Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a quick, delicious, and cheesy treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Using an air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This easy recipe delivers scones that are golden brown, full of cheesy goodness, and ready in just minutes.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup whole milk (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg (optional, for richer scones)

Cheese and Add-ins:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
• Chopped chives or parsley (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking parchment or air fryer liner

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika.

3. Incorporate Butter:

• Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add Cheese:

• Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan (if using).

5. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, combine milk and egg (if using).
• Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

6. Shape the Dough:

• Lightly flour a surface and gently knead the dough a few times.
• Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into 6-8 wedges or use a biscuit cutter for round scones.

7. Air Fry the Scones:

• Place scones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
• Brush tops with milk for a golden finish.
• Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Baking Tips for Perfect Scones

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates flaky layers.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make scones tough.
3. Even Thickness: Ensure the dough is evenly thick for consistent cooking.
4. Check Early: Air fryers vary, so check at 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Variations and Additions

1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Herb Infused: Mix in chopped chives, parsley, or thyme.
3. Extra Cheesy: Top with more cheese before air frying.

Storage and Reheating

1. Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze baked scones for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per scone, approx.)

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a quick, cheesy delight perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh with butter, served alongside soup, or as a snack, these scones deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy experimenting with add-ins and find your perfect cheesy combination!

Would you like more variations, such as gluten-free or vegan options? Let me know