Air Fryer Scones: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Scones are a type of baked good typically made from wheat flour and a raising agent. They are usually served alongside tea or coffee but can also be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Scones can be made in an air fryer, and doing so has the added benefits of using less power and saving money. Air-fried scones are also a great option if you want to avoid heating up your kitchen during the warmer months.

Air fryer scones: a modern twist on a traditional recipe

Scones are a beloved baked treat, typically enjoyed as an afternoon tea classic. Traditionally, scones are baked in the oven, but with the popularity of air fryers on the rise, many are now opting for this modern twist on a traditional recipe. Not only is it a more energy-efficient option, but it's also a great way to avoid heating up your kitchen, especially during the warmer months. So, get your aprons on, and let's dive into the world of air fryer scones!

Ingredients

The beauty of scones lies in their simplicity. At their most basic, scones require just a few key ingredients: flour, a raising agent (such as baking powder or self-raising flour), butter, and milk. However, you can also add a touch of sugar for sweetness and vanilla extract for extra flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even throw in some chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a handful of grated cheddar cheese for a savoury option.

Method

Now for the fun part – baking! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving fluffy, golden air fryer scones:

• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 160°C and 200°C. This will usually take around 5-10 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder (if using), and cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Add in the sugar (if using) and mix well.
• In a separate bowl or jug, combine the milk with the vanilla extract (if using). Gradually mix this into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
• Dust a work surface with flour and tip the dough onto it. Bring the dough together, shaping it into a ball, then flatten it slightly until it's about 2.5-4 cm deep.
• Use a round cutter (about 5 cm in diameter) to cut out your scones. You may need to reshape the dough and cut again to get the desired number of scones.
• Place the scones in the air fryer basket, brushing them lightly with milk to promote browning.
• Air fry for 7-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your scones. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as timings can vary. The scones are done when they are golden and sound hollow when tapped.

Serving Suggestions

Scones are typically served warm, fresh from the air fryer. But how do you enjoy them? The classic combination of jam and clotted cream is a firm favourite, but feel free to get creative! Here are some topping ideas to inspire you:

• Raspberry jam and whipped cream
• Lemon curd with a dollop of cream
• Savoury options like guacamole and smoked salmon, or cheese and crispy bacon
• Strawberry jam and clotted cream – a Cornish favourite!
• Blueberry jam and maple syrup, or bananas and caramel for a sweet treat

So, there you have it! Air fryer scones are a delicious twist on a traditional recipe, offering convenience, energy efficiency, and a perfectly baked treat every time. Happy baking, and bon appétit!

The benefits of making scones in an air fryer

Making scones in an air fryer has many benefits. Here are some of them:

• Energy and Cost Saving: Air fryers use less power than conventional ovens, helping you save on energy and cost without compromising on your favourite home-baked treats.
• Small Batches: You can make smaller batches of scones in an air fryer, which means you can eat less and avoid waste.
• No Hot Kitchen: Unlike conventional ovens, air fryers do not heat up your kitchen, making them ideal for baking during the warmer months.
• Quick and Convenient: Air fryers are fast and convenient, allowing you to prepare a batch of freshly made scones in less than 30 minutes.
• Easy to Use: Air fryers are simple to use and perfect for beginners. You don't need any special baking equipment like a hand/stand mixer or food processor.
• Versatile: You can easily customise your scones by adding various ingredients to the dough, such as raisins, chocolate chips, or cheese.
• Consistent Results: Air fryers provide consistent results, ensuring your scones are fluffy, light, and evenly cooked every time.
• Easy Storage and Reheating: Air fryer scones can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days and easily reheated in the microwave or the air fryer.

