We love a good scone. Fluffy, slightly sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea, scones are a British-origin quick bread traditionally made with butter and buttermilk.
Our air fryer has become our secret weapon for making these treats quickly, circulating hot air at high speed to mimic a convection oven for golden edges and shorter cook times.
Gone are the days of preheating a giant oven just for a few scones. An air fryer gets the job done in half the time.
Plus, we've found a way to make them even fluffier.
Picture us buzzing around, taste-testing our way to perfection. We couldn't wait to share this with you.
Let's make some air fryer scones that are so good, you'll impress even your most judgmental foodie friend!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Scones
You'll need a handful of basic baking ingredients. Think flour, sugar, and baking powder to get that fluffy texture we all crave.
Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness, and some cold butter that you'll cut into small chunks-this helps create those delicious flaky layers.
Don't forget the eggs and a bit of milk or cream to bring everything together into a nice dough. You can't go wrong with some add-ins like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even a zest of lemon to give your scones a unique twist.
And there you have it, a pantry full of simple ingredients that'll turn into a batch of tempting air fryer scones in no time at all.
Preparing the Scone Dough for Air Frying
Are you ready to get your hands dirty? Because let's be that's what baking is all about, where cold butter is cut into flour to create flaky layers.
Here are some tips to make sure your scones come out perfect:
If you're also looking for savory air fryer options, try air fryer chicken wings for quick weeknights.
- Start with cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are chilled before using them in the dough, keeping butter around 40°F (4°C) so it stays solid for flakier layers.
- Don't overwork the dough: The less you handle the dough, the better. Overworking it can lead to tough, dense scones; aim for just 6 to 8 gentle folds when bringing the dough together.
- Add-ins should be mixed in gently: If you're adding anything extra, make sure to fold it into the dough gently. This will prevent overmixing and keep those add-ins evenly distributed.
- Chill the scones before air frying: Letting the scones chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Air Fryer Scones for Beginners
Equipment
- Air-fryer
Ingredients
- 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter cut into small chunks
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat together the milk/cream and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined.
- If adding any optional add-ins, fold them in now.
- On a floured surface, shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the circle into 4 equal triangles to form scones.
- Place the scones on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F while the scones are chilling.
- Once chilled, place the scones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
- Cook for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade air fryer scones with some clotted cream and jam!
Nutrition
For a classic crunchy side that pairs well with tea time treats, try crispy air fryer french fries for sides. For an easy protein main with restaurant-style sear marks, try air fryer tuna steak for weeknights.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
