If you’re looking for something cozy and quick to bake up, this Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe is an absolute gem. I love how the warm pumpkin spice flavor blends perfectly with flaky, buttery biscuits, making it an ideal treat for fall mornings or an afternoon snack when you want just a little pumpkin comfort without the fuss. Plus, using the air fryer means you get those golden edges fast, with a tender crumb inside—no oven preheating required!
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was yet incredibly delicious. You’ll find that these biscuits are wonderfully moist without feeling heavy, thanks to the pumpkin puree and buttermilk combo. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe works beautifully any time pumpkin cravings hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You can whip these up in just about 10 minutes and have warm biscuits fast thanks to the air fryer.
- Perfect Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice give these biscuits a subtle fall flavor without overpowering them.
- Flaky Yet Moist Texture: The combination of butter and buttermilk creates a tender biscuit that’s flaky on the outside but soft inside.
- No Oven Needed: Ideal if you want to avoid heating up your whole kitchen or just want a small batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavors and texture. I always recommend using cold butter to get those flaky biscuit layers, and look for canned pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie mix—for the best results.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the base; you want this to be fresh for the best tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a mild sweetness and depth, complementing the pumpkin nicely.
- Baking powder: Your leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise beautifully.
- Pumpkin spice: Gives those warm autumn flavors with cinnamon, nutmeg, and more.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors – never skip the salt!
- Cold unsalted butter: Key for flakiness; keep it chilled and cut into cubes for easy incorporation.
- Canned pure pumpkin puree: Provides moisture and classic pumpkin flavor without added sugar.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture while reacting with baking powder to make your biscuits tender.
Variations
I love playing around with the Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. A little tweak here or substitution there can personalize it perfectly for your family’s taste.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend once, and the texture stayed lovely—just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Spice it Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra warm punch; you’ll find it really enhances that pumpkin vibe.
- Sweeten It: If you like sweeter biscuits, try brushing the tops with a little honey or maple syrup instead of melted butter before air-frying.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute—it still turns out fantastic!
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients & Cut in Butter
Start by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Then, grab your cold, cubed butter and incorporate it into the dry mix using either two knives in a cutting motion or a fork. What you’re aiming for is a coarse, crumbly texture like a rough meal—this is what gives your biscuits their tender, flaky crumb.
Step 2: Stir in the Pumpkin and Buttermilk
In a separate small bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree with the buttermilk until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and stir them gently with a fork just until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. The key here is not to overmix; you want a slightly lumpy dough to keep the biscuits tender.
Step 3: Shape and Cut Your Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently knead it just enough to eliminate dry spots—about 5-6 folds. Then pat the dough into a 4-inch square and cut into four equal squares. Before cooking, brush the tops with melted butter; this gives you a lovely golden finish with a bit of richness.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your biscuit squares in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them. Cook at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. If your biscuits start browning too quickly near the end, tent them loosely with foil to prevent burning while they finish cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve puffed up and turned a beautiful golden color.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: This is my favorite trick for flaky biscuits; warm butter melts too quickly and ruins the texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stop stirring as soon as the dough forms—a little lumpiness means tender biscuits.
- Use Foil Tents: If the edges brown too fast in your air fryer, a foil shield saved mine every time from burning.
- Space the Biscuits: Air flow is key for even cooking, so don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top these biscuits with a dab of honey butter or a light smear of cream cheese pumpkin spread—it complements the spice so well. You could also dust lightly with cinnamon sugar if you’re serving them for a sweet breakfast treat.
Side Dishes
These biscuits go beautifully with a bowl of hot soup like butternut squash or tomato basil, making for a cozy lunch. For breakfast, I often pair them with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon—my family goes crazy for that combo!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fall brunch, I arrange these biscuits on a wooden board with little bowls of pumpkin butter, jams, and clotted cream. Adding some fresh herbs or edible flowers on the side makes it feel special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration helps, but they’re best enjoyed fresh or reheated within a day or two for the best texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these biscuits before by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the air fryer or oven.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the biscuits back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F to refresh their crisp edges and warm inside without drying out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but it softens the texture slightly.
FAQs
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Can I make these biscuits without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake these pumpkin biscuits in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and risen. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary, but the recipe works great either way.
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What is the best pumpkin puree to use for this recipe?
Use canned pure pumpkin puree—don’t substitute with pumpkin pie filling since it contains added spices and sugar which will change the biscuit’s flavor and texture.
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Can I double or halve the recipe?
You can easily halve or double the recipe depending on your needs. Just keep the air fryer basket size in mind when cooking—you may need to do multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
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How do I prevent my biscuits from getting soggy in the air fryer?
Make sure to space the biscuits apart in the basket to allow air circulation, and avoid piling them up. Also, brushing melted butter on top helps create a crisp crust. Tent with foil during the last few minutes only if edges brown too fast to keep the middle from staying raw or soggy.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, if you haven’t tried this Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe yet, you’re in for a delightful surprise. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want quick, comforting flavors with zero hassle. I love sharing it because it feels like a warm hug packed into a biscuit, and I know you’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them. Trust me—once you try these, any other biscuit recipe might just take a backseat!
PrintAir Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 serving(s)
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits are a quick and delicious seasonal treat, combining warm pumpkin spices with a tender, flaky texture. Perfectly golden and ready in just minutes using an air fryer, these biscuits are a delightful way to enjoy autumn flavors without heating up your oven.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
- 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. pumpkin spice
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus 1 tbsp. melted for brushing
- 1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp. buttermilk
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and kosher salt until well combined. This creates a flavorful base for your biscuits.
- Cut in Butter: Using a fork or two table knives, work the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized bits of butter distributed evenly throughout. This step is essential to create a flaky biscuit texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and buttermilk until smooth and well combined. This liquid adds moisture and pumpkin flavor to the dough.
- Form the Dough: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour and butter mixture, stirring gently with a fork just until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until no dry flour remains. Pat the dough into a 4-inch by 4-inch square, then cut it into 4 equal squares. Brush the tops of each square with melted butter for a beautiful golden finish.
- Air Fry the Biscuits: Place the dough squares in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, tenting with foil during the last 3 minutes if needed to prevent overbrowning. Biscuits should be golden and risen when done.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky biscuits.
- If you don’t have pumpkin spice, substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Watch the biscuits closely near the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg