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Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Name: Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat); 4 tablespoons cold butter (cubed); 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 2/3 cup milk (plus a little extra for brushing); 1 large egg (optional, for an egg wash); Fresh herbs (optional, for mixing into the dough or garnishing)

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Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones: If you want an easy air fryer breakfast recipe, you will love this cheese scone recipe.

They are delicious, golden brown on the outside, and crispy! With only a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delightful traditional English scone in minutes, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or quick afternoon snack.

Nothing is better for a weakened brunch than a batch of cheese scones. These are a staple in England (UK), where they are served with afternoon tea. They will give you a nice rise in the afternoon, and you will only have a few minutes of prep time.

My favorite air fryer scone recipes are Air Fryer Chocolate Chips Scone and Air Fryer Cranberry Scone; you can not go wrong with a homemade scone.

What Is Cheese Scones?

Cheese scones are savory scones, baked goods that originated in the United Kingdom. Unlike their sweet counterparts, which may be flavored with fruit or spices, cheese scones incorporate grated cheese into the dough, resulting in a decadent, savory treat. They often feature sharp, flavorful cheeses such as cheddar, which melts and browns during baking, giving the scones a delightful crust and moist, fluffy interior.

The recipe card is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Cheese scones are a popular choice for breakfast or brunch, served warm with butter, or as an accompaniment to soup or salad for lunch or dinner. The appeal of cheese scones lies in their simplicity, ease of preparation, and comforting, hearty flavor, which makes them a favorite among children and adults.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the ingredients you will need to make delicious cheese scones.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutrition information.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the scone dough, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
Kosher salt or Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of the scones and balances the cheese’s sweetness.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a hint of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their scones.
Unsalted butter: Creates a tender and flaky texture.
Grated cheddar cheese: Infuses the scones with a rich, cheesy flavor and adds a delightful savory element.
Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together to form the dough.
Egg (optional): Can be used for an egg wash to give the scones a shiny, golden-brown crust.
Fresh herbs (optional): To add extra flavor and freshness to the scones, they can be mixed into the dough or used as a garnish.

How To Make Cheese Scones In Air Fryer

Making cheese scones in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this savory treat with minimal fuss and a deliciously crispy finish. The recipe card is at the bottom of the post.

Prepare the Scone Dough: Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl or food processor. Add the cubed cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Mix in the grated cheese. Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork the dough. (add milk in small amounts for best results until the dough forms).

Shape Cheese Scones: Lightly flour a work surface and gently knead to combine the dough. Roll out the dough to about 3/4 inch thick. Cut the scones into your desired size and shape using a round cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or sharp knife. You can roll the dough into a disc shape and use a rolling pin to get an even thickness.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (about 175°C) for a few minutes. If your air fryer requires preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil or use a silicone liner to prevent sticking. Arrange the scones in the basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Brush and Top: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with extra milk, heavy cream, or a beaten egg for a golden finish. Sprinkle some additional grated cheese on top of each scone.

Set Cook Time: Air-fry cheese scones at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are risen and golden brown. The cooking time might vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the scones.

Serve Warm: Let the cooked scones cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations to inspire your next batch of delicious cheese scones.

Whole Wheat Flour: For a heartier, fiber-rich scone, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. Note that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the milk quantity.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Ensure the blend is a 1:1 substitution and includes xanthan gum if it doesn’t already contain it.
Aged Cheddar: Opt for an aged or sharp cheddar for a more robust, pronounced cheese flavor. Add a teaspoon of mustard powder to bring out the flavor.
Blue Cheese: Crumble in some blue cheese for a tangy twist. This works well with a bit of pear, or apple diced finely as an add-in.
Parmesan and Mozzarella: Combine grated Parmesan for a nutty flavor with mozzarella for meltiness. This combination is great with added Italian herbs.
Fresh Herbs: For an aromatic touch, incorporate chopped herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme into the dough. Garlic Powder and Mustard Mustard are great additions to the grated cheddar cheese.
Bacon or Ham: For a savory, meaty element, add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham to the dough. These are particularly good for a hearty breakfast or brunch scone.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flair. Pair these with feta cheese and oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
Jalapeños and Corn: For a Southwestern twist, add diced jalapeños and a handful of corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen) to the mix. For an extra kick, complement these with pepper jack cheese, mustard powder, and garlic powder.

Faq’s

Can I use any cheese in my scones? Yes, most cheeses work well in scones. Hard cheeses should be grated, while softer cheeses can be crumbled. Consider your cheese’s moisture content and flavor intensity, as these can affect the outcome. Cheddar cheese is the most common.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time if I add more ingredients? Adding extra ingredients, especially those with high moisture content, may slightly extend the cooking time. Keep an eye on your scones and check for doneness by checking for golden brown and firmness to the touch.

How can I prevent my scones from sticking to the air fryer basket? Spray the basket with a light cooking oil spray or line it with parchment paper with holes punched in to allow airflow. Both methods help prevent sticking without affecting the cooking performance.

Can I make my scones gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute and includes xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

How do I store leftover cheese scones? Cool the scones entirely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness before serving.

Can I freeze air fryer cheese scones? Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when my scones are done? Scones are done when they have a golden brown color and a firm exterior. When inserting a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. The cooking time might need adjustment based on the size and thickness of your scones.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? You can prepare the dough, shape it into scones, and refrigerate it overnight. Then, directly air fry them from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Why did my scones come out hard? Overworking the dough can develop too much gluten, leading to hard scones. Mix the dough until just combined for the best texture. Also, ensure not to overcook them, as this can dry them out and make them hard.

Oven Method: Place the prepared scones on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.

Can I make mini scones instead? Certainly! Adjust the cooking time downward for smaller scones since they will cook faster. Baking time will be reduced by a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests for full-sized scones.

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