There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cheese scones and when you can whip them up in just minutes using your air fryer, they become even more irresistible. These cheese scones are golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with savory cheesy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea, preparing a quick snack, or craving a warm, homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

I personally love using the air fryer for baking it’s quick, energy efficient, and yields consistently perfect results. These scones come together in just 16 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for busy days or last minute guests. The combination of extra mature cheddar, a hint of cayenne, and mustard powder brings depth and warmth to each bite, elevating this classic British favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to these air fryer cheese scones lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the smart use of technique. Using cold, cubed butter is essential it gives the scones that tender, flaky texture we all crave. Another important step is to lightly handle the dough; overworking it can result in dense, tough scones. A metal dinner knife is perfect for stirring in the milk it helps bring the dough together without activating the gluten too much.

To give the dough a bit of tang and help it rise beautifully, I mix a splash of fresh lemon juice into warm whole milk. This mimics buttermilk and contributes to the perfect lift and flavor.

When it comes to shaping, there’s no need for a rolling pin. Your hands are all you need just pat the dough into a thick disc, stamp out the rounds, and reshape the scraps until you’ve used it all. Then it’s just a quick glaze of milk, a sprinkle of extra cheese on top, and off to the air fryer they go.

Helpful Tips & Notes

• Use chilled butter: Warm butter won’t create the same texture. Cold butter breaks down during baking to create flaky layers.
• Handle the dough gently: Less is more when it comes to mixing and shaping. Over handling can melt the butter and make your scones tough.
• Don’t skip the baking powder or check if it’s expired: Leavening agents must be fresh to help your scones rise perfectly.
• No rolling pin required: Pat and shape the dough with your hands it’s faster and reduces overworking the dough.

Variations to Try

Here are a few fun and flavorful twists:

• Different cheese options: Try gruyere, parmesan, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor profile.
• Add heat: Mix in a pinch of chili powder or paprika for a little kick.
• Herb lovers: Add dried herbs like thyme, or freshly chopped rosemary or chives for an aromatic touch.
• Smoky goodness: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon to take your scones to another level.

How to Store, Reheat & Freeze

• Storing: Once completely cooled, these scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. You can also use an oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Let scones cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Air Fryer Cheese Scones

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Course: Uncategorized

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

8

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

329

kcal

Total time

16

minutes

Perfectly fluffy and cheesy scones made effortlessly in the air fryer! These scones are ideal for a cozy snack, afternoon tea, or quick savory bite. Packed with cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 175g self raising flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

• ¼ tsp mustard powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 55g unsalted butter, chilled and diced

• 120g extra mature cheddar cheese, grated (reserve some for topping)

• 85ml whole milk

• 2 tbsp plain flour (for dusting)

• 2 tbsp milk (for brushing tops)

Directions

• Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, cayenne, mustard powder, and baking powder.
• Add chilled butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Stir in most of the grated cheese, reserving a little for topping.
• Warm the milk slightly (about 20 seconds in the microwave), add lemon juice, and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour soured milk into the dry mix and stir with a dinner knife to combine.
• Bring the dough together gently by hand and form into a soft ball.
• Lightly flour the surface, then pat dough into a 3cm thick disc. Cut out scones using a 5cm cutter. Reform scraps to cut more scones.
• Brush tops with milk and sprinkle over reserved cheese.
• Place scones in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes, until golden brown and risen.

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