Air Fryer Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

My Red Lobster biscuits are a family favorite, and now you can make them quickly in the air fryer. These cheesy, buttery bites come together with simple pantry ingredients and deliver that restaurant-style flavor in minutes.

There’s something irresistible about the smell of fresh bread and warm garlic butter. If you love quick breads, try my pizza pull-apart bread and homemade garlic butter for more easy, comforting recipes.

Why this Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe is a Keeper

This copycat recipe recreates the famous Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits at home — flaky, tender biscuits packed with cheddar and brushed with seasoned butter. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for weeknights or company.

• Crispy & Fluffy: The air fryer gives golden tops and a tender interior.
• Fast: No oven required, so you can have fresh biscuits in minutes.
• Family Favorite: Cheesy, garlicky flavor that everyone loves.
• Homemade Quality: Tastes better than boxed mixes and uses common ingredients.

Can I Use Bisquick to Make Red Lobster Biscuits?

Yes—Bisquick is a handy shortcut. Mix in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and a splash of milk or buttermilk. For the closest copycat flavor, though, a from-scratch mix with cold butter and buttermilk yields the best texture and taste.

Ingredients Needed for this Air Fryer Recipe

All ingredients are easy to find. Many are likely already in your pantry.

Find the full printable recipe with exact measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives classic flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for that signature garlic bite.
• Butter: Melted butter brushed on top adds richness and shine.
• Parsley: Optional for color and a restaurant-style finish.

Variations and Substitutions for Copycat Cheddar Biscuits

Here are easy ways to adapt the biscuits to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Make it Spicy: Add cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the dough.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix and adjust liquid as needed.
• Add Bacon: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter.

Special Equipment Needed to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Biscuits

These tools make the recipe easiest, though you can adapt with basics:

• Air Fryer: Gives the ideal crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft.
• Parchment Rounds or Liners: Prevent sticking and speed cleanup.

How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps and makes a great side for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and baking times.

1. Make the Biscuit Mix: Preheat the air fryer. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Cut cold butter into small cubes.
2. Make the Dough: Cut the butter into the dry ingredients (by hand, pastry cutter, or mixer) until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in shredded cheddar and parsley, then fold in buttermilk until just combined.
3. Fill the Air Fryer: Spray the basket with oil or use parchment rounds. Use an ice cream scoop to portion biscuit dough into the basket, leaving a bit of space between mounds.
4. Air Fry the Biscuits: Spray the tops lightly and air fry at 380°F. Cook about 5 minutes, turn, then cook 2 more minutes or until golden. Mix garlic powder into melted butter and brush over warm biscuits.

Prep Ahead Suggestions for Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Biscuits

Make the process even easier with a few prep-ahead tips:

• Prepare the Dough: Mix the dough up to 1 day ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator.
• Portion Ahead: Scoop dough mounds and refrigerate so they’re ready to cook.
• Pre-mix Garlic Butter: Store in the fridge and warm it slightly before brushing on the hot biscuits.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Homemade Biscuits

• Storing: Keep cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer, toaster oven, or oven at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh them.
• Using Leftovers: Serve with soup, use for sliders, or enjoy as a snack.

Common Questions About Biscuits in the Air Fryer

Expert Tips for Making Red Lobster Biscuits in the Air Fryer

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until combined to avoid dense biscuits; a light hand yields fluffier texture.
• Use Cold Butter: Cold, cubed or grated butter creates flaky layers and better crumb.
• Chill Before Cooking: Rest the shaped biscuits in the fridge 10–15 minutes to help them keep their shape and rise.
• Line the Basket: Use parchment with holes or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and allow air circulation.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between biscuits so they crisp and rise evenly.
• Garlic Butter: Add a touch of onion powder or Old Bay to the garlic butter for extra flavor.

Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits