If you love cheesy, garlicky biscuits with a tender crumb and golden edges, you’re going to swoon over this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. Imagine the irresistible flavor of your favorite restaurant-style biscuits, but made effortlessly in your air fryer—no oven required! These biscuits come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting side. With sharp cheddar, a touch of garlic, and a buttery finish, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and maybe another after that).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is delightfully easy—each ingredient plays a key role in creating fluffy, flavorful biscuits with that signature cheesy punch. Don’t skip any of these; every one of them brings something special to the table, whether it’s texture, flavor, or that perfect golden color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender biscuits, giving structure without making them dense.
- Baking powder: The secret to fluffy, sky-high biscuits—don’t leave it out!
- Baking soda: Balances the tang of buttermilk and helps the biscuits rise beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Adds that signature savory aroma and taste you can’t resist in a Cheddar Bay biscuit.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the biscuits from tasting flat.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: Essential for flaky layers; keep it as cold as possible for best results.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Packs every bite with melty, cheesy goodness—use sharp for the most flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, resulting in a tender biscuit crumb.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Gives the biscuits a glossy, buttery finish that’s totally irresistible.
- Dried parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for that classic look and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. This step is super important because it ensures every bite of your Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe will have a balanced flavor and even rise. Whisking also breaks up any lumps, so your biscuits turn out perfectly light.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to your bowl of dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until you see coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This is the secret to flaky biscuits: the cold butter creates little pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in that crave-worthy texture.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Toss in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and give it a quick stir to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture. The cheese not only adds bold flavor, but it also creates gooey, melty pockets in every bite. It really makes this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe stand out!
Step 4: Pour in the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently, just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. Overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough, and we want them tender and soft.
Step 5: Form the Biscuits
Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently shape them into rough balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a rustic look is part of their charm. Place each biscuit into your parchment-lined air fryer basket, making sure there’s a bit of space between each one for even cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the biscuits for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when they’re puffed, golden, and cooked through. Air frying makes this process lightning-fast and delivers that amazing crisp-tender texture.
Step 7: Brush and Finish
While the biscuits are still hot, brush them generously with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley if you like. This finishing touch infuses each biscuit with extra flavor and a glossy, picture-perfect appearance that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A classic finish is a brush of melted butter and a shower of dried parsley. If you want to amp up the restaurant-style vibes of your Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, try adding a pinch of garlic powder to the butter before brushing, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are delicious alongside just about anything. Serve them with hearty soups, creamy chowders, or a fresh salad for a comforting meal. They’re also the perfect side for seafood dishes—think shrimp scampi, grilled salmon, or your favorite crab cakes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunches, arrange the biscuits in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin, or stack them high on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse-chic look. You can even split them and use as the base for sliders, or serve with honey butter for a sweet-savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any biscuits left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or meal addition.
Freezing
To freeze, let the biscuits cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe anytime you get a craving!
Reheating
For best results, reheat the biscuits in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. They’ll come out warm and nearly as fresh as the day you made them. You can also use a microwave in a pinch—just wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for about 20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese if that’s what you have on hand, but freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts better and gives the biscuits a richer flavor. If you do use pre-shredded, try to pick one without added anti-caking agents for best texture.
Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This easy substitute will give you the tang and tenderness that makes the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe so special.
What’s the best way to keep the biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lining your basket with parchment paper is the easiest trick. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to leave some space around the edges for air circulation so your biscuits cook evenly.
Can I add other flavors or spices to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—add a pinch of cayenne, some Old Bay seasoning, or even a bit of chopped fresh herbs. Customizing the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is half the fun and lets you tailor them to your taste.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is vegetarian as written. All the ingredients are plant-based except for dairy, so it’s a great option for anyone looking to add a cheesy, satisfying side to their vegetarian meals.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a go-to in my kitchen. The combination of cheesy richness, garlicky aroma, and that signature buttery finish makes these biscuits simply irresistible. I hope you’ll give them a try—don’t be surprised if they disappear before they even make it to the table!
Print
Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe offers a quick and delicious twist on the classic cheesy biscuit, perfect as a side dish for any meal. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a perfect blend of seasonings, these fluffy biscuits are air-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. They are easy to prepare and bring that famous Red Lobster flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Combine with Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender and light.
- Shape Biscuits: Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and form into rough balls. This rustic shape helps achieve a flaky bite.
- Prepare Air Fryer : Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the biscuit dough balls inside, ensuring space between each to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Air Fry Biscuits: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Brush with Butter and Garnish: Immediately brush the hot biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley if desired for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the biscuits fresh from the air fryer while warm and soft for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning to the dough mixture.
- These biscuits are best served fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to revive crispiness.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness in the biscuits.
- Cold butter is key for achieving flaky texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
