Real cultured buttermilk brings the tang and a good high-fat butter builds the flaky layers, so both are worth sourcing carefully. Keep everything cold and fold the dough over itself a few times before you cut it. Those folds laminate the butter into thin sheets that steam apart into layers as the biscuits bake.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes8 biscuits
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for8biscuits
All-purpose flour
A good soft unbleached flour makes a tender biscuit.
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Heat the ovenHeat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Cut in cold butterWhisk the flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder and the salt, then work in the frozen grated butter with your fingertips until it looks like coarse gravel with pea-sized bits.
Add buttermilkPour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until a shaggy dough forms — it should look rough, not smooth.
Fold for layersTurn out, pat into a rectangle, fold in thirds like a letter, and repeat twice more. This laminates the butter into flaky sheets.
Cut and bakePat to 1 inch thick and cut straight down with a floured cutter, no twisting, so they rise level. Bake 14 to 16 minutes until tall and golden brown on top.
Can you make Buttermilk Biscuits in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Buttermilk Biscuits? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Buttermilk Biscuits ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Buttermilk Biscuits gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Buttermilk Biscuits vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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