If you adore the irresistible, buttery, and cheesy goodness of seafood restaurant biscuits but want a quicker, fuss-free version, then this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is calling your name. These golden gems come out perfectly flaky on the inside, with a crisp, garlicky crust that’s full of cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Using the air fryer means you skip the oven’s heating and get a delicious batch in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal recipe to impress family or friends without any extra hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect cheddar bay biscuits, you’ll rely on simple pantry staples with each ingredient playing a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the tang of buttermilk to the punch of garlic and sharp cheddar cheese, these ingredients combine harmoniously to produce that classic taste.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder: The primary leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda: Adds lift and balances the buttermilk’s acidity.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the biscuits from tasting flat.
- Garlic powder: Brings that iconic savory kick that defines Cheddar Bay biscuits.
- Butter (cold, diced): Flaky and rich, it creates tender layers throughout the biscuit.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheese is the heart of the flavor profile.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and color contrast.
- Buttermilk: The secret to moist, tender crumb and slight tanginess.
- Melted butter: For brushing on top, sealing in flavor with garlic powder.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. This ensures that the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed, so each biscuit has that consistent lift and flavor.
Step 2: Incorporate Cold Butter
Cut your cold butter into small cubes—about the size of peas—and work it into the dry ingredients using a stand mixer, blender, or pastry cutter. Aim to achieve a coarse crumb texture. These little butter pockets are what make your biscuits flaky and irresistible once baked.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Parsley
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. Mixing just enough to combine ensures bursts of cheesy goodness and fresh herb flavor with every bite without overworking the dough.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Gently fold in the buttermilk using your hand or a mixing paddle. Take care not to overmix; the dough should just come together and be soft enough to scoop. This step is crucial for tenderness and that slight tang that makes cheddar bay biscuits unforgettable.
Step 5: Form Biscuits
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Then, using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion out the dough directly into the basket. It’s perfectly fine if the biscuits touch slightly—they’ll rise beautifully during cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry Biscuits
Spray the tops of the biscuits lightly with oil for a golden finish. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each biscuit and cook for an additional 2 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that lovely golden brown color that signals perfect readiness.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix the remaining garlic powder into the melted butter and brush it generously over the hot biscuits as soon as they come out of the air fryer. This finishing touch seals in moisture and amps up that signature garlic flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and complements the cheesy garlic notes beautifully. A light drizzle of extra melted butter or a pinch of flaky sea salt can elevate these biscuits even further.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair wonderfully with hearty dishes like creamy chowders, fried chicken, or a rich seafood boil. Their buttery, cheesy nature also makes them ideal alongside salads or soups where they can soak up delicious broths and sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving these biscuits with small bowls of herb butter or cream cheese spreads. You could even slice them open and fill with ham or bacon for a decadent, biscuit sandwich. Stacking them in a basket lined with a vibrant napkin also makes for a charming presentation at any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover biscuits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft without drying out, ready for snacking or reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a sealed bag or container. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap for best results. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed when you want a quick, tasty treat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or thawed biscuits in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring back their fluffy texture and crispy exterior. Alternatively, warming them briefly in the microwave and then crisping in a preheated pan also works well.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be used, the tanginess of buttermilk is key to the biscuits’ flavor and tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar can mimic the effect nicely.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Absolutely! Cold butter creates steam pockets during cooking that result in flaky layers. Using room temperature butter will make the biscuits denser and less tender.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes! Scoop out the dough onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a bag for baking later. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time when baking from frozen.
Why do the biscuits need to be sprayed with oil before air frying?
Spraying the basket and biscuit tops prevents sticking and helps develop that golden, crisp exterior that makes these biscuits so delightful.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 18 biscuits, perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping plenty for leftovers.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, cheesy, garlicky biscuit fresh from the air fryer. This Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves classic comfort food made simple. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these biscuits deliver on flavor, texture, and ease. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite quick side dish or snack!
Print
Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 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 savory biscuit, featuring sharp cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of garlic. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re ready in under 20 minutes and made using an air fryer for a faster, fuss-free baking experience.
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 & Mix-Ins
- 1 stick butter (cold, diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 cup buttermilk
Finishing Butter
- 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.
- Incorporate Cold Butter: Cut the cold butter into small pea-sized pieces. Using a stand mixer, blender, or pastry cutter, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the crumbly flour mixture.
- Add Buttermilk: Using your hand or a mixing paddle, carefully fold the buttermilk into the mixture just until the dough comes together and is scoopable but still soft; avoid overmixing.
- Form Biscuits: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the dough into clumps and place them in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the biscuits touch.
- Air Fry Biscuits: Spray the tops of the biscuits with oil. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. Then carefully turn the biscuits and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Stir 1 teaspoon garlic powder into the melted butter. After the biscuits are done, brush the tops with this garlic butter for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use cold butter to create a flaky biscuit texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender and light.
- The biscuits can be made touching in the air fryer basket—they will rise as they cook.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
