If you’ve ever craved those warm, cheesy, garlicky biscuits from your favorite seafood restaurant, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits come together in just 20 minutes with heavenly flavors, super tender insides, and irresistibly crispy edges thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or looking to perk up a weeknight meal, this effortless recipe always delivers bakery-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes where simple ingredients truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role in creating fluffy, cheesy biscuits with a hint of garlic and a touch of fresh herb flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the biscuit, providing structure and softness.
- Baking powder: Helps the dough rise to pillowy heights for that classic biscuit lift.
- Baking soda: Adds a touch more leavening and helps brown the biscuits nicely.
- Garlic powder: Infuses both the dough and the topping with a savory, aromatic kick.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the cheesy richness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Delivers bold, melty pockets of flavor throughout every bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, making the biscuits fluffy and moist.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the dough and lends richness—plus extra for that delicious buttery topping.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, divided): Brings a pop of color and herbal freshness to the finished biscuits.
- Extra unsalted butter + garlic powder (for brushing): Creates the signature savory, buttery crust you can’t resist.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. This ensures all the rising agents are evenly distributed, so your biscuits bake up light and fluffy. Don’t skip the whisking step—you want every biscuit to get that perfect lift!
Step 2: Add Cheese and Mix the Wet Ingredients
Gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s evenly dispersed throughout the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, then use a spatula or spoon to mix just until everything is combined. The dough will be a little shaggy—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should look. Mixing too much makes the biscuits tough, so stop as soon as you see no more large flour streaks.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuits
Scoop about ¼ cup of dough for each biscuit and form into loose, rustic rounds. They don’t have to be perfect—part of the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe magic is those craggy edges that get extra crispy in the air fryer. Arrange the dough balls in a parchment-lined air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them for expansion. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to bake in batches.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the biscuits for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for golden, crispy tops and set bottoms. The air fryer gives them an irresistible crust while keeping the insides steamy and tender. Don’t be tempted to open the basket too often—peek at the 8-minute mark, then give them extra time if they need it.
Step 5: Make and Brush on the Garlic Butter
While the biscuits bake, melt the remaining butter in a small dish and stir in the extra garlic powder and half the chopped parsley. As soon as the hot biscuits come out of the air fryer, brush them generously with this buttery, garlicky mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining parsley for extra color and freshness. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
When serving these biscuits, a little flourish goes a long way. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a grating of extra cheddar takes presentation and flavor over the top. If you want to add a tiny splash of color, thinly sliced scallions also make a vibrant finish.
Side Dishes
The Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is the perfect sidekick for so many meals—think hearty stews, creamy chowders, or grilled chicken. They’re especially divine alongside seafood dishes or with a bowl of homemade tomato soup for major comfort food vibes. Add a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get a little playful! Serve these biscuits in a bread basket lined with a cheerful napkin for family dinners, or stack them high on a platter for a breezy brunch spread. For parties, cut the finished biscuits in half and fill with egg salad, sliced ham, or a swipe of herbed cream cheese for delightful mini sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the biscuits cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. The flavor and texture are still fabulous, especially when quickly reheated.
Freezing
The Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or unexpected biscuit cravings. Once baked and cooled, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic or foil, then store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring your biscuits back to life, simply pop them in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes, or warm in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This perks up the crispy exterior and makes the cheese inside just a little gooey—almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dough, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 hours in advance. Simply shape and air fry whenever you’re ready—just add an extra minute to the cook time if starting with cold dough.
What’s the best way to shred cheddar for this recipe?
For the air fryer cheddar bay biscuits recipe, freshly shredding sharp cheddar from a block works best. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting, so grab a box grater for best results.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Try swapping in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a fun twist. Just be sure to keep the proportions the same.
How do I prevent the biscuits from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Line the basket with a piece of parchment paper, leaving space around the edges for air flow. A light spray of nonstick cooking oil helps, too, especially if your air fryer basket is prone to sticking.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter, dairy-free cheddar shreds, and your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk. The result is deliciously close to the original!
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe, I promise it will earn a spot in your regular rotation. The combination of crispy edges, cheesy centers, and garlicky butter is simply irresistible. There’s nothing more comforting or rewarding—so preheat that air fryer and treat yourself to a batch today!
Print
Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic Red Lobster favorite. With a crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and a hint of garlic, these biscuits are perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form Biscuits: Scoop about ¼ cup of dough for each biscuit, shape into rounds, and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Garlic Butter: While biscuits cook, melt remaining butter and mix with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over hot biscuits.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne or paprika to the dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
