Reheating Scones: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Scones are a delightful treat, but what happens when you've got leftovers? Can you reheat scones in an air fryer? Yes, you can! Simply pop your scones into the air fryer basket and warm them through at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat scones in the oven, on the stove, in the toaster, or in the microwave. However, reheating times and temperatures vary depending on the method and the size of your scones, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Reheating scones in an air fryer: the ideal temperature and time

Reheating scones in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy them as a healthier snack option. The ideal temperature and time will ensure your scones are warmed through without becoming dry or overcooked. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve the best results:

Firstly, it is important to note that the reheating time will depend on the size of your scones and the power of your air fryer. As a general rule, set your air fryer between 320°F and 400°F (160°C and 200°C). If your scones are larger and haven't been sliced, consider adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Ensure it is stable at the set temperature before proceeding.
• Place your scones into the air fryer basket. If they are large and unsliced, you may need to adjust the placement to ensure even heating.
• You may optionally add a thin layer of butter or another spread to the surface of the scones. This can help create a slightly crispy exterior.
• Cover the scones with aluminium foil. This step is important to prevent the scones from drying out and to ensure even heating.
• Set the timer according to your scone size and the air fryer's temperature. For smaller scones, 3-5 minutes should be sufficient. For larger, unsliced scones, start with 5-7 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Check on the scones regularly during the reheating process. This will help you avoid overcooking and dry them out.
• Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the foil and check if the scones are warmed to your liking. If not, you can return them to the air fryer in 30-second intervals until done.
• Serve the scones warm. Consider adding some butter, jam, or clotted cream for an extra indulgent treat!

By following these instructions, you'll be able to enjoy your reheated scones with a warm, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior. Remember, the key to successful reheating is to monitor the process closely and adjust the time and temperature as needed for your specific air fryer and scone size.

How to prevent scones from drying out in the air fryer

Scones are a delightful treat, but they can quickly turn dry and crumbly. Here are some tips to prevent your scones from drying out in the air fryer:

Measure Flour by Weight:

The key to moist scones is accurate flour measurement. Flour measured by volume can easily compact, leading to denser and drier scones. For consistent results, use a baking scale to measure your flour by weight instead of measuring cups. This ensures you don't add too much flour, which can affect the texture of your scones.

Handle the Dough Gently:

Overmixing the dough can lead to too much gluten development, resulting in tough and dense scones. Mix the dough gently until just combined. Aim for a slightly tacky dough that holds its shape when pressed. Avoid rolling, cutting, and rerolling the dough, as this can overwork it. Instead, use a scone scoop, a scone pan, or shape the dough with your fingers into circles, then cut into wedges.

Avoid Overbaking:

Keep a close eye on your scones while they're in the air fryer. Don't overbake them, as this will cause them to dry out. Scones are ready when they are golden brown. Check your scones halfway through the cooking process, as air fryer temperatures can vary.

Use High-Quality Ingredients:

Opt for fresh, high-quality butter and cream to ensure a rich flavor and tender texture. Make sure your butter and other liquid ingredients are cold. If the butter is soft when the scones go into the air fryer, it will melt and leak out, taking the moisture with it.

Add Moisture-Boosting Mix-Ins:

Fruit, jam, or chocolate can introduce moisture and flavor to your scones. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to customize your scones to your taste. Butter-based scones can handle more mix-ins than cream-based ones.

Freeze Before Baking:

Freezing your scones for about 30 minutes before air frying can help them retain moisture and flavor while achieving a better rise. This is especially useful if you plan to bake a large batch and enjoy freshly baked scones over several days.

Add a Topping:

A glaze of confectioners' sugar and milk (or tea) adds flavor and moisture to your scones. Alternatively, brush your scones with melted butter as soon as they come out of the air fryer. This will give them a moist and rich boost.

By following these tips, you can create moist and tender scones in your air fryer, avoiding the dryness that sometimes plagues this delicate pastry.

Other ways to reheat scones

Scones are best eaten fresh out of the oven, but they can be reheated in several ways to restore them to their former glory.

Oven

Arguably the best way to reheat scones is to bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175-180°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet, either wrapped in foil or covered with a tent of foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Microwave

If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat scones. Cut the scones into quarters and place them in an airtight container. Microwave at a high temperature for 15-30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the number of scones.

