Abstract: Metal-air batteries have received significant attention as highly efficient energy conversion and storage devices. Nevertheless, several difficulties, such as the sluggish reaction kinetics of the cathode and the high cost of precious metals, have significantly hampered their commercialization. Biomass carbon materials have emerged as an important alternative for the development of high-performance cathode materials in metal-air batteries, owing to their remarkable electrochemical characteristics, environmental friendliness and cost effectiveness. In recent years, there has been huge progress in the preparation and design of biomass carbon materials. This review summarizes the most recent research on these materials, and the effects of the reaction mechanism, synthesis method and multidimensional (1D, 2D, 3D) structure on their electrocatalytic performance are reviewed. Finally, problems associated with their use and possible new developments are discussed. The review presents new perspectives on the structure of these materials, and provides a basis for the development of efficient, affordable, and stable cathode materials for metal-air batteries.