There’s something truly comforting about biting into a warm, flaky cheddar bay biscuit, especially when it’s fresh out of the air fryer! These Air Fryer Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits bring that same mouthwatering taste without the need for a restaurant visit. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or planning to serve them as a side dish for dinner, these biscuits are sure to impress.
Made with just a few simple ingredients and cooked in the air fryer, these biscuits come together quickly and easily. The golden, cheesy exterior and soft, buttery interior will have you reaching for seconds – or even thirds! Plus, they’re perfectly crispy on the outside, thanks to the air fryer. So, let’s get baking these irresistible biscuits at home!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the biscuit dough, providing the perfect structure and texture. All-purpose flour is versatile, and it’s key to achieving that light, fluffy biscuit consistency.
Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise, giving them that airy and tender crumb. It’s essential for making sure your biscuits aren’t dense or flat.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter while adding depth to the taste.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements in the biscuits, rounding out the flavor profile.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the dough, making the biscuits soft and flavorful. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient! The cheddar cheese gives these biscuits their signature cheesy flavor and golden color. It melts beautifully into the dough, making each bite deliciously gooey.
Milk: Milk helps bring the dough together, adding moisture without making it too wet. It also helps to make the biscuits soft and tender.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder gives these biscuits that unmistakable garlic flavor that makes them so addictive. It’s the perfect seasoning to tie all the flavors together.
Parsley flakes: Dried parsley adds a fresh, herby taste to the biscuits, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese while giving the biscuits a pop of color.
Parmesan cheese: A little parmesan sprinkled on top of the biscuits adds a salty, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheddar and garlic.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Air Fryer Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and parsley flakes. Gradually pour in the milk and mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make the biscuits tough.
Step 2: Form the Biscuits
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and shape it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a bit of space between each one. You can lightly press the tops of the dough balls to flatten them slightly, but they will spread as they cook.
Step 3: Air Fry the Biscuits
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the biscuits for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t overcook.
Step 4: Finish with Garlic Butter
While the biscuits are cooking, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in the microwave. Once the biscuits are done, brush the warm garlic butter over the tops of each one. Finally, sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the biscuits and garnish with extra parsley flakes for that signature Red Lobster taste!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Chill the butter: For the flakiest biscuits, make sure your butter is cold before you add it to the dough. This creates pockets of butter that turn into flaky layers as the biscuits bake.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the dough, it’s important to mix it just enough to bring the ingredients together. Overmixing will lead to dense biscuits instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your biscuits. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and create a softer, cheesier biscuit.
- Air fryer temperature: Every air fryer is different, so be sure to keep an eye on your biscuits as they cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the model of your air fryer.
- Serving suggestion: Serve your biscuits alongside your favorite soup, salad, or seafood dish for a true Red Lobster experience. They also make a fantastic appetizer or snack!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for these biscuits?
Yes! While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
How can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the biscuits, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the biscuits to an airtight container or bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them directly from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
Can I make these biscuits in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore their crispy texture.