Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe
These Air Fryer Cheese Scones are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flaky. They’re incredibly easy to make and cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The golden-brown crust and soft, cheesy interior are sure to impress everyone!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 8 scones
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Scones:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite cheese)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash, optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Grater (for cheese)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the air fryer reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper (if using). Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is crucial for achieving that flaky texture in the scones.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheese, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 5: Add the Milk
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk. Gently stir until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but still hold its shape.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to form a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin, but it’s not necessary.
Step 7: Cut the Scones
Using a sharp knife or a scone cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds. If you prefer smaller scones, you can cut them into more pieces. Place the scones on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured baking sheet.
Step 8: Optional Egg Wash
For a golden finish, beat 1 egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the scones. This step is optional but adds a lovely sheen and color.
Step 9: Air Fry the Scones
Carefully place the scones in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, remove the scones from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve them warm, plain, or with butter, cream, or your favorite spread.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (per scone)
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Nutritional Benefits:
These cheese scones provide a good source of calcium from the cheese and essential nutrients from the flour. They’re a treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.
Tips for Success:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold. Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, blue cheese, or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- Add Herbs: For extra flavor, add fresh or dried herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to the dough.
- Serve Fresh: These scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but they can still be delicious the next day when reheated.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy freshly baked scones with a cheesy twist. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, and they cook up beautifully in the air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can indulge in these flaky, cheesy delights in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for these scones?
A1: Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, feta, mozzarella, or even blue cheese. Each type will give your scones a unique flavor.
Q2: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut the scones ahead of time. Just cover the dough or scones with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to a day before air frying. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Q3: How can I make my scones extra flaky?
A3: To get extra flaky scones, make sure your butter is very cold and cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain the flaky texture.
Q4: How do I store leftover scones?
A4: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat them in the air fryer when needed.
Q5: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A5: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the scones in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Now you’re ready to enjoy delicious, cheesy scones made in your air fryer. These scones will become a family favorite in no time!