Air Fryer Cheese Scones — Looking for an easy and delicious appetizer or snack? These air fryer cheese scones are perfect! They are quick and easy to make, and they taste great. If you love homemade scones, this recipe is for you, served with your afternoon tea!
Cheddar Cheese Scones
These cheddar cheese scones are the perfect savory addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of Dijon mustard, these scones have a delicious depth of flavor.
Serve warm from the oven with a dollop of butter or a slice of ham for an elevated twist. These scones also make for a great on-the-go snack; reheat before enjoying. Try experimenting with different types of cheese for a unique spin on this classic recipe.
Can You Make Cheese Scones in Air Fryer?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make cheese scones, the air fryer may be just what you need. You can have cheesy, delicious scones perfect for a snack or breakfast in just a few minutes. Best of all, there’s no cleanup required! So try it and see how easy it is to make cheese scones in your air fryer.
Some of 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.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cheese Scones
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make cheese scones, the air fryer may be just what you need. You can have cheesy goodness and delicious scones perfect for a snack or breakfast in just a few minutes. Best of all, there’s no cleanup required! So try it and see how easy it is to make cheese scones in your air fryer.
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 nutritional information.
- All-purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient, all-purpose flour, provides the structure and body for the scones, ensuring they rise and hold their shape. For a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free flour.
- Baking Powder: As a leavening agent, baking powder gives the scones their lift, ensuring a fluffy and light interior.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure, giving the scones a fine crumb.
- Butter: Butter introduces rich flavor and moisture to the scones. When it melts during cooking, it creates flaky layers within the scone.
- Grated Cheese: The star ingredient, cheese, adds a savory depth and creamy texture to the scones, making them irresistibly cheesy.
- Milk or Cream: Providing moisture, whole milk, or heavy cream helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Egg (optional): Eggs enrich the dough, adding moisture and flavor and assisting with the rise for a more delicate texture.
- Favorite Toppings: Serve with strawberry jam or butter.
How To Cook Cheese Scones In Air Fryer
If you love cheese scones, you’ll love cooking them in an air fryer. Air frying the scones gives them a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Plus, it’s a lot easier than baking them in the oven. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to cook cheese scones in an air fryer. So let’s get started!
Mix: In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients well. Slowly pour the milk and mix well.
Knead: Add the shredded cheese to the dough and knead until the cheese is well incorporated into the dough. Knead the dough.
Shape: Form the dough into a circle and roll the scone dough out on a lightly floured surface, t until it is only ¾” thick. Score the dough lightly into wedges and lift carefully into the greased air fryer basket. (A greased air fryer basket is preferable to using parchment paper – see note below).
Alternatively, you can use a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits. Continue rolling out the remaining dough until all of the dough is used.
Air Fry: Cook in the air fryer at 350 degrees F and cook time for 12-15 minutes or until the scone is cooked.
Pro Tips For Making Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones
- Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk or cream are cold. Cold butter results in flakier scones as it releases steam during cooking, creating layers.
- Minimal Handling: Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Thickness Matters: When rolling out your dough, aim for about 1-inch thickness. This ensures a good rise and a soft interior. Use a pastry cutter, biscuit cutter, or cookie cutter for best results.
- Sharp Cuts: Use a sharp-edged cutter to cut out the scones. This ensures the edges rise evenly. Avoid twisting the cutter, which can seal the edges and prevent proper rising.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Like traditional ovens, preheating the air fryer ensures that the scones start cooking immediately and rise properly.
- Spacing: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Scones need space for air circulation to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cheese Choice: While most cheeses work, a sharp cheddar parmesan cheese, or a flavorful cheese like gruyère can elevate the taste of your scones.
- Brushing: For a golden finish, brush the tops of the scones with a bit of milk or an egg wash before air frying.
- Check for Doneness: Scones should be golden brown when done. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cooling: Cool the scones on a wire rack for a few minutes after air frying. This helps the texture set and makes them easier to handle.
Following these pro tips will set you on the path to creating delectably cheesy scones with an impeccable texture and rich flavor, all using the convenience of your air fryer. Enjoy them warm with a dab of butter for a delightful treat!
Cheese Scone Variations
- Herb and Cheese: Infuse your scones with aromatic herbs. Add chopped fresh rosemary, chives, green onions, parsley, or thyme to the dough. The earthy flavors complement the cheese beautifully.
- Spicy Cheese Scones: For a kick of heat, incorporate diced jalapeños, red chili flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese and Onion: Caramelized or spring onions mixed into the scone dough provide a sweet contrast to the salty cheese.
