese like cheddar. The cheese will also brown slightly in the air fryer, adding a bit of extra flavour and a beautiful golden hue.

4. Add a Touch of Spice

Incorporate a touch of warmth and complexity by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to your biscuit dough. This is especially nice for sweet biscuits served with fruit or jam.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the sweetness of fruit and jam, while ginger adds a touch of warmth and complexity to savoury biscuits. You can also experiment with other spices, like cardamom, cloves, or allspice.

(Part 6) Serving Up Perfection

1. Biscuits for Every Occasion

These air fryer biscuits are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them for breakfast with a sunny-side-up egg, for brunch with your favourite fruit salad, or for afternoon tea with a cup of steaming hot tea.

They are also a perfect addition to any picnic basket, as they are easy to pack and travel well. And, let’s face it, they’re always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.

2. The Ideal Accompaniment

They are also great for serving alongside savory dishes, like chili, stew, or soup. Their fluffy texture and buttery flavour provide a perfect contrast to hearty meals.

Biscuits can also be used as a base for sandwiches, as they provide a sturdy and flavourful foundation. You can try making a classic biscuit sandwich with sausage gravy, or get creative with your own fillings.

3. A Sweet Treat

And let’s not forget about the sweet side of biscuits! They pair beautifully with jams, jellies, butter, or whipped cream. Get creative and experiment with your favourite toppings!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a biscuit cobbler or crumble. The biscuits provide a delicious and fluffy topping for a fruit filling.

(Part 7) Making Ahead for Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of air fryer biscuits is that you can make them ahead of time. Simply prepare the dough as instructed, cover it, and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut out the biscuits, air fry them, and enjoy!

This is a great time-saver, especially if you’re planning a brunch or a potluck. You can also prepare the biscuits ahead of time and freeze them for up to three months.

1. Freezing for Future Delight

Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least two hours, until solid. Transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer-safe bag or container.

This is a great way to stock up on biscuits for busy mornings or for those unexpected guests.

2. Baking from Frozen

To bake frozen biscuits, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and air fry the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the biscuits are still frozen solid. But don’t worry, they will turn out just as delicious as if they were baked fresh!

(Part 8) A Table for Two: A Recipe for Air Fryer Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, grated
• 3/4 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the grated butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to have small pea-sized pieces of butter distributed throughout the flour.
3. Pour in the milk and stir just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a few seconds, just to form a cohesive ball. Don’t overwork the dough, just enough to bring it together.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
7. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
8. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Press down firmly but do not twist the cutter.
9. Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Serve warm and enjoy!

(Part 9) Variations for a Delicious Twist

1. Cheddar Biscuits:

Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough before mixing. These are perfect for a savory breakfast or brunch.

You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a bit of heat.

2. Blueberry Biscuits:

Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the dough before air frying. These are a sweet treat perfect for dessert or with a cup of tea.

For a twist on this classic, try using frozen blueberries instead of fresh. The frozen blueberries will help to keep the biscuits moist and juicy.

3. sweet potato Biscuits:

Add 1/2 cup of mashed cooked sweet potato to the dough for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant orange hue.

You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and comforting flavour.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits:

For a sweet and comforting twist, sprinkle the biscuits with cinnamon sugar before baking. This creates a delicious and satisfying crust.

You can also use a mixture of cinnamon sugar and brown sugar for a richer and more complex flavour.

(Part 10) FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk, buttermilk, or even almond milk. Just keep in mind that different types of milk will affect the flavour and texture slightly.

Buttermilk will give your biscuits a tangy flavour and a chewier texture. Almond milk will give your biscuits a slightly nutty flavour.

2. What if my biscuits are too dry?

If your dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

You can also try adding a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough. This will help to make the dough more moist and pliable.

3. How do I know if my biscuits are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit. If it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready.

You can also gently press on the center of a biscuit. If it springs back, it’s done. If it feels soft and doughy, it needs to cook for a bit longer.

4. Can I make biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also freeze unbaked biscuits for up to three months.

Freezing unbaked biscuits is a great way to have them on hand for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.

5. What are some good toppings for biscuits?

Biscuits are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, or with toppings like honey, maple syrup, butter, jam, jelly, cheese, fruit, or herbs. Get creative and experiment with your favourites!

Here are a few ideas for biscuit toppings:

• Sweet: honey, maple syrup, jam, jelly, fruit
• Savoury: butter, cheese, herbs, sausage gravy, bacon

(Part 11) Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. Air fryer biscuits are a game-changer, and they are the perfect way to enjoy these fluffy, buttery treats whenever you crave them. No more waiting for the oven to preheat, no more messy baking trays, just crispy, flaky perfection in minutes. Give it a go, and you won’t be disappointed.