Air-Fried Scone Perfection: A Quick, Easy Guide

Making scones in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a small batch of this British classic without turning on the oven. The air fryer will not only save you energy and money, but it also allows you to make smaller batches and avoid heating up your kitchen.

The ingredients for air fryer scones are simple: self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, unsalted butter, and milk. You will also need a large mixing bowl, a round cookie cutter, and an air fryer basket or tray.

The process begins by combining the dry ingredients in a bowl and rubbing in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then, you add in the milk to form a soft dough. After that, you turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 3-4 cm. Using the cookie cutter, cut out the scones and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving room for expansion. Finally, brush the tops of the scones with milk and air fry at 180-200°C for 7-18 minutes until they are golden brown and well-risen.

Air fryer scones are best served warm with traditional toppings like clotted cream and strawberry jam, but you can also get creative with other toppings such as lemon curd, blueberries, or bananas.

Ingredients and measurements

Air fryer scones are typically made with self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, unsalted butter, and milk. You can also add extras like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or a handful of grated cheddar cheese to make cheese scones. Here are the ingredients and measurements you will need to make air fryer scones:

• Flour: Use self-raising flour to get a good rise on the scones. You can also make them using plain/all-purpose flour by adding baking powder. For a small batch of 5 scones, you will need 175g of self-raising flour. For a larger batch of 6 scones, use 225g. If you want to make 12 scones, you will need 450g of self-raising flour or 3 ⅔ cups of plain/all-purpose flour plus additional baking powder.
• Baking Powder: Add extra raising agent for a light and fluffy texture. Use ½ teaspoon for a small batch, 1 teaspoon for a larger batch, or 2 teaspoons for 12 scones.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter, cubed and cold. You will need 45g for a small batch, 50g for a larger batch, or 75g for 12 scones.
• Sugar: Use caster sugar or, if in the UK, extra/super fine sugar. You can also use granulated sugar, but it is coarser. The amount of sugar can vary depending on the recipe, but typically 2 tablespoons or 50g is enough.
• Milk: Use semi-skimmed or whole milk, or buttermilk. You can also use heavy cream, half-and-half, or plain yogurt. For a small batch, use 85ml of milk. For a larger batch, use 120ml. If making 12 scones, you will need approximately 225ml of milk.
• Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to sour the milk and produce light and fluffy textured scones.
• Vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavour.
• Eggs: You can include one large egg in the dough and use another for an egg wash.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

You can also experiment with different add-ins and flavour combinations. For example, you can add dried fruit like raisins, sultanas, currants, or dried cranberries. Chocolate chips, a handful of grated cheddar cheese, or spices like cinnamon can also be added for variety.

Step-by-step method

Ingredients:

• Self-raising flour
• Caster sugar
• Baking powder
• Unsalted butter
• Milk
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Salt (optional)

• Combine the flour, baking powder, and cubed butter in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to rub the mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. You can also use a food processor and pulse the mixture, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
• Mix in the caster sugar.
• Heat the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds, then add a squeeze of lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir and let it stand for 2 minutes.
• Using a cutlery knife, mix the soured milk into the flour mixture until you have a soft and sticky dough.
• Lightly flour your work surface. Shape the scone dough into a round disc, roughly 3-4 cm thick, using your hands. You don't need a rolling pin for this step.
• Use a round cookie cutter (about 5 cm in diameter) to cut out the scones. Try not to twist the cutter when stamping out the scones, as this helps them rise evenly. Reform the dough as needed until you've cut out all the scones.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the scones in the basket, leaving space between them to expand.
• Glaze the tops of the scones with milk. You can also brush them with an egg wash for a golden finish.
• Air fry the scones at 180-200°C for 7-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and well-risen.
• Remove the scones from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Always use cold cubed butter. Soft or warm butter will result in a sticky mess and affect the texture of the scones.
• Handle the dough as sparingly and lightly as possible to prevent the formation of gluten, which can make the scones tough and chewy.
• Make sure your self-raising flour and baking powder are fresh and within their use-by dates to ensure the scones rise properly.
• You can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or grated cheese to your scones for a twist, but be mindful that adding too much extra weight can affect the rise.

