If you’re short on time but still want that warm, fluffy, golden-brown biscuit on your plate, this canned biscuits in air fryer recipe is exactly what you need. With no kneading, no rolling, and no mess, this method delivers perfect biscuits in under 15 minutes using your air fryer. It’s a fuss-free, family-friendly way to whip up breakfast, snack, or a side dish without turning on the oven.
Canned biscuits are a staple in many kitchens because they’re versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting brunch, making a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving a warm buttery biscuit, the air fryer transforms them into golden, crispy treats with soft, flaky centers.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from preparation tips to nutrition, and step-by-step instructions—for making the best canned biscuits using your air fryer.
📋 Ingredients
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1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, such as Pillsbury Grands or similar)
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Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper (optional)
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Butter or melted garlic butter (optional for brushing)
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Optional toppings: shredded cheese, herbs, or honey
🛠️ Equipment Needed
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Air fryer (basket or tray-style)
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Tongs or spatula
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Pastry brush (optional, for butter)
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Parchment paper or silicone air fryer liner (optional)
⏱️ Prep and Cook Time
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
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Active Time: 10 minutes
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Resting Time: 3 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Cuisines and Course
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Cuisine: American
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Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish, Snack
👨👩👧👦 Servings and Calories
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Servings: 8 biscuits
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Calories per Serving: ~160–180 calories per biscuit (depending on brand and optional toppings)
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Biscuit – Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | 170 |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 450mg |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 3g |
Note: Nutrition may vary based on the brand of canned biscuits and any additional toppings or butter used.
🔪 Instructions – How to Make Canned Biscuits in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
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Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
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While most canned biscuit recipes recommend 350°F in a conventional oven, slightly lowering the temperature in the air fryer helps cook the inside without over-browning the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Basket
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Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper with holes for airflow.
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If your air fryer tends to stick or your biscuits contain cheese, this will help with easy removal.
Step 3: Arrange the Biscuits
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Open the canned biscuit dough carefully (it might pop!).
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Separate the biscuits and place them in the basket without overlapping.
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Leave at least 1 inch of space between each biscuit to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
Tip: If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Air Fry the Biscuits
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Cook the biscuits at 330°F (165°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 5 minutes) to ensure even browning.
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They should be golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Note: If using larger “Grands”-style biscuits, add 1–2 more minutes to the cooking time and check the center for doneness.
Step 5: Brush and Serve
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Optional: While still warm, brush the tops with melted butter or garlic butter for extra flavor.
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Let the biscuits rest for 2–3 minutes before serving—this helps them finish cooking inside with carryover heat and avoids steam burns.
🧑🍳 Variations and Serving Ideas
Here are some fun ways to elevate your air-fried canned biscuits:
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Cheesy Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before cooking.
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Sweet Biscuits: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Savory Twist: Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough layers.
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Mini Sandwiches: Slice and fill with ham, egg, or fried chicken for a quick meal.
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Breakfast Side: Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage gravy.
🥶 Can You Store or Reheat?
Storage:
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Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
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Pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.
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Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy on the outside.
❄️ Can You Freeze Air-Fried Canned Biscuits?
Yes! Cooked biscuits can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly in the air fryer from frozen at 300°F (150°C) for 4–6 minutes.
🔁 Troubleshooting Tips
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Undercooked Center: Reduce air fryer temperature slightly and cook a minute or two longer.
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Too Dark on Top: Place a small piece of foil loosely over the tops midway through cooking.
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Overcrowded Basket: Always leave space between biscuits to ensure proper airflow.
💡 Why Air Fryer Over Oven?
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No preheating oven time
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Faster cooking
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Less energy used
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No need to heat up the kitchen
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Perfectly crisp texture
The air fryer offers a quick and easy alternative to oven baking, especially on hot days or when you’re short on time.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This canned biscuits in air fryer recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, reliable, and delicious biscuit option. With minimal prep and no oven required, it’s perfect for busy mornings, casual dinners, or just a comforting snack. Once you try them in the air fryer, you’ll likely never go back to baking them any other way!
Whether you’re customizing them with flavors or keeping it simple, air-fried biscuits are a tasty addition to your meal routine.

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.