Air Fryer Scones: Easy, Flaky, and Delicious Recipes

Scones are a beloved treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Traditionally baked in an oven, they can also be made effortlessly in an air fryer, resulting in a perfectly crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior. In this article, we’ll explore three delicious scone recipes—classic buttermilk, cheesy herb, and cinnamon raisin—all optimized for air frying.

Each recipe includes precise cooking times and temperatures to ensure perfect results every time. Let’s get baking!

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Why Make Scones in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, creating an ideal environment for baking scones. Benefits include:

• Faster cooking time (no preheating required in most models)

• Even browning on all sides

• Moist, tender interiors with a crisp exterior

• Energy efficiency compared to a full-sized oven

Now, let’s dive into the recipes!

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1. Classic Buttermilk Scones

Light, fluffy, and slightly tangy, these scones are perfect with clotted cream and jam.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ cup (120ml) cold buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)

• Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in butter: Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to work it into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form.

3. Add wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until just combined (do not overmix).

4. Shape dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat into a 1-inch thick circle, and cut into 8 wedges.

5. Prep air fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line with parchment paper.

6. Cook: Place scones in the air fryer, leaving space between them. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

7. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

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2. Cheesy Herb Scones

Savory, rich, and packed with flavor, these scones are perfect with soup or as a standalone snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried rosemary

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese

• ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper.

2. Cut in butter: Add cold butter and work into the flour until crumbly.

3. Add cheese & wet ingredients: Stir in cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk milk and egg, then mix into the dough until just combined. Fold in chives.

4. Shape dough: Pat into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 wedges.

5. Air fry: Place scones in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

6. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until golden and firm.

7. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with creamy tomato soup or enjoy warm with butter.

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3. Cinnamon Raisin Scones

Sweet, spiced, and studded with plump raisins, these scones are a delightful morning treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ cup (80g) raisins

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For glaze (optional):

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1-2 tbsp milk

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Cut in butter: Add cold butter and work into the flour until crumbly.

3. Add raisins & wet ingredients: Stir in raisins. In another bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

4. Shape dough: Pat into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 wedges.

5. Air fry: Place scones in the air fryer, leaving space between them.

6. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until golden.

7. Glaze (optional): Mix powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon, then drizzle over cooled scones.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scones

1. Keep ingredients cold – This ensures flaky layers.

2. Don’t overmix – Overworking the dough makes scones tough.

3. Leave space between scones – Prevents uneven cooking.

4. Adjust time as needed – Air fryer models vary; check at the 10-minute mark.

5. Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking without needing excess oil.

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Final Thoughts

Air fryer scones are quick, easy, and delicious, offering a fantastic alternative to traditional oven baking. Whether you prefer classic buttermilk, savory cheesy herb, or sweet cinnamon raisin, these recipes guarantee perfect results every time.

Which one will you try first? Happy baking