Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

Fluffy Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe: Golden Bites of Heaven

Crispy, golden air fryer cheese scones bring a delightful twist to your breakfast routine.

Warm, buttery aromas will fill your kitchen within minutes of baking.

Flaky pastry studded with sharp cheddar creates an irresistible savory treat.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe perfect for busy mornings.

Soft interior and crunchy exterior combine in each delectable bite.

cheese lovers appreciate how simple techniques produce restaurant-quality results at home.

You’ll be amazed how quickly these scones come together with just a few pantry staples.

Dive into this effortless recipe and surprise yourself with bakery-style deliciousness right from your air fryer.

Why Air Fryer Cheese Scones Are So Fluffy

  • Bake Quickly: Enjoy crispy, golden cheese scones in under 15 minutes using an air fryer, making it perfect for sudden cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Master Easily: No advanced baking skills needed – even novice cooks can create delicious scones with simple mixing and cutting techniques that guarantee success every time.
  • Customize Freely: Swap cheese types, add herbs, or include mix-ins like bacon bits to personalize these scones and match your taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
  • Serve Versatile: Delightful as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or appetizer that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or enjoyed standalone with butter or jam.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the scones.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
Dairy Ingredients:
  • Cold Butter: Creates a flaky texture when rubbed into the flour mixture.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and creates pockets of cheesy goodness in the scones.
  • Milk, Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture to the dough.
Optional Finishing:
  • Flour (for dusting): Prevents the dough from sticking when rolling and cutting.

How to Make Cheese Scones in Air Fryer

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly distributed, creating a smooth base for your scones.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Texture

Add cold butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to gently rub and press the butter into the flour mixture.

Continue working the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with small, pea-sized butter pieces throughout.

Step 3: Incorporate Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese into the crumbly mixture.

Gently fold the cheese through the dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Mix Wet Components

In a separate bowl, crack an egg and pour in milk.

Whisk these together until completely combined and smooth.

Step 5: Form Scone Dough

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.

Step 6: Shape Scones

Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Turn the dough onto this surface and gently pat or roll it out.

Use a knife or scone cutter to shape the dough into individual scones.

Step 7: Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).

This ensures an even cooking temperature for perfect golden scones.

Step 8: Air Fry Scones

Carefully place the scones in the air fryer basket.

Leave some space between each scone to allow hot air to circulate. Cook for 10-12 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the scones from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly, then serve warm.

These cheesy scones are perfect with butter, jam, or enjoyed on their own.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cheese Scones

  • Use cold, hard butter and grate it for easier incorporation into the flour, creating flakier and more tender scones.
  • Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese throughout the dough to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Lightly dust the air fryer basket with flour or use parchment paper to stop scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Insert a toothpick in the center of a scone; if it comes out clean, they're ready. Golden-brown edges also indicate perfect cooking.
  • Don't overmix the dough, as this can make scones tough and dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined for light, airy results.

Variations to Try on Air Fryer Cheese Scones

  • Herb-Infused Scones: Replace shredded cheese with finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic, savory variation.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain texture and structure.
  • Spicy Cheddar Scones: Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes with sharp cheddar cheese for a kick of heat and extra flavor complexity.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier, more robust taste profile.

What Goes Well with Air Fryer Cheese Scones

  • Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, cheesy flavor of the scones and cut through their buttery texture.
  • Create a light, zesty side salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs like parsley and chives, dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette to balance the scones' richness.
  • Prepare a homemade apple chutney with hints of cinnamon and ginger to provide a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory cheese scones, enhancing their overall taste profile.

How to Store Air Fryer Cheese Scones

  • Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain crispness.
  • Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their delicate texture and cheesy flavor.
  • Warm refrigerated scones for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent toughness and maintain their original softness.
  • Revive frozen scones by placing them on a baking sheet at 300F for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and warm, fluffy interior.

FAQs

  • Are cheese scones healthy?

While delicious, cheese scones are a treat with moderate nutritional value. They contain calcium from cheese and protein from egg and milk, but are also high in calories and fat.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works best, but you can experiment with parmesan, gouda, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese melts well.

  • How do I know when the scones are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden brown exterior and a firm, slightly crisp texture. When tapped, they should sound hollow and have a light, airy inside.

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Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful air fryer cheese scones bring a savory twist to classic baking, combining crisp edges with tender, cheesy interiors. Warm, flaky, and irresistible, these scones offer a quick comfort that satisfies you in just minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (60g) cold butter, cubed

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Create a fine, powdery blend of flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  2. Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture, using fingertips to gently break down and integrate until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
  3. Generously fold shredded cheese throughout the crumbly mixture, distributing evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  4. Whisk milk and egg together in a separate container, creating a smooth, uniform liquid mixture.
  5. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry cheese mixture, gently folding and stirring until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
  6. Dust a clean work surface with flour and carefully roll out the dough to approximately 1-inch thickness.
  7. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into triangular or round scone shapes.
  8. Prepare the air fryer by preheating to 350F (180C) for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
  9. Arrange scones in the air fryer basket, maintaining sufficient space between each piece to allow proper air circulation.
  10. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent texture.
  11. Remove scones when they achieve a crisp, golden exterior and tender interior, and serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Grate cold butter for easier and more even incorporation into the flour mixture, ensuring a flaky texture.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile that complements the buttery scone base.
  • Brush the tops with extra milk or egg wash before air frying to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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