These soft, buttery scones are made in the air fryer for a quick and easy treat. Unlike traditional dry scones, these are light, moist, and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or an afternoon snack!
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts – optional)
For Topping (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg until combined. Pour this into the dry ingredients.
- Gently mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix! Fold in any add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Step 2: Shape the Scones
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick disc.
- Cut into 6–8 wedges or use a round cutter for traditional scone shapes.
- Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden crust.
Step 3: Air Fry the Scones
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place scones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the scones cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes & Tips
✅ Cold Butter is Key – Using cold butter helps create flaky layers. You can even freeze the butter and grate it into the dough for best results.
✅ Don’t Overmix – Overworking the dough can make the scones dense. Mix just until combined.
✅ Adjust Cooking Time – Every air fryer varies slightly. Check your scones at 8 minutes and add extra time if needed.
✅ Storage – Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
✅ Reheating – Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes for a fresh-baked texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter, jam, clotted cream, or honey.
- Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a delightful treat.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Nutritional Information (Per Scone – Approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Health Benefits
🥛 Calcium Boost – The dairy ingredients provide calcium for strong bones.
🥚 Protein & Energy – Eggs add protein and help keep you fuller for longer.
🌾 Customizable Add-ins – Add nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra nutrients.
❤️ Lower Fat Option – Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream for a lighter version.
Q&A Section
❓ Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
❓ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less rich. Buttermilk works best as a substitute.
❓ Can I freeze the scones?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked scones and air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
❓ My scones didn’t rise much. What went wrong?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the dough.
Enjoy these deliciously soft and easy air fryer scones for a quick, homemade treat! 🍪☕ Let me know if you need any modifications!