Tips for making scones in an air fryer

Ingredients

Use self-raising flour to get a good rise on the scones. If you can't get hold of self-raising flour, you can use plain/all-purpose flour with the addition of baking powder. Caster sugar is best for scones, but you can use granulated sugar if you don't have any caster sugar available. Use unsalted butter and cold milk.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 180-200°C.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, and cold cubed butter in a large mixing bowl and rub in with your hands until you get a breadcrumb consistency.
• Mix in the sugar.
• Add the milk, and an additional ingredient like lemon juice or vanilla extract if desired, and mix into the flour.
• Bring the dough together with your hands. The dough will be quite sticky and soft at this stage.
• Lightly flour your work surface then shape the scone dough into a round disc (roughly 3-4cm thick) using your hands. Using a 5cm round cutter, stamp out the scones. You'll need to keep reforming the dough into a disc with your hands until you have used it all up.
• Glaze the tops of the scones with milk, and then place them in your air fryer basket and air fry for 7-15 minutes until golden brown and well risen.
• Remove the scones from the air fryer basket and cool them on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Always use cold cubed butter straight from the fridge. If you try to rub in soft warm butter you will be left with a sticky mess. Cold butter helps to keep the dough cool and gives the scones the perfect flaky texture once baked.
• You don't need a rolling pin to roll out the dough. Just shape it with your hands into a disc shape.
• Make sure your self-raising flour and baking powder are in date to ensure the scones rise.
• Don't twist the cutter when stamping out the scones. This helps them to rise evenly.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray before placing the scones in the air fryer to prevent sticking.
• You can freeze the scones before air frying them. Prepare the dough, shape the scones, and then freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to air fry, simply thaw them for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer.
• Scones are best eaten fresh, as soon as they are made.

How to make scones in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Self-raising flour
• Baking powder
• Butter (unsalted, cubed, and cold)
• Caster sugar
• Milk (semi-skimmed or whole)
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients

• Salt
• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Raisins
• Cinnamon
• Cheese
• Ham
• Mustard
• Chocolate chips

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 180-200°C.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, and cold cubed butter in a large mixing bowl and rub with your hands until you get a breadcrumb consistency.
• Mix in the caster sugar.
• Heat the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds, then add a squeeze of lemon juice and the vanilla extract. Leave to stand for 2 minutes, then mix the soured milk into the flour.
• Bring the dough together with your hands. It will be quite sticky and soft.
• Lightly flour your work surface, then shape the scone dough into a round disc (roughly 3-4 cm thick) using your hands.
• Using a 5 cm round scone cutter, cut out as many pieces as possible. Press the dough together and cut out the remaining pieces. Repeat if necessary.
• Glaze the tops of the scones with milk.
• Place the scones in your air fryer basket, making sure they are almost touching. You will likely need to cook in batches.
• Cook for 7-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Tips

• You can use a food processor and the pulse function to combine the flour, baking powder, and butter. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
• Avoid kneading the dough too much, as this will make the scones tough.
• Try not to twist the cutter when stamping out the scones. This helps them to rise evenly.
• Make sure your self-raising flour and baking powder are in date to ensure the scones rise.
• Always use cold cubed butter. If you try to rub in soft warm butter, you will be left with a sticky mess.
• You don't need a rolling pin to roll out the dough. Just shape it with your hands into a disc shape. The more sparingly you handle the dough, the better the end result.
• To prevent gluten formation (resulting in tough and chewy scones), it is best to refrain from kneading the dough.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray before placing the scones in the air fryer to prevent sticking.
• You can freeze the scones before air frying them. Prepare the dough, shape the scones, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to air fry, simply thaw them for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Serving suggestions for air fryer scones

Air fryer scones are a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic tea-time treat. They are best served fresh and warm, with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings. Here are some serving suggestions for your air fryer scones:

Sweet Toppings:

• Jam and clotted cream is a classic combination, but you can also use whipped cream, or try other jams like apricot, strawberry, or blackberry.
• Lemon curd, either homemade or store-bought, is a delicious option. Spread it on a halved scone and sandwich together, or add some whipped cream for extra creaminess.
• For a fruity twist, try pairing your scone with some fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup, or bananas and caramel.
• Dust your scones with icing sugar or powdered sugar for a simple yet sweet touch.
• For chocolate lovers, add some chocolate chips to the dough or serve your scone with a side of chocolate spread.
• If you're feeling indulgent, top your scone with a scoop of ice cream.

Savoury Toppings:

• For a savoury treat, try adding some cheese and bacon to your scone. You can also experiment with other cheeses, like cheddar or goat's cheese.
• Smoked salmon and guacamole can add an elegant twist to your scone.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try adding seeded mustard, cheese, and shaved ham to the dough for a savoury surprise.

Drinks:

Scones are typically served with tea or coffee, but why not get creative? Try pairing your scone with a refreshing glass of lemonade or a hot chocolate.

With these serving suggestions, your air fryer scones are sure to be a hit!

Frequently asked questions