Air Fryer Scones
Heating the oven for a few scones is hardly worth it, and this is where air fryer scones shine. Six buttermilk scones go from bowl to golden in two quick batches of 11 minutes, with a crisp top and a tender, flaky inside. The recipe also includes times for cheese scones, frozen scones and reheating.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 42min
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 6
- Per serving
- 255kcal
Why the air fryer works for scones
A good scone needs a blast of heat at the start. The butter melts quickly, steam puffs the dough upward and the outside sets before the layers collapse. A basket air fryer gives you that heat in minutes, and the fast-moving air browns the top and the sides at once. The small basket also makes it easy to bake just two or three scones for breakfast.
The limit is room. Scones that touch each other grow together and bake unevenly, so plan on three at a time and work in two batches. The dough must be thick enough to hold its shape, which is why it is patted out rather than rolled thin. Wet drop batters do not work, because they would run through the basket. Cut scones, as in this recipe, are ideal.
How to make scones in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the dry ingredients Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized pieces left.
- Add the buttermilk Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a fork just until the dough comes together. It should be soft and a little shaggy. Do not knead it.
- Cut the scones Pat the dough on a floured counter to a thickness of 1 inch. Cut 6 rounds with a floured 2½-inch cutter, pressing straight down without twisting. Brush the tops with the cream.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Cut a round of parchment paper a little smaller than the basket and poke a few holes in it.
- Cook in two batches Place the parchment in the basket only after preheating, then set 3 scones on it with space between them. Cook for , until risen and golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean. Repeat with the other 3 scones.
- Cool briefly Let the scones rest on a rack for before splitting. They are best warm.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Scones | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk scones, 1 inch thickTwo batches of 3 | 350 °F (180 °C) | 11 min |
| Cheese scones | 350 °F (180 °C) | 11–12 min |
| Frozen unbaked scones | 330 °F (170 °C) | 14–16 min |
| Reheat baked scones | 320 °F (160 °C) | 3–4 min |
| Potato sconesFlip once | 375 °F (190 °C) | 5–6 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Keep everything cold. Cold butter and cold buttermilk create the flaky layers. If the dough feels warm, chill the cut rounds for 10 minutes first.
- Do not twist the cutter. Twisting seals the edges and stops the scone from rising evenly.
- Use a perforated parchment round. It keeps the bottoms from over-browning, but only put it in the basket after preheating and with scones on top.
What to serve with scones
Split them warm and serve with butter and strawberry jam, lemon curd or whipped cream for a classic afternoon snack. For a weekend brunch, put the scones on the table next to air fryer scrambled eggs and a few strips of air fryer bacon. Savory cheese scones go well with soup.
Storing and reheating
Scones are best on the day they are made. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat a baked scone, heat it in the air fryer at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes (6–7 minutes from frozen) until it is hot and the crust is crisp again.
Variations
- Cheese scones: Stir in ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tbsp chopped chives, and skip the sugar if you like. Cook at 350 °F for 11–12 minutes.
- Fruit scones: Fold ½ cup raisins, dried cranberries or blueberries into the dry mixture before adding the buttermilk.
- Greek yogurt scones: Swap the buttermilk for ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt thinned with 2 tablespoons of milk for a slightly denser, tangy scone.
If it does not turn out right
- The scones are dry and hard
- The dough was overworked or baked too long. Stir only until it comes together and take the scones out when they are golden, usually at 10–12 minutes.
- The scones do not rise
- The butter was warm or the baking powder was old. Keep the butter and buttermilk cold and press the cutter straight down so the edges can rise.
- The tops are dark before the middle is done
- Lower the temperature to 330 °F and add 2–3 minutes. Thick scones over 1½ inches need this gentler heat.
Questions and answers
How long do scones take in the air fryer?
About 11 minutes at 350 °F for scones that are 1 inch thick. Smaller scones may be done at 9–10 minutes, so start checking early.
Can I cook frozen scones in the air fryer?
Yes. Unbaked frozen scones cook at 330 °F for 14–16 minutes without thawing. Baked frozen scones need 3–4 minutes at 320 °F to warm through.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Thin ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of milk and use it in the same amounts. The scones turn out a little denser but stay tender.
What temperature is best for scones in the air fryer?
350 °F works for most scones. Cheese and potato scones can go up to 375 °F because they brown less.
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