Mornings at home can sometimes feel rushed, especially when you’re trying to balance family, work, and a bit of self-care before the day starts. One of my favorite ways to slow down and truly enjoy the morning is by baking something simple, like these Air Fryer Cheese Scones.
One morning, I was in a bit of a breakfast dilemma—do I make something quick, or do I treat myself to something a bit more indulgent? My air fryer was sitting on the counter, practically begging to be used, and that’s when it clicked: cheese scones. I’d made scones before in the oven, but I wanted to see if the air fryer could work its magic too.
I’ve always loved the soft, flaky texture of a great scone. But what really sets these apart is the warm, cheesy bite that comes with every mouthful. The best part? They’re quick, easy, and so satisfying. I grabbed the ingredients I had on hand: sharp cheddar, cold butter, and flour—and within a few minutes, I was ready to bake.
The air fryer worked its magic, producing light, fluffy scones with a golden, cheesy crust. By the time the rest of the family was up, the whole house smelled like a bakery. The scones were perfectly crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside—just the way I love them.
Short Description
These Air Fryer Cheese Scones are the perfect way to start your day. Made with simple ingredients like cheddar cheese and cold butter, they bake quickly in the air fryer to create fluffy, golden scones with a cheesy twist. They’re the ideal combination of crispy and soft, making them a treat everyone will love.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Round cutter (or a knife for shaping)
- Parchment paper
- Fork or spoon for mixing
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and give it a quick stir to combine. Now, for the crucial step: the butter. Cut the cold butter into cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This will give the scones that beautiful flaky texture when they bake.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Once the butter is fully incorporated, it’s time to bring in the cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. For an extra twist, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for a richer flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Milk
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring gently with a fork or spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the scones to become dense. The dough should be a bit sticky, but not overly wet. If it’s too sticky to handle, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Shape the Scones
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a ¾-inch thick circle. Using a round cutter, cut out the scones and place them in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. If you don’t have a cutter, you can also use a knife to slice them into squares or triangles.
Step 5: Air Fry the Scones
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones inside the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space to expand. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and crispy. If you like your scones extra crispy, you can let them bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, remove the scones from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. These scones are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on baking time, so you can have warm scones in no time.
Flaky Texture: The cold butter and air fryer work together to create a perfect balance of crispy outside and soft inside.
Cheesy Goodness: The cheddar cheese provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, slightly sweet scone base.
Customizable: You can swap in different cheeses or add herbs for a unique twist.
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil than traditional baking, making these scones a slightly lighter option.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is too sticky to handle, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.
Dense Scones: Overmixing the dough can make the scones dense. Stir gently and only until everything is combined.
Not Enough Space in the Air Fryer: Make sure to leave some space between the scones to allow for proper airflow and even baking.
Underbaked Scones: If the scones are still doughy inside after the recommended time, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve these scones with a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
– Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
– For lunch, these scones go wonderfully with a salad or soup, like tomato bisque or a hearty vegetable soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: These scones freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat scones in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F for a crispy finish. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the scones may be a bit denser. You can also try a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
2. Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it, and bake the scones fresh when you’re ready.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
Parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses can be used to customize the flavor.
4. Can I add herbs to the dough?
Yes! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives would make a lovely addition to these scones.
5. Why are my scones dense?
Overmixing the dough can make the scones dense. Stir gently and only until the dough comes together.
Tips & Tricks
– For extra cheesy scones, sprinkle some cheese on top of the scones before air frying.
– If you want a slightly sweeter scone, try adding a teaspoon of sugar to the dough.
– To make your scones even more savory, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough.
Recipe Variations
Herb & Cheese Scones: Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
Bacon & Cheddar Scones: Add ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon along with the cheese for a smoky flavor.
Spicy Scones: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to give these scones a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cheese Scones are the perfect breakfast treat for anyone who enjoys cheesy, flaky goodness with minimal effort. The air fryer speeds up the process, so you don’t have to wait for the oven to preheat. They’re ideal for enjoying with your morning coffee or serving at brunch. These scones quickly become a favorite due to their simplicity and irresistible flavor.
What makes these scones even better is their versatility and how fast they come together. On the busiest mornings, I can still enjoy a homemade breakfast without any hassle. If you’re looking for a quick, indulgent bite next time, give these cheesy scones a try—you’ll love them!
Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
- Gradually mix in milk until a slightly sticky dough forms. Add a bit more flour if it's too wet.
- Pat the dough into a ¾-inch thick circle on a floured surface. Cut into rounds or desired shapes and place them on parchment in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let the scones cool slightly, then serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or honey.