- Cheese and Bacon: For a traditional air fryer bacon cheddar scones, add crisp, crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning blend to your scone mix for a smoky, savory treat.
- Triple Cheese: Why settle for one cheese? Mix in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a delightful cheese trio.
- Cheese and Olive: Chopped green or black olives offer a briny taste, pairing wonderfully with the creaminess of the cheese.
- Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mustard powder for a tangy and sweet addition to the savory scones.
- Cheese and Walnut: Add toasted and chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Blue Cheese and Pear: The pungent flavor of blue cheese and the sweet notes of diced pear create a gourmet twist on the classic scone.
- Cheese and Garlic: Add minced garlic or garlic powder for a rich garlic flavor that complements the cheese.
These variations can be adjusted based on personal preferences, ensuring every palate has a cheese scone. Experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect scone!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but be aware it may result in a denser scone. You can also consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture.
Which cheese works best for cheese scones?
While cheddar is popular, you can experiment with gruyère, Parmesan, or even feta. The key is to choose a flavorful cheese that melts well.
How can I ensure my scones are fluffy and not dense?
Avoid over-mixing the dough, and always use cold butter. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder can affect the rise.
Can I add other ingredients to the scone mix?
Absolutely! Consider adding herbs like chives or rosemary or mix-ins like bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Why are my scones not rising properly in the air fryer?
Ensure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh and you’re not overworking the dough.
How do I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container, or freezer bag, at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing them.
Can I reheat scones in the air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat scones in the air fryer at 300 degrees F (150°C) for a cooking time of 3-5 minutes. This can also help refresh the crust.
Is there a dairy-free version for cheese scones?
You can use dairy-free milk and vegan butter substitutes in the recipe. For the cheese, there are various vegan cheese brands available that melt and taste similar to dairy cheeses.
Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to near room temperature and shape, and then air fry.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- BANQUET POT PIE IN AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN WONTONS
- HOW TO REHEAT BREAD IN AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER BREAKFAST EGG TARTS
- THAWED CHICKEN WINGS IN AN AIR FRYER
Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, or gluten-free all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients, and mix well. Slowly pour the milk, and mix well.
- Add the shredded cheese to the dough, and knead until the cheese is well incorporated into the dough. Knead the dough.
- Form the dough into a circle and pat it out until it is only ¾” thick. Score the dough lightly into wedges and lift carefully into the greased basket of the air fryer. (A greased air fryer basket is preferable to using parchment paper – see note below).
- Cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 15 minutes or until the scone is cooked all the way through.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper, optional
- Cooking Spray
Notes
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating of Cheese Scones (Air Fryer)
Storage:
-
Room Temperature:
- After cooling completely, store the scones in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They’re best consumed within 1-2 days.
-
Refrigerator:
- If you wish to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate the scones in an airtight container for up to a week. However, refrigeration might make them a bit drier over time.
Freezing:
-
Freezing Baked Scones:
- Once the scones have cooled completely, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour or until solid.
- Transfer the frozen scones to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Label with the date and contents. The scones can be frozen for up to 3 months.
-
Freezing Unbaked Scones:
- If you wish to bake fresh scones later, you can also freeze unbaked scone dough. After shaping the scones, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, store in a zip-top freezer bag or container.
- When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating:
-
From Room Temperature or Refrigerator:
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Reheat for about 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
-
From Freezer:
- For baked scones, preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and reheat for 5-7 minutes.
- For unbaked frozen scones, you can cook them at the original recipe’s temperature, adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.
With these storage, freezing, and reheating instructions, you can enjoy fresh-tasting cheese scones anytime, whether you’ve made them in advance or are enjoying leftovers. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or to accompany meals.
Nutrition
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Vicki J.
I can’t find your note about using parchment paper.
Vicki J.
I made 1/4 of the recipe, to make just 2 scones. I patted the dough into a rectangle and then cut it diagonally. Sprayed the top with Pam and then flipped them onto my air fryer shelf (I have an oven air fryer). Baked for 15 minutes. Ran into a problem getting them out, as they expanded thru the grates of my shelf and were stuck. So I flipped the shelf over and pushed on each part that was stuck to release them. Next time I will either bake on the bottom shelf which is solid OR put them on a piece of foil/parchment paper or a baking pan. I ate one fresh out of the air fryer with a salad I had picked from my aerogarden. Mmmmmm, it was delicious! This recipe is a keeper and I will definitely be making these again and again. Thanks so much for the great recipe!