Air-Fried Scones: Baking Perfection Without An Oven

Scones are a popular British treat, often served with clotted cream and jam. They are traditionally baked in the oven, but can you cook scones in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air fryer scones are easy to make and, according to some, even easier to eat. They are also a great option if you want to avoid heating up your kitchen, as air fryers use less power than conventional ovens.

There are a few things to keep in mind when making scones in an air fryer. First, it is recommended to use self-raising flour to ensure your scones rise properly. You can also add a little extra raising agent, like baking powder, for a lighter, fluffier texture. Second, most recipes suggest rubbing cold butter into the flour with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs – a food processor can be used for this step, but be careful not to overwork the dough. Third, many recipes recommend glazing the tops of the scones with milk or egg wash to help them brown. Finally, the cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking scones at around 180-200°C for 7-15 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy treat, why not try making scones in your air fryer? They're sure to be a hit!

Ingredients and measurements

• Flour - Most recipes call for self-raising flour, which will help your scones rise. However, you can also use plain/all-purpose flour and add baking powder. For a gluten-free option, you can try coconut flour or gluten-free flour.
• Baking Powder - This is crucial for a light and fluffy texture. If using plain/all-purpose flour, add 1-2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour.
• Butter - Use unsalted butter, cubed and cold. This will help keep the dough cool and give your scones a flaky texture.
• Sugar - Caster sugar is the preferred choice for scones, but you can also use granulated sugar or extra-fine/superfine sugar. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own caster sugar by grinding granulated sugar at home. The sugar is important for the structure and tenderness of the scones. However, if you prefer less sweetness, you can omit it.
• Milk - Semi-skimmed or whole milk works well. For a tangy twist, you can substitute milk with buttermilk.
• Lemon Juice - Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the milk will make your scones lighter and fluffier.
• Vanilla - A few drops of vanilla extract will enhance the flavour of your scones.
• Egg - Although not all scone recipes include eggs, adding one can improve the texture. If you prefer to skip the egg, compensate by adding 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for moisture.
• Cream - Heavy cream is a popular choice, but you can also use half-and-half or whole milk. For a tangy variation, try substituting with plain yoghurt.

Optional ingredients for flavour variations:

• Sultanas/Raisins - Soak them in cream for 30 minutes before adding to the dough for softer raisins.
• Chocolate Chips - Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise.
• Cheddar Cheese - Omit the sugar and add grated cheddar cheese for a savoury twist.
• Spices - Cinnamon, cayenne, or chipotle powder can be added directly to the flour for an extra kick.
• Fruit - Fresh or dried fruit like blueberries, cranberries, or chopped strawberries can be tossed in flour and then gently folded into the dough.

Step-by-step instructions

Ingredients:

• Self-raising flour
• Caster sugar
• Thickened/heavy cream
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Milk (semi-skimmed or whole milk)
• Egg
• Baking powder
• A pinch of salt (skip if using salted butter)
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

• Combine the flour, sugar, and butter in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or a fork, mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
• Add in the egg and milk. Mix until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead until smooth.
• Press the dough into a round disc, about 2.5 cm thick.
• Use a round cutter to cut out the scones. Gently press the leftover dough pieces together and cut out more scones.
• Place a sheet of baking paper in the air fryer basket, making sure it's smaller than the basket to allow air to circulate.
• Place the scones on the paper, leaving a little space between them. Brush the tops lightly with milk.
• Preheat the air fryer to between 180-200°C. Cook the scones for 7-15 minutes, or until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on top.
• Carefully transfer the scones to a wire rack and repeat with any remaining dough.
• Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as jam, clotted cream, or whipped cream.

Tips:

• You can add various ingredients to the dough to customise your scones, such as raisins, chocolate chips, or grated cheddar cheese.
• If you want to make fruit scones, toss the fruit in flour before adding it to the dough to prevent it from becoming too wet.
• It is recommended to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the scones from sticking.
• Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your scones during the first cook to adjust the temperature or timing if needed.

