30-Minute Air Fryer Chocolate Biscuits

Prep: 20 minCook: 10 min8 biscuitsmediumAmerican
Air Fryer Chocolate Biscuits with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips

These tender, flaky chocolate biscuits combine rich cocoa powder with chunks of semisweet chocolate for double chocolate flavor. Made in the air fryer, they bake quickly with a golden exterior and soft, chocolatey interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. The cold butter technique creates layers for that classic biscuit texture, while the air fryer ensures even cooking in just 8-10 minutes.

Ingredients

Yield: 8 biscuits
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup butter, cold and diced
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    Keep cold for best results

    Full guide →
  • cup semisweet chocolate, diced
    chocolate chips1:1

    Use chocolate chips as alternative

    Full guide →
  • 2 large egg yolks, cold
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
    whole milk1:1

    Use whole milk as stated in instructions

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined

  2. 2

    Add cold diced butter to dry mixture and cut in using pastry blender or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs

  3. 3

    Whisk in egg yolks, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined

  4. 4

    Fold in diced chocolate or chocolate chips

  5. 5

    Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and press to 1-inch thickness

  6. 6

    Cut biscuits with round cutter, reforming scraps and cutting until all dough is used

  7. 7

    Preheat air fryer to 330°F

  8. 8

    Place biscuits in single layer in air fryer basket without touching

  9. 9

    Cook at 330°F for 8-10 minutes until risen and cooked through

  10. 10

    Test doneness with toothpick inserted in center

  11. 11

    Cool on wire rack for a few minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Keep butter cold for the flakiest texture - cold fat creates steam pockets that make layers

Tip 2

Don't overmix the dough once liquid is added to prevent tough biscuits

Tip 3

Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Make Ahead

Can be cut and refrigerated overnight before air frying

Serve With

Serve warm, optionally with butter, jam, or honey

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Keep butter cold to avoid dense biscuits

Watch

Don't overmix once liquid is added to prevent tough texture

Watch

Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket for even cooking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

Keep cold for best results

Full guide →

General Alternatives

semisweet chocolate
chocolate chips1:1

Use chocolate chips as alternative

Full guide →
heavy cream
whole milk1:1

Use whole milk as stated in instructions

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I freeze the unbaked biscuits?

Yes, freeze cut biscuits on a tray, then store in bags. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.