Air-Fried Cheese Scones: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making cheese scones in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to bake these delicious treats. Air fryers are great for small quantities and ensure even baking due to the circulating heat. This method also halves the cost of cooking compared to a standard oven.

To make cheese scones in an air fryer, you'll need a recipe that includes ingredients like flour, butter, milk, and cheese. The process involves mixing the dry ingredients, adding butter and cheese, and then gradually mixing in milk to form a dough. After shaping the dough and cutting out the scones, they're brushed with milk and cooked in the air fryer for a golden, crispy exterior and a fluffy, gooey interior.

You can experiment with different cheeses, spices, and herbs to create a variety of flavours. These scones are best served warm with butter, jam, or chutney and can be enjoyed as a savoury snack or alongside soups and salads.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're versatile, convenient, and can produce crispy, evenly cooked food without the need for large amounts of oil. When choosing an air fryer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right one for your needs.

First, decide between a basket-style or oven-style air fryer. Basket-style air fryers are more basic and affordable, but they take up counter space due to their unique shape. They typically have a tub or basket where you place the food, with some models featuring a single basket and others offering dual compartments for cooking two types of food simultaneously. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are essentially toaster ovens with additional features. They tend to be more high-tech, offering various cooking functions and a larger cooking capacity.

Next, consider the capacity you need. Air fryers typically range from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts. If you're cooking for one or two people, a 2-quart or 3-quart air fryer should suffice. For each additional person, consider adding a quart of capacity. It's worth noting that smaller air fryers tend to cook faster and more efficiently due to the shorter distance the hot air needs to travel.

Another factor to consider is the type of controls you prefer. Air fryers come with either digital or manual controls. Digital models allow for precise control over cooking time and temperature, often featuring preset buttons for specific foods. Manual models, on the other hand, are typically more affordable and use analog dials to set the temperature and cooking time.

When choosing an air fryer, also take into account the advanced features offered by different models. Some air fryers have dehydration, baking, and rotisserie functions, combining the capabilities of multiple appliances into one device. Additionally, look for models with a "keep warm" function to keep your food hot and crispy.

Lastly, consider the warranty offered by different brands. Air fryers typically come with warranties ranging from 60 days to three years. A longer warranty can provide added peace of mind and indicate the manufacturer's confidence in the product's quality.

By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the right air fryer that fits your budget, cooking requirements, and countertop space.

Ingredients and quantities

The ingredients and quantities you will need to make cheese scones in an air fryer are as follows:

• Flour: Most recipes call for self-raising flour, which will help your scones rise nicely. However, you can also use plain (all-purpose) flour with the addition of baking powder. A cup of flour is typically used, but this can be adjusted depending on the desired yield.
• Baking Powder: This is essential for helping the scones rise and giving them a light and fluffy texture. The amount needed will vary depending on the type of flour used. If using self-raising flour, you'll need about half a teaspoon. If using plain/all-purpose flour, you'll need to add more, typically around two teaspoons.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, as it allows you to control the salt content. You'll need approximately 40-55 grams, cubed and chilled. This will be mixed into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, and you'll need about 100-120 grams grated, with a little extra for sprinkling on top. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as blue cheese, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
• Milk: Whole milk or semi-skimmed milk is typically used, but any type of milk should work. You'll need about 80-85 millilitres, with a small amount extra for glazing. For an extra tangy flavour, you can sour the milk by adding a squeeze of lemon juice (about a quarter of a teaspoon).
• Seasonings: This can include salt, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These add flavour and a subtle kick to your scones. The amounts can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
• Sugar (optional): A small amount of caster sugar or extra-fine sugar can be added, typically around two tablespoons. However, this is usually omitted when making cheese scones.

Remember, these quantities may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and your desired yield. Always refer to a trusted recipe for the best results.

Preparing the dough

To prepare the dough, you'll need to mix together your dry ingredients in a large bowl. This typically includes self-raising flour, a small amount of sugar (caster sugar is recommended), baking powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper, mustard powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavour.

Next, cut your butter into small cubes and add them to the dry mixture. Use your hands to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can use a food processor with the pulse function or a pastry cutter/pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour.

Create a well in the centre of the mixture and add your wet ingredients. This usually includes milk and eggs, but some recipes also call for lemon juice and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can affect the texture of your scones.

At this point, you can also add grated or cubed cheese to the dough and gently knead it in. The type of cheese is up to you, but mature cheddar is a popular choice. You can also add other mix-ins like chopped walnuts or cooked bacon pieces.

Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface and shape the dough into a disc or square. Use your hands to pat it down to an even thickness of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). Avoid using a rolling pin, as this can affect the rise of your scones.

Finally, use a cookie cutter or the top of a glass to cut out your scones. Dip the cutter in flour before cutting, and remember not to twist the cutter as this can also affect the rise. Place the cut scones on a piece of baking paper or directly into your air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.

Shaping the scones

Start by lightly dusting your work surface with some flour. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to handle. Take the dough you have prepared and gently pat it down with your hands to form a disc or square shape. It is important to note that you should not use a rolling pin for this step. Aim for a thickness of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the dough.

Next, take a cookie cutter or a glass and dip its straight edge in some flour. This will help prevent the dough from sticking to the cutter. Cut out as many scones as you can from the first roll, making sure to place the cutter straight down and not twisting it. Twisting the cutter can seal the edges of the dough and prevent the scones from rising properly. If the scone does not come out of the cutter easily, simply shake the cutter gently and let the scone fall onto your prepared surface.

Once you have cut out the first batch of scones, gently knead the remaining dough and pat it out again to a thickness of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). Cut out more scones and repeat this process until all the dough has been used. Try to handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a good rise.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you should be able to fit around four scones in one batch. Place the scones on a piece of baking paper, making sure they are spread apart and not touching. You can brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or egg wash for a golden finish.

Finally, place the scones in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions provided in the recipe. Remember to adjust the timing and temperature according to your specific air fryer model. Enjoy your freshly baked cheese scones!

Cooking and serving

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 180-200°C (356-400°F). However, if your air fryer does not have a preheat function, don't worry—simply add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Next, you will need to prepare the dough. The dough typically includes self-raising flour, butter, milk, and grated cheese. Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and eggs. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix them together. Then, rub in the butter using your hands until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. After that, stir in the grated cheese and heat the milk in a microwave-safe container for around 20 seconds. Add a small amount of lemon juice to the milk and let it stand for 2-3 minutes. Finally, pour the soured milk into the mixing bowl and stir it into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the scones tough.

Once the dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface and knead it gently for a short time, around 10-15 seconds. Then, use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out round shapes from the dough, or form them into your desired shape by hand.

Now it's time to air fry the scones! Place them directly into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You can spritz each scone with oil spray to help achieve a crispy exterior. Air fry for around 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. The air fryer will give the scones a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese melty and gooey on the inside.

If you don't have an air fryer or prefer to bake them in the oven, you can place the scones on an ungreased baking sheet and bake them for 12-15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) or until golden brown.

Finally, it's time to serve your delicious cheese scones! They are best served warm with butter, which will melt instantly. You can also serve them with jam, chutney, or your favourite toppings. Cheese scones are a versatile treat and can be enjoyed as a savoury or sweet snack. They go well with soup, salad, or even as a bun for an Air Fryer Cheeseburger.

Frequently asked questions