Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself hopelessly craving those legendary cheesy, garlicky Red Lobster biscuits, you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe! These golden, flaky biscuits come together in a flash, using simple ingredients you likely already have at home, with that signature cheesy goodness and mouthwatering garlicky aroma. The air fryer turns out biscuits with irresistibly crisp edges and a pillowy center, and you can enjoy them warm from your own kitchen in just about 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort bake—quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is that each ingredient counts—nothing extra, no weird surprises, just the basics that pack big flavor. Every component plays a special role, from adding luscious texture to creating those iconic pops of flavor that make these biscuits disappear fast!
- All-purpose flour: The trusty base that gives the biscuits their classic crumb, sturdy enough to hold cheddar but still light.
- Baking powder: This is the lift behind the fluff—don’t skip it if you want sky-high, tender biscuits.
- Baking soda: Teams up with baking powder to ensure maximum tenderness and a beautiful rise.
- Garlic powder: The foundation of that unmistakable Cheddar Bay flavor—both in the dough and the topping!
- Salt: Gives depth, sharpens the cheddar, and makes each bite perfectly seasoned.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for flaky layers; cold butter means pockets of steam that create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Go for sharp for the biggest cheesy punch—pre-shred or buy it yourself for best meltiness.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps biscuits moist and tender, almost like a bakery secret weapon.
- Unsalted butter (melted): For brushing on top—this helps the seasoning stick and adds rich flavor when they’re fresh and warm.
- Dried parsley: Gives a pop of color and a subtle herbal note to the buttery topping.
- Garlic powder (for topping): Doubles down on the garlicky goodness—because why not?
How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. This simple step guarantees that every bite of your Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe is evenly seasoned and fluffy. The baking powder and baking soda work their magic for a tender, light biscuit with just the right amount of lift.
Step 2: Cut in Cold Butter
Scatter your cold, cubed butter over the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter, or just your fingers, quickly work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery crumbs. The key is to keep the butter as cold as possible; this helps create those lovely, flaky layers we all crave in a homemade biscuit.
Step 3: Fold in Cheese
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl and give things a gentle stir. This is where the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe starts to come to life—the cheesy bits will melt into glorious pockets once baked, giving you that signature gooey, savory bite.
Step 4: Bring it Together with Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing is the arch enemy of tender biscuits, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. It might look a little shaggy, but that’s exactly what you want for the softest, fluffiest results.
Step 5: Shape and Arrange
Grab a cookie scoop or a big spoon, and create 8 to 10 biscuits, spacing them out on a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray. Aim for rustic—even sizes, but a handmade look, ensures crispy edges and pillowy middles in each biscuit.
Step 6: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then pop the biscuits in for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for them to be puffed, with a golden brown halo and a little cheesy, crispy goodness where the cheese oozed out—pure joy!
Step 7: Make and Brush Herb Butter
While those beauties cook, stir together the melted butter, dried parsley, and extra garlic powder. As soon as the biscuits come out piping hot, brush this buttery herb mixture all over the tops for that telltale glossy finish and extra punch of flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a touch more dried parsley or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. If you want to gild the lily, a little extra cheese on top while they’re still warm makes these biscuits look (and taste) bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are delicious enough to eat on their own, but they also make the ultimate sidekick to soups, chili, or a crisp green salad. I love serving the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe alongside a classic bowl of tomato soup or as a hearty companion to weeknight pasta dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Try splitting them in half and stuffing them with scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast sandwich, or layer in some grilled chicken and pickles for a Southern twist. You can even use them as the base for mini slider sandwiches at your next casual get-together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and it’s a big if) you have any biscuits left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft but may lose a little of their just-baked crispness on the outside.
Freezing
To freeze, let the biscuits cool completely, then store them in zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month—just let them thaw at room temp before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked magic, reheat your Cheddar Bay Biscuits in the air fryer at 325°F for 2 to 3 minutes. The outside returns to golden crispness, and the inside stays soft and cheesy. Avoid the microwave if you want that irresistible, biscuit-y texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you’re out of buttermilk, just mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit a few minutes, and you’ll have a quick, tangy substitute that works beautifully.
What’s the secret to fluffy biscuits?
The secret is cold butter and a gentle touch! Cold butter keeps the biscuits flaky, and mixing just until the dough comes together prevents them from getting dense or tough.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but shredding your own cheddar makes the biscuits meltier and adds a richer cheese flavor. Pre-shredded cheese sometimes has anti-caking agents, so it won’t melt quite the same, but it’ll still taste amazing!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries—you can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a regular oven at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll still get a delicious batch of cheddar bay biscuits, just with a slightly different texture.
Can I double or halve the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible! Double it for a crowd or halve it for a smaller household. Just be sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, so the biscuits cook evenly and brown perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe a try—you won’t believe how quick, simple, and satisfying these cheesy, golden biscuits are! Whether you’re impressing company or just treating yourself, these biscuits are guaranteed to bring warm, buttery happiness to your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic Red Lobster favorite, made easy with the air fryer. Cheesy, fluffy, and packed with flavor, they are perfect as a side dish or a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine: Add buttermilk and mix just until combined—do not overmix.
- Form Biscuits: Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, form 8–10 biscuits 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 brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Topping: While the biscuits cook, mix melted butter with dried parsley and garlic powder.
- Finish: Brush the warm biscuits with the butter mixture right after cooking. Serve warm.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Notes
- Use cold butter and don’t overmix to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
- These are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