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the scones. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 180-200°C (350-400°F). This step is essential, as it ensures the scones begin cooking immediately and helps them rise properly.
• The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model. Some recommend preheating for a full 10 minutes, while others may take less time. Refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Preparing the Scones:

• When making the scone dough, combine dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. You can also add sugar to the mixture if you prefer your scones slightly sweet.
• Grate cold butter into the dry ingredients and mix until the texture resembles coarse sand or breadcrumbs. You can also cut the butter into small cubes and mix it in with your fingertips.
• Create a well in the centre of the mixture and add in liquids such as milk, cream, or beaten eggs. Gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients until a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
• If you're adding extras like dried fruit, cheese, or chocolate chips, incorporate them into the dough before shaping it.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to the desired thickness, typically around 1-2 cm. Use a round cutter to stamp out scones, and place them close together in the air fryer basket, leaving room for expansion.
• Brush the tops of the scones with milk, cream, or an egg wash to promote browning and a shiny finish.

Air Frying the Scones:

• Place the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• For even cooking, maintain a distance of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the scones and the heating element.
• Air fry the scones at the recommended temperature, typically between 180-200°C (350-400°F), for 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Keep a close eye on the scones during the first cook to avoid burning. All air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly.
• For a perfect finish, leave the scones in the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes after turning it off to ensure the insides are fully cooked.

Reheating and Storing:

• You can easily reheat scones in the air fryer. Place them in the basket and cook at 160°C (320°F) for 3-5 minutes, depending on their size.
• Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 7 days if refrigerated.
• You can also freeze scones for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag or container. Defrost them at room temperature before serving.

Serving suggestions

Scones are typically served with tea or coffee, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are usually served with additional ingredients, such as toppings or fillings. Here are some serving suggestions for scones made in an air fryer:

Sweet Options

• Jam and cream—The classic combination. Try raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or blackberry jam.
• Lemon curd and cream—Cut the scone in half, spread lemon curd on each half, then sandwich together.
• Whipped double cream and strawberry coulis or blackcurrant coulis—A fruity twist on the classic.
• Blueberries and maple syrup—A sweet and tangy combination.
• Bananas and cream with a drizzle of caramel—Indulgent and delicious.
• Clotted cream and strawberry jam—A Cornish favourite.
• Chocolate chips—Add chocolate chips to the dough for chocolate scones.
• Cocoa powder and sugar—For chocolatey scones, add cocoa powder and sugar to the dough.
• Icing sugar—Dust with icing sugar once the scones are cooked.
• Glacé cherries—Add quartered glacé cherries to the dough for cherry scones.
• Raisins or currants—Add raisins or currants to the dough for fruit scones.

Savoury Options

• Guacamole and smoked salmon—A savoury twist on the classic.
• Cheese and bacon—Top each scone with shredded cheese and crispy bacon, then cook for a couple more minutes to melt the cheese.
• Seeded mustard, cheese, and shaved ham—Mix these ingredients into the scone mixture for a savoury treat.

Drinks

• Tea—Scones are a classic afternoon tea treat.
• Coffee—Scones can also be enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Remember, scones are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-4 days and warmed up before serving.

Storage and reheating

Storage:

To maintain the softness and flavour of your freshly baked scones, it is crucial to allow them to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This step is important to prevent staleness and preserve freshness. Once the scones are cooled, you have a few storage options:

• Wrapping: Tightly wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap. This helps keep them soft and fresh.
• Airtight Container: Place the wrapped scones or the entire batch in an airtight container. This method is ideal for short-term storage, and the scones can stay fresh for up to 1-2 days.
• Freezing: If you have a large batch of scones or want to extend their shelf life, freezing is a great option. After cooling and wrapping the scones, place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. Frozen scones can maintain their quality for several weeks when properly stored.

Reheating:

When it comes to reheating scones, you have several options, including using an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Here are the steps for each method:

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Warm the scones for 5-8 minutes until they are heated through. This method works well for both fresh and frozen scones.

Toaster Oven:

• Warm your toaster oven to a low heat setting.
• Place the scones on a baking tray.
• Warm them for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent overheating or toasting, especially for delicate scones.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
• Arrange the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other.
• Heat the scones for 3-5 minutes until they are warmed through. This method creates a crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to reheat scones that have been stored at room temperature or are frozen.
• Scones are best enjoyed when warm, so reheating them in the air fryer is a convenient option.
• When reheating, consider serving them with toppings such as clotted cream, melted butter, or your favourite jam.
• If you have unbaked scone dough, you can freeze it and then pop it into the oven to bake from frozen.

Frequently asked questions