If you’re anything like me, you love finding those cozy fall treats that come together quickly but still wow your taste buds. This Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe is just that—a little bit of fall comfort packed into fluffy, tender biscuits that are perfectly spiced and utterly delicious. What makes it even better? You can pop them right into your air fryer, which means less mess and way quicker baking than the oven.
I first stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted a fast pumpkin-flavored snack without turning on the whole oven. Spoiler: these biscuits turned out soft, buttery, and just the right amount of pumpkin-spice cozy. You’ll find that they’re perfect for breakfast with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite soup on chilly evenings. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: The air fryer speeds up baking time without sacrificing texture or flavor.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: Pumpkin puree and warm spices give these biscuits a seasonal twist you’ll crave.
- Tender & Flaky: A simple butter-and-flour technique ensures light, flaky biscuits every time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together for a surprisingly impressive result.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients all work in harmony to make soft, flavorful pumpkin biscuits with a touch of sweetness and spice. Using cold butter and a bit of buttermilk helps create that perfect biscuit crumb you’re after.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Light brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of molasses that complements pumpkin.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent to give your biscuits a nice rise.
- Pumpkin spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings that signature pumpkin flavor.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors overall.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cut into small cubes for that flaky texture when worked into the flour.
- Canned pure pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin with no added sugar.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang while tenderizing the dough.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe to keep things interesting or to cater to what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak the spices or swap ingredients to make it your own.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth—my family goes crazy for this twist.
- Gluten-free: You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix that measures cup-for-cup if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Sweet version: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup after baking for a naturally sweet finish.
- Cheesy addition: I occasionally fold in shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan for a savory pumpkin biscuit variation that’s perfect by a hearty soup.
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in the Butter
Start by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt in a medium bowl. I like using a fork to work in the cold cubed butter next—either with two table knives or your fingers rubbed quickly—to get a coarse, crumbly texture. This step is key for those flaky little layers we all crave in biscuits, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Combine Pumpkin and Buttermilk, Then Mix
In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the pumpkin puree with buttermilk until smooth. Pour this into your flour and butter mixture and stir gently with a fork just until combined. The dough will look a bit shaggy—that’s exactly what you want because overmixing can make the biscuits tough.
Step 3: Form the Dough and Cut into Squares
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until no dry bits remain. Then, pat it into a 4-by-4-inch square. I find cutting it into 4 equal squares works best for even cooking in the air fryer. Don’t forget to brush the tops with melted butter—that golden, buttery finish makes a big difference here!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the dough squares in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. In the last few minutes, if you notice the tops browning too quickly, tent them loosely with foil. When they’re puffed up and golden brown, they’re ready. I love how this method produces biscuits with a flaky outside and soft, tender inside.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter creates steam when cooking, making flaky biscuit layers—don’t let it soften before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Stir just until ingredients combine to keep your biscuits tender and not dense.
- Use Foil to Prevent Overbrowning: Tent lightly with foil during air frying if you see the tops darkening too quickly.
- Cut Even Squares for Uniform Cooking: Makes sure all biscuits cook evenly instead of some being under or overdone.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I love brushing these biscuits with melted butter right after cooking for that shiny, rich finish. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of coarse sugar on top for a little sparkle and crunch, which my kids adore. A drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese is also wonderful if you want a touch of sweetness or tang.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or hearty chili for an easy fall dinner. For breakfast, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs or even a dollop of yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve served this Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe at fall brunches by stacking the biscuits with whipped honey butter or pumpkin butter in between like little sandwiches. They also look cute arranged in a basket lined with a festive napkin when guests come over—they’re simple yet cozy, making any table feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I find they stay soft, but if they firm up, a quick reheat softens them back up nicely.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully. Just wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes until soft and warm again.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftover biscuits in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to revive their flaky texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them a bit chewy or soggy. This method keeps them tasting freshly baked!
FAQs
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Can I make this Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe without pumpkin spice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, you can mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, or simply use cinnamon alone. The flavor won’t be as complex but will still taste delicious and seasonal.
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What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This works great to provide the acidity needed to tenderize the dough.
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Will these biscuits work in a regular oven?
They definitely will! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden and puffed. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown.
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How do I store leftover biscuits to keep them fresh?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage by wrapping well. Reheat gently in an air fryer or oven to bring back softness.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe is one of those simple joys I keep coming back to every fall season. It’s fast, uses ingredients you likely have, and always earns compliments from my family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a cozy, comforting biscuit with a delightful pumpkin twist without all the fuss. Give it a try—I know you’ll be adding it to your fall favorites like I did!
Print
Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits are a quick and delicious fall-inspired treat featuring tender, flaky biscuits infused with warm pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree. Perfectly golden and risen, they make a cozy breakfast or snack that’s ready in just 10 minutes using an air fryer.
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
Butter
- 4 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter for brushing
Wet Ingredients
- 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. Using a fork or two table knives, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the pumpkin puree and buttermilk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a fork until just combined and a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until no dry flour remains. Pat the dough into a 4-inch by 4-inch square. Cut the dough into 4 equal squares. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Air Fry Biscuits: Arrange the dough squares in a single layer inside an air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until biscuits are golden and risen. If needed, tent with foil during the last 3 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold for flaky biscuits.
- Use pumpkin spice blend or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender.
- Check biscuits early the first time to adjust air fryer performance if necessary.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
