Air Fryer Scones: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat?

Scones are a beloved baked good, typically enjoyed with tea or coffee, but they also make for a great snack or dessert. They are usually made from wheat flour and a raising agent, and can be served with toppings such as jam, clotted cream, lemon curd, or even savoury options like guacamole and smoked salmon.

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens for making scones. Not only do they use less energy and save money, but they also allow for baking in warmer months without heating up the entire kitchen. The air fryer also produces scones with a light and fluffy texture and a golden crust.

This introduction sets the stage for exploring the topic of making scones in an air fryer, including recipes, tips, and tricks to achieve the perfect batch of scones.

Air fryer scones can be served with toppings such as lemon curd and cream, or bananas and cream with a drizzle of caramel

Air fryer scones are a modern twist on the traditional British scone. They are light and fluffy, and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as jam and cream, or lemon curd and cream. For a more indulgent treat, why not try air fryer scones with bananas and cream, drizzled with caramel? This combination is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

To make air fryer scones, simply combine flour, baking powder, and cold cubed butter in a large mixing bowl, rubbing the ingredients together with your hands until a breadcrumb consistency is achieved. Next, mix in some caster sugar, before adding soured milk to the flour mixture. Bring the dough together with your hands; it will be quite sticky and soft at this stage.

Lightly flour a work surface and shape the scone dough into a round disc, roughly 3cm thick, using your hands. Using a 5cm fluted cookie cutter, stamp out the scones. You may need to reform the dough into a disc a few times to use it all up. Glaze the tops of the scones with milk, then place them in your air fryer basket and air fry for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and well risen.

Once the scones are cooked, remove them from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Now, for the fun part: preparing the bananas and caramel! Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. Peel and slice the bananas in half lengthwise, then brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture.

Once the air fryer has preheated, line the basket with parchment paper and lay the banana halves on top in a single layer. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 7 minutes. Check the bananas after this time; if they are not soft enough or the sugar hasn't fully melted, add another minute or two of cooking time.

Carefully remove the bananas from the air fryer by lifting out the parchment paper and place them on a plate or tray. From here, you can transfer the bananas to individual serving plates. The bananas may be a bit delicate, so handle them with care!

Now it's time to assemble your delicious treat! Take a scone and split it in half. Top each half with a warm, caramelized banana, a generous dollop of cream, and finish it off with a drizzle of caramel sauce. There you have it—a mouth-watering dessert that combines the classic flavours of scones with the indulgent twist of caramelized bananas. Enjoy!

Air fryer scones can be made in batches if you're serving a crowd

Air fryer scones are a great option when serving a crowd, as they are quick and easy to make. The recipe can be easily doubled, and you can cook the scones in batches.

The number of scones you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer. For example, if you use a 5cm round cutter, you will get five scones, but if your air fryer is larger, you may be able to fit more. If you are making a bigger batch, it is a good idea to halve the recipe and cook the scones in two batches to ensure even cooking.

If you are serving a large group, you can also freeze the scones before or after air frying. To freeze before cooking, shape the scones and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you are ready to cook, simply thaw them for a few minutes and then place them in the air fryer.

Air fryer scones are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in the air fryer for one to two minutes at 200°C (400°F).

Air fryer scones can be frozen and enjoyed later

To freeze cooked scones, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag or container. To defrost, leave them at room temperature, then warm them up in the air fryer for one to two minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds. Scones can also be warmed up in a conventional oven.

Air fryer scones can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, bacon, mustard, ham, and chocolate chips

Air fryer scones are a great way to make a classic treat without heating up your whole kitchen. They're also a more energy-efficient option, saving you money. Plus, you can make a smaller batch, so you don't have to worry about overeating!

While traditional British scones are a great place to start, you can get creative with your air fryer scones by adding a variety of ingredients like cheese, bacon, mustard, ham, and chocolate chips. Here are some tips and recipes to get you started:

Cheese Scones

For a savoury twist, try adding some grated cheddar cheese to your scone dough. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, like mature Cheddar or cream cheese on the side. Simply omit the sugar from your recipe and add a handful of grated cheddar cheese. You can also try adding some chopped chives for an extra punch of flavour.

Chocolate Chip Scones

For chocolate lovers, add 45 grams of chocolate chips to your scone dough. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate chips, to create double chocolate scones.

Bacon and Ham Scones

For a heartier option, add some chopped bacon or ham to your scone dough. Just be mindful of the weight of your additional ingredients, as too much can affect the rise of your scones.

Mustard Scones

For a little kick, add a teaspoon of English mustard powder or wholegrain mustard to your scone dough. You can also try using regular English mustard if that's what you have on hand.

Tips for Success

• Use self-raising flour for the best rise and texture.
• Don't overmix the dough.
• Keep your butter cold and cube it before adding to the flour.
• Avoid using a rolling pin; shape the dough with your hands instead.
• Be careful not to twist the cutter when stamping out the scones.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180-200°C for the best results.
• Brush the tops of the scones with milk or egg wash for a golden finish.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your air fryer model.

So, get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite air fryer scone combination!

Air fryer scones can be made in under 20 minutes

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Combine the dry ingredients: Place the flour, baking powder, and cold cubed butter into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a food processor to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Add sweetness: Mix in the caster sugar.
• Prepare the liquid mixture: Heat the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let it stand for a couple of minutes.
• Create the dough: Gradually mix the soured milk into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. You may not need to use all the liquid.
• Shape the dough: Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough on it. Shape the dough into a round disc, about 2-3 cm thick, using your hands. Avoid using a rolling pin to prevent overworking the dough.
• Cut out the scones: Use a 5-6 cm round cutter to stamp out the scones. Be sure not to twist the cutter to ensure even rising. Reform the dough as needed until you've used it all.
• Glaze the scones: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with milk.
• Air fry: Place the scones in your air fryer basket and air fry for 7-15 minutes at 180-200°C until they are golden brown and well-risen.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the butter cold until you are ready to use it. Cold butter helps achieve the perfect flaky texture.
• Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough and chewy scones.
• Make sure your self-raising flour and baking powder are fresh to ensure the scones rise properly.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Feel free to experiment with different flavours and ingredients, such as raisins, chocolate chips, or cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer scones are typically served with toppings like jam and clotted cream, but feel free to get creative. Here are some ideas:

• Strawberry jam and clotted cream
• Raspberry or blackcurrant jam
• Whipped cream and strawberry or blackcurrant coulis
• Lemon curd with whipped cream
• Savoury options like guacamole and smoked salmon, or cheese and crispy bacon

Storage and Reheating:

Air fryer scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, air fry for 1-2 minutes at 200°C until warmed through. You can also freeze the scones for up to 3 months. Defrost them at room temperature before serving.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to make delicious air fryer scones in a flash! Enjoy the convenience and treat yourself to freshly baked scones whenever the craving strikes.

Frequently asked questions