If you’re a fan of those tender, cheesy, restaurant-style biscuits, you’re in for a treat! Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits are an absolute game-changer—delivering fluffy insides, golden edges, and that irresistible, garlicky butter finish all from the comfort of your kitchen. Plus, they’re quick, foolproof, and oh-so-satisfying, whether you’re serving them as a side or sneaking one as a midnight snack. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never look at biscuits—or air fryers—the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits rely on a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one has a starring role in flavor, texture, or that perfect golden color. Gather everything before you begin and you’ll be amazed at how the simple basics transform together!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for tender, fluffy biscuits—don’t swap for cake or bread flour for best results!
- Baking powder: This is your key to a big, bakery-style rise every time.
- Baking soda: Helps react with the buttermilk for extra lift and a hint of tang.
- Salt: Absolutely essential to bring out all those savory notes (and the cheese!).
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with gentle, aromatic garlicky flavor without being overwhelming.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet depth that makes these biscuits totally craveable.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch adds warmth, but you can skip it if you prefer a milder bite.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: Chilled butter creates delectable layers—work quickly so it doesn’t melt!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The heart of these biscuits; sharp cheddar gives big flavor and gorgeous melting pockets.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture, tang, and keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pretty pop of green with fresh, mild flavor for the finishing touch.
- Melted butter (for topping): Makes the biscuits extra rich and irresistible when brushed on hot from the air fryer.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Takes the garlicky aroma over the top—don’t skip!
- Dried parsley (for topping): Adds a dash of color and a hint of herby flavor right before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Mixing these thoroughly means every bite has just the right balance of seasonings, and it ensures an even rise so your biscuits are fluffy all the way through.
Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter right into the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in. The trick here is to keep the butter in small, pea-sized pieces—this is what creates those gorgeous, flaky layers. If you work quickly, the butter won’t melt, guaranteeing the best texture.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour-butter mixture. Extra sharp cheddar is my go-to for the boldest flavor, but you can’t go wrong with mixing in a variety for a more complex, cheesy biscuit!
Step 4: Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix; a few dry patches are fine! The dough should come together but remain a little shaggy—this light touch keeps the biscuits tender and never tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Arrange
Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough for each biscuit, spacing them well apart on your parchment-lined air fryer tray or basket. Parchment makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. The biscuits will rise and spread a bit, so make sure there’s room for them to grow golden and glorious!
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Pop the tray or basket into your preheated air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown, and the kitchen is filled with the coziest, cheesiest aroma imaginable. Every air fryer is a little different, so check at the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits are cooking, melt the butter and whisk in more garlic powder and dried parsley for the iconic biscuit finish. The second those biscuits come out, brush them generously while still hot—the butter soaks in, making them impossibly delicious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Garnishes
For that fresh, bakery-style touch, sprinkle the biscuits with chopped fresh parsley or even a little extra cheddar while they’re still warm. A final flourish of garlic butter just before serving makes each bite sing with flavor.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are begging to be dunked in soup or paired with a crisp green salad. They’re perfect alongside everything from spicy jambalaya and shrimp to classic roast chicken or a big bowl of creamy chowder. Honestly, they elevate just about any meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them on a wooden board with a ramekin of garlic butter in the center, or use them as the base for a savory breakfast sandwich. Split and stuff with scrambled eggs, ham, or more cheese—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these show-stopping Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store any remaining biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure they’re completely cooled before closing the lid so they stay fluffy, not soggy.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits cool completely, then freeze them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. You can even freeze the dough balls before cooking for fresh biscuits on demand!
Reheating
The magic of the air fryer makes reheating a breeze: just pop biscuits in at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to revive their fluffy centers and crispy edges. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh—and if you have extra garlic butter, brush it on before serving for extra love.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly, pre-shredded will work just fine and save a little prep time. Just make sure it’s sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk in the fridge? No problem. You can make your own quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a scant cup of milk, stirring, and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I keep the biscuits from sticking to the air fryer?
Parchment paper is your best friend here! It keeps the dough from sticking to the tray or basket, plus it makes cleanup simple. Make sure there’s room around the biscuits for air to circulate for even cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just air fry the biscuits in batches, so they don’t overcrowd the basket or tray. Overloading can prevent them from getting that gorgeous golden crust and might result in uneven cooking.
Are Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits vegetarian?
Yes—they’re completely vegetarian as written. If you want to make them vegan, try a plant-based butter, vegan shredded cheese, and your favorite non-dairy buttermilk alternative. The results are surprisingly delicious!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve pulled your first golden batch of Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits from the air fryer, you’ll understand why they’re everyone’s favorite homemade treat. Go on—give this recipe a try, share it with the people you love, and watch the smiles appear with every bite. You might just find yourself making a double batch next time!
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Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful treat that is easy to make and packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these biscuits are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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For garlic butter topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk and mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- Form Biscuits: Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough for each biscuit and place them on a parchment-lined air fryer tray or basket.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Finish Biscuits: Brush the garlic butter over the warm biscuits as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra cheesy biscuits, add an additional 1/4 cup of cheddar.
- These biscuits are best served fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
