Air-Fryer Scones: Perfect Timing For Delicious Treats

how long do you cook scones in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient way to make scones without having to turn on the oven. They are also faster and more energy-efficient than traditional baking methods. The cooking time for scones in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the size of the air fryer, but it typically ranges from 7 to 25 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking scones in an air fryer is between 160°C and 200°C. It is important to keep an eye on the scones while they are cooking, as the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted to ensure they are cooked through and browned to your liking.

Characteristics Values
Temperature 160°C-190°C (320°F-375°F)
Temperature 200°C (400°F) for reheating
Cooking time 7-10 minutes
Cooking time 14-18 minutes
Cooking time 22-25 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes (total preparation time)
Cooking time 6 minutes (check on the scones)
Cooking time 5 minutes extra for browning
Cooking time 6 minutes at 350°F (then baked separately)
Temperature adjustment Lower if scones are getting too brown
Temperature adjustment Raise if scones are not browning enough
Temperature adjustment 390°F for 6 minutes, then reduce heat
Temperature 180°C
Temperature 220°C (200°C for fan ovens)
Cooking time 10-12 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Cooking time 1-2 minutes (reheating)

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Air fryer scones are best eaten fresh

The key to achieving the perfect scone texture is to handle the dough as sparingly as possible. You should also use cold, cubed butter, as soft or warm butter will result in a sticky mess. Cold butter helps to keep the dough cool and gives the scones a flaky texture once baked. When shaping the dough, bring it into a ball and then flatten it to a depth of around 3-5 cm. Using a 5 cm round cutter, cut out the scones, and reshape and cut the dough again as needed.

Before placing the scones in the air fryer, brush the tops lightly with milk to achieve a golden finish. Depending on your air fryer model and the browning you desire, you can bake the scones at temperatures ranging from 160°C to 200°C for 7 to 25 minutes. Keep in mind that smaller air fryers and those with baskets closer to the heating element will cook faster and brown the scones more. It is recommended to check on the scones after 6 minutes and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.

Once the scones are golden brown and well-risen, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. Air fryer scones are best enjoyed warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for a classic cream tea. You can also get creative and serve them with butter, your favourite preserves, or a dollop of whipped cream and seasonal fruits.

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Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F)

To make scones in an air fryer, you'll first want to preheat your appliance to the right temperature. Setting your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) is a good rule of thumb, and it should take around five minutes to heat up. This temperature will ensure your scones cook through evenly without burning the exterior.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your scone dough. Start by adding cold butter and flour to a large bowl. It's important to use cold butter, as this will help keep the dough cool and give your scones a flaky texture once they're baked. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. You can also do this by pulsing the mixture in a food processor if you prefer.

Once you have a crumbly mixture, create a well in the middle of the flour and pour in the milk. Use a flat-bladed knife to stir the mixture until it comes together to form a soft dough. If your dough seems dry, gradually add more milk until you achieve the desired consistency. Remember, you want your dough to be soft, so don't be afraid to add a little extra liquid if needed.

Now, on a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough until it's smooth. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make your scones tough. Instead, handle the dough sparingly, and they'll have a better texture.

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Brush the tops of the scones with milk

Brushing the tops of the scones with milk is an important step in the scone-making process. Not only does it add a beautiful, golden finish to your scones, but it also helps to create a flaky texture. The milk also aids in browning the scones evenly and quickly.

When brushing the tops of the scones with milk, use a light hand and a pastry brush to ensure an even coating. This step should be done just before placing the scones in the air fryer. If you are using a baking paper liner in your air fryer basket, place the scones on the paper first, leaving space for them to expand, and then brush them with milk.

The milk acts as a glaze, contributing to the desired golden brown colour and a flaky texture. It is important not to over-brush, as this may cause the scones to become too soggy. A thin layer of milk is usually sufficient.

Additionally, the type of milk used can vary according to your preference and what you have available. Whole milk, semi-skimmed milk, or even buttermilk can be used to brush the tops of your scones.

Finally, after brushing the scones with milk, they are ready to be baked in the air fryer. Depending on the desired level of browning and your air fryer's settings, the baking time may vary between 7 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on your scones to avoid overcooking, and adjust the temperature or timing as needed.

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Bake for 14-18 minutes until golden and risen

When baking scones in an air fryer, it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning. The length of time will depend on the air fryer model and the number of scones being cooked. As a guide, scones should be baked for 14-18 minutes until golden and risen.

It is recommended to check on the scones after 6 minutes to assess the browning. If the scones are getting too brown, the temperature can be lowered for the remaining time. If they are not brown enough, the temperature can be increased, or the scones can be cooked for a few extra minutes.

To ensure even cooking, the scones should be placed in the air fryer basket with space between them to allow for expansion. Depending on the size of the air fryer, the scones may need to be cooked in batches.

Once the scones are golden and risen, they should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to cool. Scones are best served warm with traditional toppings such as clotted cream and strawberry jam. They can also be enjoyed with butter and preserves or customised with various sweet or savoury add-ins.

Air fryer scones are typically ready in less than 30 minutes and are a quick and easy way to enjoy freshly baked goods without heating up the entire kitchen.

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Store leftovers in an airtight container

Scones are best eaten fresh, straight out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Firstly, let the scones cool down to room temperature. This usually takes around 30-40 minutes. If you put them in a container while they're still warm, the steam will be trapped inside, and your scones will become mushy. Once they're cool, wrap them tightly and place them in an airtight container. You can use any food storage container, as long as it can be properly sealed to prevent air from escaping. Ceramic or plastic containers are good options. If your container doesn't have a lid, you can use plastic wrap to seal it.

To keep your scones from getting mushy, place a paper towel underneath them to absorb any moisture. You can also put a second paper towel on top of the scones inside the container to absorb more moisture.

If you want to store your scones for longer, you can freeze them. Let the scones cool down, then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight, freezer-safe container. Label and date the container, and store the scones in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen scones, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to cook scones in an air fryer for 7-8 minutes at 180°C until golden brown and well risen. However, some recipes suggest cooking scones for 14-18 minutes at the same temperature.

It is recommended to set your air fryer to 180°C to cook scones. However, some recipes suggest setting the temperature to 160°C or 190°C-200°C.

Your scones are done when they are golden brown and well risen. You can also tap on them, and if they sound hollow, they are ready.

It depends on the size of your air fryer. You may need to cook the scones in batches to ensure they have enough space to expand and cook evenly.

Yes, you can add dried fruit or fresh fruit to your scone dough before cooking it in the air fryer. Some popular choices include raisins, currants, sultanas, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots.

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