These Air Fryer Biscuits are soft, flaky, and truly delicious. Golden on the outside and tender inside, they’re easy to make from scratch using just a few basic ingredients and an air fryer for fast, reliable results.
Made with simple pantry staples—flour, baking powder, a touch of sugar, cold butter, and milk—these biscuits come together quickly and bake up golden and fluffy in the air fryer. They’re an excellent alternative to canned biscuits when you want the fresh taste of homemade without a long prep time.
Canned biscuits are convenient, but nothing compares to the texture and flavor of freshly made ones.
Ingredients
Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements and a printable version.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder — helps the biscuits rise and become light and fluffy.
- Sugar — adds a hint of sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salted Butter — cold butter gives rich flavor and creates flaky layers.
- Milk — brings the dough together and keeps the texture soft.
How to Make Biscuits In Air Fryer
See the recipe card below for measurements and a printable version.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly blended.
Add the butter: Grate cold butter into the flour or cut it into small cubes. Grating speeds incorporation and helps form flaky layers.
Mix butter and flour: Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Add milk: Pour in the milk gradually and stir just until a loose dough forms. Avoid overmixing — some visible bits of butter are desirable for flakiness.
Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or gently roll it into a rectangle, fold it over twice to create layers, then press or roll to about 1½-inch thickness.
Cut the biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Re-shape remaining dough and cut additional biscuits as needed.
Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 380°F (about 193°C) for a couple of minutes to ensure even browning.
Air fry the biscuits: Lightly spray the basket or line with parchment. Place biscuits in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook 8–10 minutes, or until they’ve risen and the tops are golden. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches for even results.
Brush with butter: As soon as the biscuits come out of the air fryer, brush the tops with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold butter: Freezing or chilling the butter until just before grating helps create flaky layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix only until the dough just comes together. Overmixing makes biscuits dense.
- Flour the cutter and surface: Lightly flour your biscuit cutter and work surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook in batches: Air fry in a single layer to allow the biscuits to rise and brown evenly.
- Finish with butter: Brushing melted butter immediately after cooking gives a golden sheen and rich flavor.
How To Serve
These biscuits are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- With soup: Perfect for dipping into creamy tomato or hearty vegetable soups.
- With chili or gravy: Serve alongside chili or smothered in gravy for a comforting meal.
- As a sweet treat: Spread with butter and honey or jam, or slice and fill with cream and jam for a quick dessert-style biscuit.
How to Reheat Biscuits in Air Fryer
To refresh leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. This restores the crisp exterior and soft interior much better than a microwave.
How To Cook Canned Biscuits in Air Fryer
Canned or refrigerated biscuits also work well in the air fryer. Preheat to 380°F and cook 7–8 minutes until golden and puffy. Arrange them with space between each biscuit so they can rise evenly.
Why Aren’t My Biscuits Fluffy or Tall?
Flat or dense biscuits usually result from overmixing or stale leavening. Mix only until combined, and ensure your baking powder is fresh—baking powder loses potency after several months.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Biscuits
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 stick salted butter (½ cup or 4 oz) cold
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk cold
- melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
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Grate or cube cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture is crumbly with small butter pieces.
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Gradually add cold milk, stirring until a loose dough forms. Do not overmix.
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Turn the dough onto a floured surface, fold twice, and press to about 1½-inch thickness. Cut into biscuits.
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Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (about 193°C). Place biscuits in a single layer and air fry 8–10 minutes until golden and risen. Cook in batches if necessary.
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Brush warm biscuits with melted butter and serve.