Indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked scones without heating up your kitchen with our Air Fryer Scones recipe! These tender and fluffy treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, and they come together in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. With the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy warm scones with golden-brown edges and a soft interior in no time at all. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible scones using your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: coarse sugar, chopped nuts, dried fruit
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
- Air Fry the Scones: Place the scones in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving space between each scone to allow for air circulation. Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Cook the Scones: Air fry the scones at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with clotted cream, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky scones. Keep the butter refrigerated until you’re ready to use it, and handle it as little as possible to prevent it from melting.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough scones. Mix the dough until it just comes together, and then stop.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to customize your scones with your favorite toppings such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Scones: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet and indulgent treat.
- Lemon Blueberry Scones: Fold 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and the zest of one lemon into the dough for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Cheddar and Chive Scones: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives for savory scones that are perfect for brunch.
With our Air Fryer Scones recipe, you can enjoy freshly baked scones in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. These tender and fluffy treats are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with your favorite toppings and flavors. So, dust off your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in warm and delicious scones that will delight your taste buds!