Air fryer settings

Preheating:

• Preheat your air fryer for a full 10 minutes at 180-200°C before adding the scones. This step is essential to ensure the scones start cooking immediately and rise properly.
• If you're new to using an air fryer, you can preheat for 20 minutes to give yourself a buffer and avoid feeling rushed.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

• The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your scones. On average, scones take around 7-10 minutes to cook at 180-200°C.
• Keep in mind that smaller air fryers tend to cook faster, and scones placed closer to the heating element will brown more quickly.
• Check on your scones after 6 minutes to assess their progress and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.
• If your scones are browning too quickly, lower the temperature. If they need more colour, increase the temperature or cook them a little longer.
• For a crispier finish, some recipes suggest brushing the scones with milk before air frying.

Batch Cooking:

• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the scones in batches.
• Leave enough space between the scones to allow for expansion during cooking.
• If your air fryer has a rack, you can use it to allow better air circulation and even cooking.
• When cooking multiple batches, use the leftover heat in the air fryer to cook the next batch. This residual heat will reduce the overall cooking time.

Reheating and Storage:

• Scones are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days at room temperature or up to 5-7 days if refrigerated.
• To reheat, place the scones in the air fryer at 200°C for 1-2 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds.
• You can also freeze scones for up to 3 months. Defrost them at room temperature before serving.

Tips and tricks

• Always use cold 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 a 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. 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.
• 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.
• Line the air fryer basket with some baking paper or use a non-stick cooking spray before placing the scones in the air fryer to prevent sticking.
• If you are serving a crowd, simply double the recipe and cook in two batches.
• Scones are best eaten fresh, as soon as they are made. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• 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

There are many ways to serve air fryer scones. Here are some suggestions:

• Clotted cream and strawberry jam: This classic combination is a must-try for any scone lover. The rich, creamy texture of clotted cream pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy strawberry jam, creating a delicious treat that's hard to resist.
• Raspberry or blackcurrant jam: If you want to mix things up, try swapping out the strawberry jam for raspberry or blackcurrant jam. These jams offer a slightly different flavour profile that can complement the scones beautifully.
• Whipped double cream and fruit coulis: For a more indulgent option, serve your scones with a generous dollop of freshly whipped double cream and a drizzle of fruit coulis. Strawberry or blackcurrant coulis adds a touch of elegance to this traditional treat.
• Add dried fruit: For a fruity twist, add raisins, currants, sultanas, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to your scone dough. These ingredients can enhance the flavour and texture of your scones, making them even more irresistible.
• Dust with icing sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar (powdered sugar) can take your scones to the next level. It adds a subtle sweetness and a delicate finish to your freshly baked treats.
• Chocolate chips: If you're a chocolate lover, adding chocolate chips to your scone dough is a great way to indulge your sweet tooth. The melted chocolate chips create a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
• Cinnamon: For a warm and spicy kick, swap out the vanilla extract in your scone recipe for ground cinnamon. Cinnamon scones are perfect for chilly days or when you're craving a cosy treat.
• Cheese scones: For a savoury option, omit the sugar from your scone recipe and add grated cheddar cheese to the dough instead. These savoury scones are perfect for those who prefer a more savoury breakfast or snack option.
• Lemon curd and cream: Lemon curd brings a bright and tangy flavour to your scones. Pair it with a generous helping of clotted cream for a truly indulgent treat.
• Blueberries and maple syrup: This combination offers a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavours. The juicy blueberries and the rich, syrupy maple syrup create a unique and mouthwatering pairing.
• Bananas and cream with caramel: Scones don't always have to be served with jam. Try something different by topping them with sliced bananas, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a generous dollop of cream.

Frequently asked questions