If you’ve ever craved a warm, buttery, and cheesy scone but felt put off by the lengthy baking process, you’re in for a treat! With an air fryer, you can whip up perfectly golden and flaky cheese scones in a fraction of the time it would take using a traditional oven. This easy Air Fryer cheese scones recipe is not only quick and delicious but also customizable to suit your flavor preferences. Whether you're looking to enjoy them for breakfast, serve them as part of a brunch spread, or snack on them in between meals, these scones will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
What Are Air Fryer Cheese Scones?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Air Fryer cheese scones special. A cheese scone is a savory baked good, typically enjoyed in the UK and parts of the US. It’s made from simple ingredients like flour, butter, and cheese, resulting in a dense yet light texture that’s perfect for serving with soups, salads, or just a cup of tea.
When you make cheese scones in the air fryer, you’re skipping the long preheating time of an oven and getting crisp, golden scones in less than 15 minutes. The hot circulating air in the fryer evenly cooks the scones, resulting in a beautifully risen, light interior and a crisp exterior—without the need for a hot oven!
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Scones?
- Faster Baking: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster, making them perfect for quick snacks or breakfast items like scones.
- Even Cooking: The circulating hot air creates a consistent temperature, ensuring your scones cook evenly and turn out golden every time.
- Less Mess: No need to deal with preheating an oven, and cleanup is much easier with an air fryer basket.
Essential Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones
This recipe's simplicity is what makes it so lovely. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just the basics that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here is a brief overview of everything you will require to begin:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Forms the base of the dough |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | Helps the scones rise and stay fluffy |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor of the scones |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (cold) | Creates a rich, flaky texture |
| Cheese (cheddar) | 1 cup, shredded | The star ingredient for flavor |
| Milk (or buttermilk) | 1/2 cup | Moistens the dough and adds richness |
| Egg (optional) | 1 | For a glossy finish and added richness |
Ingredient Notes:
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you want to make your scones a bit healthier, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is cold. This helps create the flaky layers that are characteristic of a great scone.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack.
How to Make Cheese Scones in an Air Fryer: A Full Guide
Making these Air Fryer cheese scones is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have fresh, cheesy scones ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Scone Dough
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating only takes about 5 minutes, so it’s perfect for this quick recipe.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. These are the building blocks for your scone dough.
- Incorporate the Butter: Cut your 1/2 cup of cold butter into small cubes. Add it to the flour mixture and, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The cold butter is what helps the scones become light and flaky.
- Add the Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir. Cheddar is the most common, but you can always experiment with other varieties for a different flavor profile. Mix it through evenly.
- Add the Milk: Pour in 1/2 cup of milk (or buttermilk) and gently stir it into the dough until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough—this can make your scones tough.
Step 2: Shape the Scones
- Turn Out the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface, then transfer the dough onto it. Pat it into a round shape about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the Scones: Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into individual scones. You can make them as big or small as you like, but the classic size is about 2 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Air Fry the Scones
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket—this ensures the air can circulate properly around each scone.
- Cook the Scones: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your scones and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. They’re done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as is, or with a pat of butter, jam, or clotted cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cheese Scones
To ensure your Air Fryer cheese scones turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Cold Butter: This is the secret to getting that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cold butter creates layers in the dough, giving your scones their signature lightness.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones. Mix just enough to bring the dough together—this will keep your scones tender.
- Adjust Cooking Times: Air fryer models vary, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your machine. Check for golden brown edges and a firm texture before removing them.
- Experiment with Add-ins: While this recipe uses classic cheddar, feel free to add herbs, spices, or even bacon bits to customize the flavor.
How to Customize Your Air Fryer Cheese Scones
This recipe's versatility is one of its finest features. It's simple to modify to your taste. Here are a few ways to make your scones even more exciting:
1. Cheese Variations
- Swap the cheddar for Gouda, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
- Try pepper jack or blue cheese for a stronger taste.
2. Herb Add-ins
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to infuse the dough with extra flavor.
- A teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder can take your scones to the next level.
3. Sweet and Savory
- While this recipe focuses on savory, you can also experiment with sweet scones. Swap the cheese for dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or apricots.
4. Bacon and Other Add-ins
- Add crispy bacon bits for a savory touch. This pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar.
- For a Mediterranean flair, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Air fryer cheese scones are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Some of the greatest ways to enjoy them are as follows:
1. Breakfast or Brunch
- Pair them with scrambled eggs, avocado, or smoked salmon for a filling breakfast.
- Serve them alongside fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee for a perfect brunch spread.
2. Afternoon Tea
- Serve these scones with a pot of tea, along with some butter or clotted cream for an authentic British experience.
3. As a Snack or Side Dish
- Cheese scones make an excellent snack with a cup of soup or as a side dish to accompany a salad or charcuterie board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I freeze Air Fryer Cheese Scones?
Yes! Both baked and unbaked scones may be frozen. To freeze unbaked scones, place them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, allowing a few minutes more for cooking. Baked scones can also be frozen and reheated in the air fryer.
Q2: Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk works just as well.
Q3: Why aren’t my scones rising?
If your scones aren't rising as expected, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, don’t overwork the dough, as this can prevent the scones from rising properly.
Conclusion: Try This Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe Today!
Now that you have all the tools and tips for making the perfect Air Fryer cheese scones, it's time to get cooking! Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as part of a larger meal, or as a quick snack, these scones are sure to impress. The best part? They’re quick, easy, and adaptable to your personal taste. So, grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious, cheesy scones today!
Ready to make these easy and delicious Air Fryer Cheese Scones? Get started now and enjoy a perfect scone in just 15 minutes!