Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe – Golden Bites Every Time

Crispy, golden air fryer cheese scones bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen in minutes.

Savory aromas will dance through your home as these delightful treats bake.

Cheese lovers appreciate how quickly these scones come together with minimal effort.

A few simple ingredients create magic inside the air fryer basket.

Flaky layers melt with sharp cheddar’s rich intensity, promising a delectable experience.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy these scrumptious scones faster than traditional oven methods.

Prepare to indulge in a quick, mouthwatering breakfast or snack that everyone will adore.

Air Fryer Cheese Scones to Savor

  • Craft Cheesy Delights: Create mouthwatering scones packed with sharp cheddar cheese that bring instant comfort and satisfaction to your meal.
  • Speed Through Preparation: Prepare these delectable scones quickly using simple ingredients and an air fryer, reducing traditional baking time without compromising flavor.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these cheese scones as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or standalone eating.
  • No-Fuss Cooking Method: Utilize the air fryer for consistent, golden-brown results with minimal effort, making this recipe friendly for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Ingredients Needed for Cheese Scones

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure and bulk for the scones.
  • Butter: Cold cubed butter creates flaky layers and adds rich flavor to the scones.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings a tangy and savory taste to the baked scones.
  • Milk: Helps bind the ingredients and provides moisture to create a tender texture.
For the Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
For the Finishing Touch:
  • Egg: Used for creating a golden brown glaze on top of the scones.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Step 1: Mix Dry Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until perfectly blended. This creates the foundation for your deliciously crispy scones.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Texture

  • Cold butter

Add cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to break down the butter until the mix looks like rough, sandy crumbs.

This technique helps create a flaky, tender scone.

Step 3: Fold in Cheesy Goodness

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Sprinkle cheese into the crumbly mixture and stir gently.

Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bring Dough Together

  • Milk

Pour milk into the bowl and stir carefully.

Mix just until the ingredients combine – don’t overwork the dough or your scones might turn tough.

Step 5: Shape Delectable Rounds

Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Gently knead a few times and pat into a half-inch thick circle. Use a round cutter to create perfect scone shapes.

Collect and re-roll any leftover dough.

Step 6: Prepare Air Fryer

Warm up your air fryer to 350F for about 5 minutes.

Arrange scones in the basket, keeping them separate so they crisp evenly.

Step 7: Add Golden Finish

  • Beaten egg

Brush scone tops with egg wash to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Step 8: Crisp to Perfection

Air fry scones at 350F for 10-12 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden color and fully cooked centers.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Transfer scones to a wire rack and let cool briefly. Serve immediately while they’re warm and irresistibly crispy.

Tips to Perfect Your Cheese Scones

  • Keep butter ice-cold and cut into tiny cubes to ensure flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
  • Mix ingredients minimally to prevent tough, dense scones; light touches create softer, more delicate results.
  • Dust work surface and biscuit cutter with flour to easily release scones without tearing delicate dough.
  • Space scones slightly apart in air fryer basket for even browning and consistent cooking on all sides.
  • Insert toothpick into center of scone – if it comes out clean with no raw dough, scones are perfectly baked.

Delicious Twists on Cheese Scones

  • Herb-Infused Cheese Scones: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dry ingredients for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Scones: Mix in finely diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to create a zesty, bold version with a kick of heat.
  • Bacon Cheddar Cheese Scones: Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese for a savory, protein-packed breakfast or snack option.
  • Mediterranean Cheese Scones: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano to give these scones a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pairings That Match Cheese Scones

  • Pair Cheese Scones with Crisp White Wine: A zesty sauvignon blanc perfectly complements the rich, cheesy flavor of the scones, cutting through the buttery texture with its bright acidity.
  • Serve with Herb-Infused Butter Spread: Create a tangy herb butter using fresh chives, parsley, and a touch of garlic to elevate the scones' savory profile and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
  • Match with Smoky Tomato Soup: A warm, slightly spicy tomato soup provides a delightful contrast to the cheesy scones, creating a comforting and balanced meal that highlights the scones' rich, cheesy goodness.

Storing Air Fryer Cheese Scones

  • Store cooled scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Place scones in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat air fryer to 300F (150C). Warm frozen or refrigerated scones for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other hard cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or Gouda for varied flavor profiles.

  • Do I need a special pastry cutter to make these scones?

No, you can use a fork or two knives to cut the butter into the flour if you don’t have a pastry cutter.

  • How do I know the scones are fully cooked?

The scones should be golden brown on the outside and have a light, fluffy texture when done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

  • Is it necessary to use an egg wash?

While not mandatory, the egg wash helps create a beautiful golden color and slightly crispy exterior on the scones.

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Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Fluffy air fryer cheese scones bring rustic British bakery charm straight to your kitchen. Crisp exterior and tender center make these quick-baked treasures irresistible for breakfast or afternoon tea, inviting you to savor every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Binding and Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) cold butter, cubed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blending flour, baking powder, and salt with a whisk to ensure even distribution.
  2. Integrate cold, diced butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork, working until the texture resembles rough, sandy crumbs.
  3. Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the crumbly mixture, ensuring an even spread throughout the dough.
  4. Gently introduce milk, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough, mixing just until the ingredients cohesively bind.
  5. Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly dusted surface, performing a gentle knead. Flatten to a half-inch thickness, then use a circular cutter to shape biscuits, repurposing any remaining dough.
  6. Warm the air fryer to 350F for 5 minutes, creating an ideal cooking environment. Arrange biscuits in the basket, maintaining space between each piece to ensure proper circulation.
  7. Apply a delicate egg wash across the biscuit surfaces, creating a lustrous, golden exterior.
  8. Cook in the air fryer at 350F for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until the biscuits develop a rich, golden-brown coloration and achieve complete internal cooking.
  9. Extract the biscuits, allowing them to rest briefly on a wire rack to cool and settle before serving.

Notes

  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar, gruyere, or parmesan for unique flavor profiles and texture variations.
  • Ensure butter is extremely cold to create flakier, more tender scones with better rise and layered texture.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Add herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to elevate the savory cheese scones and introduce additional aromatic dimensions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 235 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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