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Air Fryer Frozen Scones

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Air Fryer Frozen Scones — I recently picked up a Trader Joe’s Mini Pumpkin Ginger Scones package and wanted to cook them in the air fryer.

They are amazing, and with the air fryer, you can air fry frozen cones in minutes!

Trader Joe’s Mini Pumpkin Ginger Scones

Ah, the joy of autumn treats! As the leaves start to turn and there’s a crispness in the air, nothing warms the heart quite like the flavors of pumpkin and ginger. And Trader Joe’s, our ever-reliable grocery guru, has once again outdone themselves with their Mini Pumpkin Ginger Scones.

These little bites of heaven perfectly capture the essence of fall, with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin harmoniously blended with the spicy zing of ginger. Whether sipping on a latte, enjoying a quiet morning, or simply in the mood for a seasonal treat, these scones promise to be the perfect companion. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey and discover the charm of Trader Joe’s latest masterpiece!

Can You Cook Frozen Scones In Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Cooking frozen scones in an air fryer is possible, incredibly convenient and efficient. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures that the scones cook evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.

This method can save you time compared to waiting for an oven to preheat, and it provides that delightful bakery-fresh texture and flavor!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Frozen Scones

Have you ever wanted to make delicious homemade scones in your air fryer? If so, look no further! Today, I’ll show you an easy recipe for perfectly crunchy and fluffy frozen scones without dirtying up the oven. All you need are a few pantry staples and an air fryer; the rest is simple (and deliciously rewarding!).

From start to finish, it only takes about 15 minutes, so now there’s no excuse not to enjoy the yummy goodness of these little treats anytime you want them. Let’s get cracking!

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.

When preparing frozen scones for the air fryer, most key ingredients are already incorporated into the pre-made frozen scones. However, if you’re considering enhancing the flavor or presentation of the scones, here’s a detailed ingredient list:

Frozen Scones: Whether store-bought or homemade and then frozen, ensure the scones are separated and not clumped together for even cooking. If you’ve made them at home, ensure they are frozen solid before air frying.
Cooking Spray (optional): A light spray of cooking oil can give your scones a golden-brown finish. Opt for a neutral oil like avocado or canola, but use sparingly.
Glaze or Toppings (optional):
- Powdered Sugar: This can create a simple icing drizzle when mixed with milk or water.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: For a richer glaze or to brush on the scones before cooking for a golden finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to your icing if you’re making one.
- Lemon or Orange Zest: For an added zest to your glaze.
Additional Enhancements (optional):
- Jam or Preserves: Traditional fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, or clotted cream to serve on the side.
- Butter: Some softened or melted butter can be brushed on the scones after air frying for extra richness.
- Sprinkles or Nuts: For added texture or festivity, especially if preparing for a special occasion.

Remember, these additional ingredients are suggestions to elevate the standard frozen scone. Depending on your preference, you can keep it simple and focus on the primary ingredient: the frozen scones.

How To Cook Frozen Scones In Air Fryer

Scones are a wonderful treat, and as anyone who has had the pleasure of baking them knows, they can be quite tricky to get just right. Frozen scones make for an easy home-baked alternative, but it’s often hard to achieve the light texture that fresh scones offer. Enter air fryers – with their ability to cook quickly and evenly, they are perfect for easily reviving those frozen treats!

Cooking frozen scones in an air fryer quickly and efficiently produces deliciously warm and crisp scones. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen scones in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes. Some models may not require preheating, so refer to the manual for your specific device.
Prepare the Scones:
- If the scones are clumped together, gently separate them.
- Optional: Lightly spray the scones with cooking spray for a more golden finish. If you’re wary of adding extra oil, skip this step.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Place the frozen scones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they’re not touching to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the scones in batches.
Cooking:
- Cook the scones at 320°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes. The exact timing might vary depending on the size of the scones and the specific air fryer model.
- Halfway through the cooking process (around 8-10 minutes), flip the scones or gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Check for Doneness:
- The scones should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. If unsure, insert a toothpick into the center of one scone; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Serve:
- Once done, carefully remove the scones from the air fryer (they will be hot!) and place them on a cooling rack for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings or sides, such as butter, jam, clotted cream, or a simple glaze.
Enjoy:
- Relish the freshly air-fried scones with tea or coffee for the perfect snack or breakfast treat.

Always refer to your air fryer’s manual, as cooking times and temperatures might vary between different brands and models.

Pro Tips For Air Frying Frozen Scones

Air frying frozen scones can yield delightful results when done correctly. To ensure that your scones turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Like an oven, preheating the air fryer ensures that the scones start cooking immediately at the right temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd: Allow ample space between each scone for proper air circulation. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Monitor the Time: Watch the scones, especially during the final minutes, to prevent over-browning or burning. The cooking time of each air fryer brand and model might vary slightly.
Use a Light Spray: If you’re looking for a glossy, golden finish, a light spray of cooking oil or butter can help achieve that bakery-fresh look.
Thermal Shock: Avoid using cold liquid or glaze on the scones immediately after removing them from the air fryer. The drastic temperature change can make them go soggy.
Adjust Temperature for Size: If you’re working with particularly large or small scones, you might need to adjust the cooking time or temperature accordingly. Smaller scones will cook faster, while larger ones may need more time or a slightly lower temperature to cook thoroughly without burning.
Shake or Flip: Halfway through cooking, consider shaking the basket or flipping the scones to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Keep It Dry: If you’re considering adding toppings or glazes, do it after the scones have been air-fried and cooled for a few minutes.
Storage: If you’ve made more scones than you can eat, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crispness.
Experiment and Adjust: The first time you air fry frozen scones, it’s a bit of an experiment. For future reference, note the perfect time and temperature for your specific air fryer model.

Armed with these pro tips, you’re sure to enjoy perfectly air-fried scones that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside every time!

FAQ’s About Cooking Frozen Scones

Do I need to defrost the scones before air frying? No, you can cook the scones directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Can I add toppings or glaze to the scones before air frying? It’s best to add any glazes or toppings after the scones have been air-fried and cooled for a few minutes.

How do I prevent the scones from becoming too dry? Ensure you don’t overcook them. The air fryer cooks efficiently, so keeping an eye on the scones during the final minutes can help prevent them from drying out.

How can I store leftover air-fried scones? Once they’ve completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

What other frozen baked goods can I cook in the air fryer? Most baked goods like pastries, croissants, and pies can be reheated or cooked from frozen in an air fryer. Adjust the time and temperature as needed.

The bottom of my scones got too brown. What did I do wrong? If the base of the scones is browning too quickly, you can try reducing the temperature slightly and increasing the cooking time. Additionally, ensure the scones are placed in a single layer with space between them for even cooking.

Can I make homemade scones, freeze them, and then air fry them later? Absolutely! Just be sure to freeze the homemade scones individually on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking together.

Do I need to grease the air fryer basket before adding the scones? While many modern air fryers have non-stick baskets, a light spray can prevent any potential sticking and can also help in achieving a golden finish.

Is there a difference in cooking time between fruit-filled scones and plain scones? Fruit-filled scones might require a minute or two more because of the moisture content in the fruit, but generally, the difference is minimal. Keep an eye on them as they cook.

Why is preheating the air fryer necessary? Preheating ensures that the scones start cooking immediately when you place them in the fryer, promoting even cooking and reducing the total cooking time.

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