If you have ever dreamed of having warm, flaky, cheesy biscuits ready in no time, this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is going to become your new kitchen favorite. Combining the classic flavors of sharp cheddar, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley with the magic of the air fryer, these biscuits come out golden, tender, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treat yourself during a cozy night in, these biscuits strike the perfect balance between quick preparation and gourmet flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create these unforgettable cheddar bay biscuits. Each item in the list plays a key role, from texture to flavor, ensuring every bite delivers that signature cheesy, garlicky goodness. Plus, you likely have most of these essentials ready in your pantry or fridge.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for light, fluffy biscuits with structure.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the biscuits rise perfectly with a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for a fantastic lift and texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Highlights and balances all the savory flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings that signature savory depth typical of cheddar bay biscuits.
- 1 stick butter (cold, diced): Creates flaky layers and richness when cut into the flour.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show, adding sharp, melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and herbaceous notes.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the dough tender and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Used to brush the finished biscuits with garlicky goodness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Mixed into the melted butter for that iconic garlic butter finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by combining all your dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Mixing them evenly at this stage makes sure each biscuit gets a perfect balance of leavening and flavor, which is essential for that fluffy and savory bite.
Step 2: Incorporate Cold Butter
Next, cut your cold butter into small, pea-sized pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using a stand mixer, blender, or pastry cutter. You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs—this step is key to achieving those flaky, tender layers everyone loves in cheddar bay biscuits.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Parsley
Now stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley gently until distributed evenly. The cheese adds melty pockets of flavor while the parsley offers a fresh touch that brightens up each biscuit both in color and taste.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Slowly fold the buttermilk into the flour mixture with your hands or a mixing paddle. Aim for a soft dough that’s just sticky enough to scoop but not overly mixed—overworking the dough can make biscuits tough, so go easy here!
Step 5: Form Biscuits
Lightly grease your air fryer basket with oil spray. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the dough into clumps, placing them close but not overcrowded—it’s okay if they touch as they will rise slightly.
Step 6: Air Fry Biscuits
Spray the tops of the dough balls with a little oil before placing the basket in the air fryer preheated to 380°F (193°C). Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the biscuits and air fry for another 2 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust all around.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix the remaining garlic powder with your melted butter and generously brush this on hot biscuits the moment they come out of the air fryer. This final touch infuses them with the rich, garlicky flavor that makes this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra cheddar on top right after brushing with garlic butter. A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also add a subtle spice contrast that pairs beautifully with the savory biscuits.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredibly versatile and elevate any meal. Serve them alongside a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup, a hearty chicken stew, or even a fresh garden salad. They also pair wonderfully with seafood dishes like crab cakes or shrimp scampi, making them perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these biscuits into a party favorite by slicing them in half and stuffing with ham, turkey, or even a dollop of cream cheese and herbs for finger food with a gourmet twist. You can also transform leftover biscuits into savory bread pudding or use them as sliders’ buns for a cheeky weekend treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. For better texture preservation, wrapping them loosely in foil helps keep them soft while preventing drying out.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully and can be saved for later enjoyment. Arrange cooled biscuits on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until warm and crisp on the outside. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F wrapped in foil for a few minutes. To revive that fresh-baked garlic butter flavor, brush warm biscuits again with melted garlic butter before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?
While buttermilk adds a nice tang and tender crumb, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This DIY buttermilk mimics the acidity needed for proper biscuit rise and flavor.
Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is traditional for cheddar bay biscuits, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a sharp white cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.
What size air fryer basket works best?
A medium-sized basket that allows biscuits room to spread a bit without overcrowding works well. Overcrowding can impact even cooking, so if your air fryer is small, consider cooking batches separately.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor and overall biscuit experience will remain delicious.
How do I get the perfect flaky texture?
The key to flaky biscuits is incorporating cold butter into your dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing the dough after adding liquids. Handling the dough gently and using cold ingredients help create delicate layers as they bake.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats hot, cheesy, garlicky biscuits fresh from the air fryer, and this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe makes achieving that experience easier than ever. Whether for special dinners or impromptu snack cravings, I promise these biscuits will win hearts with every bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy all the cozy, delicious vibes it brings to your table.
Print
Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 18 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a quick and delicious twist on the classic cheddar biscuits, featuring a flaky, cheesy interior with a golden, garlicky crust. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a fluffy texture and vibrant flavors packed with cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh parsley, these biscuits make a fantastic side or snack in just 17 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients & Add-ins
- 1 stick butter (cold, diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Incorporate Cold Butter: Cut the cold butter into small, pea-sized cubes. Using a stand mixer, blender, or pastry cutter, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will help create a flaky biscuit texture.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley until just evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Add Buttermilk: Gently fold in the buttermilk by hand or with a mixing paddle, mixing just until the dough comes together and is scoopable but still soft. Be careful not to overmix to maintain flaky biscuits.
- Form Biscuits: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion dough clumps and place them in the basket, allowing the biscuits to be close or slightly touching.
- Air Fry Biscuits: Spray the tops of the biscuits lightly with oil. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes, then carefully turn them over and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Stir the remaining garlic powder into the melted butter. When the biscuits come out of the air fryer, brush the tops generously with this garlic butter for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure a flaky biscuit texture.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with other sharp cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for variation.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; watch for golden brown tops as a sign of doneness.
- These biscuits are best served warm and fresh out of the air fryer.
- You can freeze unbaked biscuit dough portions for future quick baking sessions.
