There’s something about warm, fluffy biscuits that can make any meal feel like a celebration. As much as I love making them in the oven, I’ve discovered a quicker and just as delicious method using the air fryer. If you’re someone who craves fresh, soft biscuits but doesn’t want to wait forever for the oven to heat up, then this recipe is for you. The air fryer does an amazing job of creating crispy exteriors while keeping the insides light and airy.
These air fryer biscuits are perfect for breakfast, dinner, or even as a snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have biscuits ready in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them with gravy, jam, or just butter, this recipe will become your new go-to for a quick, delicious biscuit fix.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the biscuit dough. It gives the biscuits their structure and soft crumbly texture. All-purpose flour is the most common choice for biscuit recipes because it has the right balance of protein and starch to make them tender.
Baking powder: The magic behind those fluffy biscuits! Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise, creating the airy texture we all love in biscuits. It reacts with the liquid ingredients to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to puff up.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances out the richness from the butter. It’s a key ingredient for giving the biscuits just the right amount of flavor.
Butter: Butter is what gives biscuits their flaky texture and rich flavor. Using cold butter is essential in making biscuits, as it creates pockets in the dough that help achieve that perfect flakiness.
Milk: Milk binds the dry ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough. Whole milk is ideal for making soft, tender biscuits, but any type of milk can be used if you prefer.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk
How to Make Air Fryer Biscuits
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the biscuits rise consistently.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter as cold as possible, as this will help the biscuits puff up and become flaky during cooking.
Step 3: Add Milk and Form Dough
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk. Stir gently with a spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits. The dough should be a bit sticky but not too wet.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds from the dough. Try not to twist the cutter as you cut—just press straight down to help the biscuits rise evenly.
Step 5: Air Fry the Biscuits
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the biscuit rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. Air fry the biscuits for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite topping. These biscuits are also delicious alongside eggs, sausage, or even as a base for a biscuit sandwich.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cold butter is essential: For the best texture, make sure your butter is cold. This helps create those flaky layers as the biscuits cook.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits. Stir until just combined, and the dough should still be a little rough.
- Use a biscuit cutter: Using a biscuit cutter helps shape the biscuits evenly, ensuring they cook uniformly. You can also use the rim of a glass if you don’t have one.
- Avoid crowding the air fryer: Make sure the biscuits are spaced out in the air fryer basket so that the hot air circulates around them, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Experiment with flavors: Add shredded cheese, herbs, or spices to the dough for a flavorful twist on this basic recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just cut the biscuits and air fry as usual.
Can I freeze the biscuits? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, air fry the frozen biscuits for 10-12 minutes.
How do I store leftover biscuits? Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them warm and crispy again.