Stovetop

You can also reheat scones on the stovetop using a cast-iron or non-stick skillet. Place the skillet on medium heat and put the scones in the skillet, heating each side for about 2 minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat the scones, or they will dry out and become crumbly.

Grill

For a crispier texture, you can reheat scones on a grill. Ensure your grill is clean and grease-free. Place the scones on a baking sheet and let them come to room temperature before placing them on the grill. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is another option for reheating scones. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and spread butter or mayonnaise on top. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 20 minutes, checking to see if they need an additional 5 minutes or so.

Other Tips for Reheating Scones

• Always use a baking sheet to prevent the scones from sticking and burning.
• Practice with a nonstick pan to get comfortable with placing the scones and adding the right amount of batter.
• Reheat in 15-second intervals at medium-high power until the scones are hot and fragrant.
• The ideal temperature for reheating scones is between 200°F and 220°F to avoid toughness and dryness.
• For frozen scones, place them directly on a baking sheet and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Scones can be stored at room temperature for up to two days when wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container.
• You can also freeze scones for extended shelf life. Wrap them individually or as a batch in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen scones can last for several weeks.

How to store scones to maintain freshness

Scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if stored properly, they can be enjoyed beyond the baking day. Here are some tips on how to store scones to maintain their freshness:

Storing Scones at Room Temperature:

Room temperature storage is suitable if you plan to consume the scones within a couple of days. Here's what you need to do:

• Allow the scones to cool down completely before storing. Wrapping them while still warm can trap steam, making the exterior unpleasantly soft.
• Place the cooled scones in an airtight container. This protects them from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors.
• Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Place one layer at the bottom of the container and another on top of the scones before sealing the lid.
• Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Scones stored at room temperature will stay fresh for 1 to 2 days.

Refrigerating Scones:

Refrigeration can extend the freshness of scones for up to three days. Here's how to do it:

• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain their moisture and protect them from the dry environment of the refrigerator.
• Place the wrapped scones in an airtight container or a plastic bag.
• If your scones have perishable toppings or fillings, such as cream or jam, refrigeration can help extend their freshness.

Freezing Scones:

Freezing offers the longest storage option, keeping scones fresh for up to three months. Here's the process:

• Wrap the scones tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Alternatively, place the scones in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label the container or bag with the date of freezing to ensure you use the scones while they're still at their best.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen scones, you can reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to make scones ahead of time, you can prepare and shape the dough, then chill or freeze it until you're ready to bake.
• For unbaked scones, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• If you're storing glazed scones, it's best to apply the glaze after removing them from the freezer.

How to freeze scones

Scones are delicious, but sometimes you might have some left over, or you might want to save some for a later date. Freezing scones is an excellent way to preserve them and have them ready for unexpected guests. Here is a detailed guide on how to freeze scones:

Freezing Unbaked Scones:

If you have scone dough that you haven't baked yet, you can freeze it for later use. Here are the steps:

• Shape the scone dough into a round disc and place it on a sheet of parchment paper on a plate or baking sheet.
• Freeze the dough for about an hour. This initial freezing helps you get cleaner slices.
• Slice the frozen dough into individual scone portions. Separate the slices slightly so they don't touch.
• Freeze the dough portions for another hour to ensure they are frozen enough and won't stick together.
• Transfer the frozen scone dough wedges into a zip-top bag or a freezer-safe container.
• Label the bag or container with the recipe name and date.
• Store the frozen scone dough in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Freezing Baked Scones:

If you have already baked scones and want to freeze them, follow these steps:

• Allow the scones to cool down completely to room temperature. Freezing warm scones can affect their texture.
• Transfer the cooled scones to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. You can wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap first for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Label the container with the type of scone and the date they were baked and frozen.
• Freeze the scones for up to 1 month.

Defrosting and Reheating Frozen Scones:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen scones, here's how to defrost and reheat them:

• For baked scones, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Ensure they are unwrapped and uncovered to prevent sogginess.
• For unbaked scones, you can briefly defrost them at room temperature while preheating your oven. Alternatively, you can bake them directly from frozen, but the baking time may need to be increased by a few minutes.
• Reheat the scones in a toaster oven at 450°F for about 5 minutes, or in a regular oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Now you know how to freeze scones and enjoy them whenever you crave them!

Frequently asked questions