Air Fryer Scones

Introduction

Scones are a quintessential part of British tea culture, beloved for their tender, crumbly texture and buttery flavour. But what if you're looking for a quicker, healthier alternative to the traditional oven-baked scones? Enter the air fryer. This versatile kitchen appliance not only cuts down cooking time, but also delivers perfectly golden scones every time. In this article, we'll explore a delicious and easy-to-make scone recipe that's perfect for air frying.

Air Fried Scones

Ingredients

  • 250g self-raising flour
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 50g cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 3 tbsp caster sugar
  • 150ml milk
  • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Scone Ingredients

Method

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients and preheating your air fryer to 180°C.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt.
  3. Rub in the butter: Add the diced cold butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  4. Add the sugar: Stir in the caster sugar, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Add the milk: Gradually add the milk, mixing with a knife to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can make the scones tough.
  6. Roll and cut the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it to about 2cm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out scones, re-rolling the scraps if needed.
  7. Glaze the scones: Place the scones on a lightly greased air fryer rack. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a nice golden crust.
  8. Air fry the scones: Air fry the scones in batches if necessary, for about 10 minutes or until they are well-risen and golden brown.
  9. Cooling and serving: Once cooked, remove the scones from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.
Scones in Air Fryer

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Scones

  • Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and milk are cold to help achieve a better rise and flaky texture.
  • Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can make the scones dense. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
  • Even Thickness: Ensure your dough is rolled out to an even thickness so the scones cook uniformly.
  • Use a Sharp Cutter: A sharp cutter helps to cut clean edges that promote better rising.

Conclusion

Air fryer scones are not only quick and easy to make, but also deliver a delightful taste that traditional baking methods may struggle to match. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can savour the joy of freshly baked scones with minimal effort. So, next time you're in need of a tasty treat with your afternoon tea, why not give this air fryer scone recipe a try?