Scones in the Air Fryer
Air fryer scones rise tall and golden in just 11 minutes at 170 °C, with a soft crumb and a crisp base. They are a good way to bake a small batch for a cream tea without heating the oven. This recipe makes six classic scones, with fruit and cheese options below.
- Temperature
- 170°C
- Total time
- 37min
- Prep
- 15min
- Servings
- 6
- Per serving
- 255kcal
Why the air fryer works for scones
Air fryer scones are a good fit for a small bake. The basket heats up in minutes, and the fan sets the base and crumb quickly, which is what scones need: a fast, hot start to push them upwards. They come out with the golden top and soft, flaky middle you expect from the oven, using far less energy.
Scones do reward a few small habits. Cold butter, a light hand and straight cutting give the best rise. The basket also holds only three at a time, so you bake in two quick batches and the first batch can cool while the second cooks. Scones in air fryer baskets need a lined basket, because the dough is soft and can stick.
How to make scones in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Rub in the butter Mix the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
- Make the dough Crack the egg into a measuring jug, top up with milk to 140 ml and beat. Keep 1 tbsp aside for glazing, then stir the rest into the flour with a knife to a soft, slightly sticky dough. Do not overwork it.
- Cut the scones Pat the dough out on a floured surface to 3 cm thick. Cut 6 cm rounds with a floured cutter, pushing straight down without twisting. Re-form the trimmings once. Brush the tops with the reserved egg and milk.
- Bake Preheat the air fryer to 170 °C for . Line the basket with perforated baking paper, place 3 scones in it with space between them and cook for , until risen and golden. Repeat with the second batch.
- Cool Move the scones to a wire rack and leave for at least . They are at their best warm, split and filled.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Scones | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plain sconesBatches of 3 | 170 °C | 11 min |
| Fruit sconesAdd 50 g sultanas | 170 °C | 11–12 min |
| Cheese scones100 g cheddar, no sugar | 170 °C | 11–12 min |
| Mini scones (4 cm) | 170 °C | 8–9 min |
| Scones with plain flourAdd 3 tsp baking powder | 170 °C | 11 min |
| Reheat a scone | 150 °C | 2–3 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
You may also like: Baking paper and foil in an air fryer
Tips
- Keep everything cold. Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts, and that is what makes scones light.
- Handle the dough lightly. Stop mixing once it comes together. A slightly sticky dough gives soft scones.
- Do not twist the cutter. Press down firmly and lift straight up so the sides can rise evenly.
Serving
For a classic cream tea, split the warm scones and serve with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Devon puts the cream first and Cornwall the jam first, so the order is up to you. Fruit scones also go well with butter alone. A warm cheese scone is good with soup or eggs for lunch. For other bakes, see muffins or the full dessert section. Shortbread is another good bake for afternoon tea.
Storing and reheating
Scones are best on the day, but they keep for 2 days in an airtight tin and freeze well for 2 months. To warm scones in the air fryer, set it to 150 °C and heat them for 2–3 minutes (5 minutes from frozen) until hot through the centre.
Variations
- Fruit scones: Add 50 g sultanas to the rubbed-in mixture and keep the sugar.
- Cheese scones: Leave out the sugar, add 100 g grated mature cheddar and ½ tsp mustard powder, and scatter extra cheese on top.
- Buttermilk scones: Replace the milk with buttermilk for a tangier, even softer crumb. Use the same amount of liquid.
Troubleshooting
- The scones did not rise
- Twisting the cutter seals the edges, and old self-raising flour loses its power. Press straight down, keep the dough at least 2.5 cm thick and use fresh flour.
- The scones are hard and dry
- The dough was overworked or baked for too long. Mix only until it comes together, and take the scones out as soon as they are golden.
- The tops are brown but the sides are pale
- Basket heat comes mostly from above. Keep the scones close together, lower the temperature to 160 °C and cook for 12 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long do scones take in an air fryer?
About 11 minutes at 170 °C for 6 cm scones that are 3 cm thick, in batches of three. Small scones need 8–9 minutes.
Can I make air fryer scones with 3 ingredients?
Yes. A quick dough of self-raising flour, Greek yoghurt and a little sugar can be cut and baked the same way. The scones are denser, closer to bread than a butter scone.
How do I make a cheese scone in the air fryer?
Leave out the sugar, add 100 g grated mature cheddar and ½ tsp mustard powder to the rubbed-in mixture, and sprinkle more cheese on top. Cook at 170 °C for 11–12 minutes.
How do I reheat scones in the air fryer?
Warm them at 150 °C for 2–3 minutes until steaming hot. Fruit scones taste best split and buttered while still warm.
Can I use plain flour for scones?
Yes. Use 250 g plain flour and add 3 tsp baking powder. Self-raising flour is simpler and gives the same rise.
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