Golden, flaky, warm-from-the-oven (or in this case, air fryer) biscuits have a way of making any meal feel a little more special. Whether you’re serving them up with creamy white gravy, a hearty stew, or just slathered with butter and jam, biscuits bring a touch of Southern comfort and nostalgic joy. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need a hot oven or a baking degree to whip up perfect biscuits at home. With an air fryer and a few smart tricks, you’ll have golden, buttery biscuits on the table in less time than it takes to preheat a traditional oven.

Let’s dive into the flaky goodness of Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits—because once you try them, there’s no going back to the canned kind without giving them the air fryer glow-up they deserve.

Why the Air Fryer Works Biscuit Magic

The air fryer is no longer just for fries and frozen snacks. Thanks to its rapid air circulation, it creates a crispy exterior while locking in moisture inside—basically a biscuit dream scenario. You get that beautiful golden brown top and tender, fluffy center without heating up your whole kitchen. Perfect for busy mornings, brunches, or that last-minute “oh-no-I-need-a-side” dinner moment.

Not sure what kind of biscuits work best? Check out our guide on how long to cook canned biscuits—because yes, you can absolutely start with store-bought and still get impressive results!

If you’re wondering whether parchment paper is safe in the air fryer, the answer is yes—but with a few caveats. This guide from Business Insider explains exactly how to do it safely and effectively.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Biscuits

Whether you’re using a tube of dough or going full homemade mode, here’s what you’ll need for air fryer biscuit perfection:

For Homemade Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cubed)
¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
Optional: melted butter for brushing

Want to keep it super simple? Pop open a can of refrigerated biscuits and skip to the air frying step.

Air fryer biscuit ingredients including flour, butter, buttermilk, and canned biscuits on a white counter — All the essentials for perfect air fryer biscuits—flour, butter, buttermilk, and an optional canned shortcut.

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits (from Scratch)

Prep Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3–5 minutes while you get the dough ready. Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone air fryer liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add the Buttermilk
Slowly pour in the buttermilk, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it—you want to keep those butter chunks intact for a flakier biscuit.
Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out your rounds. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Air Fry
Place biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—leave space for them to rise. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Optional Finishing Touch
Brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out for an extra indulgent touch.

Need a shortcut? We’ve tested it all—can biscuits be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely. And they come out stunningly good with minimal effort.

Pair It Up: What to Serve with Air Fryer Biscuits

Now that you’ve nailed biscuit perfection, it’s time to pair them with something equally comforting. Here are a few favorite ideas:

White Gravy: You can’t go wrong with Southern-style gravy. Our classic white gravy recipe is creamy, peppery, and made for smothering your biscuits.
Country Gravy vs White Gravy: Ever wondered what the difference is? We break it down here: White Gravy vs Country Gravy. Hint: it’s all about the meat drippings.
Fried Chicken or Sausage Patties: Turn those biscuits into sandwiches for a hearty brunch.
Honey Butter or Jam: Keep it sweet with whipped honey butter or a spoonful of seasonal jam.

Air fryer biscuit served with white sausage gravy on a rustic plate — Serve your air fryer biscuits Southern-style—with rich, peppery white gravy.

Tips for Biscuit Greatness in the Air Fryer

Here’s where things get interesting. Biscuit success isn’t just about the dough—it’s also about smart technique. These tips will take your biscuits from good to “are these from a bakery?!”

Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air flow is key. Space the biscuits out so hot air can crisp up the sides evenly.
Flip for Even Browning: For thicker biscuits, flip them halfway through cooking if the tops brown too fast.
Check Early: Every air fryer is a little different. Peek in a minute or two before the timer goes off to avoid over-baking.
Use Silicone Liners: To make cleanup easy and prevent sticking, try using reusable silicone liners like the ones reviewed in this Business Insider guide.
Understand the Science: Curious how biscuits actually rise and become fluffy? Don’t miss this deep dive into the science of biscuits, which explains how ingredients and temperature impact your final result.

Why We’re Obsessed (And You Will Be Too)

Besides being ridiculously easy, air fryer biscuits check all the boxes: minimal cleanup, consistent results, and customizable flavors. You can mix in cheddar and chives, swirl in cinnamon sugar, or even brush them with garlic butter for a dinner roll twist.

They’re also a great way to dip your toes into the air fryer world. If you’ve only used it for frozen fries and nuggets, this will show you just how versatile it really is.

Want to know more about the health side of air frying? Healthline has a great article on the benefits of using an air fryer, including how it compares to traditional frying methods and why it’s a great tool for lighter cooking.

And for more tips on maximizing your air fryer’s potential (including biscuits, of course), don’t miss these air fryer top tips from Jamie Oliver.

Biscuit Variations to Try

Just like pizza or tacos, biscuits are a blank canvas for your cravings. Here are some fun twists to try once you’ve mastered the classic:

Cheddar Bay Style: Add shredded cheddar, a pinch of garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Brush with garlic butter before serving.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar into the dough, then brush the tops with butter and sprinkle extra sugar on top.
Everything Bagel Biscuits: Before air frying, sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning for a savory breakfast side.

Looking to level up your bread game even more? Try your hand at homemade sourdough with our beginner-friendly Sourdough Bread Guide. It’s another great way to play with flours, fermentation, and baking science—without needing a commercial kitchen.

How to Store & Reheat Air Fryer Biscuits

Let’s be honest—there’s a good chance these won’t last long enough to store. But in case you have leftovers:

To Store: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5.
To Reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes until warm. They’ll crisp up like they’re freshly baked.
To Freeze: Wrap cooled biscuits in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 325°F for 5–6 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Biscuit Method

Air fryer biscuits aren’t just a trend—they’re a total game-changer. Whether you’re in the mood for scratch-made flaky layers or looking to level up a can of store-bought dough, the air fryer delivers every single time. It’s fast, easy, and foolproof once you know a few tips and tricks.

So go ahead—give these Perfect Air Fryer Biscuits a whirl. Your breakfast, brunch, or dinner table will thank you. Just be prepared to make another batch, because once your family or guests try these, they’ll be begging for more.