Air Fryer Scones
Air Fryer Scones are classic light and fluffy British scones baked in your air fryer! This quick and easy recipe makes four delicious scones that simply melt in your mouth. Serve them for afternoon tea with jam and cream, or eat these delicious scones straight from the air fryer with lots of butter.
What is an Air fryer?
An air fryer is a bit like a mini oven. However, the element is only at the top of the air fryer and it uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat. This combination of intense heat and circulation means that food crisps up quickly. And air fryers were originally sold for their ability to create ‘fried’ food with less fat. The air fryer has developed and more people are recognising the potential to cook and bake all kinds of foods in this way.
Why should I bake scones in my Air fryer?
The air fryer is really convenient for small quantities. Compared to your oven, an air fryer will heat up quickly due to the smaller size and the fan. And cooking in an air fryer is about half the cost of cooking in a standard oven. Scones bake best in high heat and the circulating heat in the air fryer helps to ensure they bake evenly all over.
What kind of Air fryer can I use to bake scones?
You will need the kind of air fryer that has temperature control as well as a timer and no paddle. Otherwise, any air fryer brand should do the job very well.
My air fryer is a fairly basic model with a pull-out square drawer and it needs to be pre-heated before use. If you have a different kind of air fryer you may need to adjust the timing or temperature by a minute or two either way.
What ingredients do I need for Air fryer Scones?
You only need a few standard baking ingredients to make these air fryer scones. You probably have them in your larder and fridge. Here is what you need:
- self-raising flour
- baking powder
- butter
- sugar
- milk
I don’t have self-raising flour what else can I use?
If you don’t have self-raising flour you can make it at home using plain (all-purpose flour) and baking powder.
This recipe uses 150g self-raising flour therefore you need to add one and a half teaspoons baking powder to plain (all-purpose) flour. This gives you self-raising flour, you will still need to include the additional baking powder as listed in the recipe.
What is baking powder?
Baking powder is a chemical raising agent that is a combination of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar.
Can I use baking spread instead of butter?
You can use baking spread to make Air fryer Scones. You can also use other vegetable spreads as long as they are full fat. Spreadable butter and low-fat spreads are not suitable as they contain a high proportion of water that will affect the recipe.
What kind of sugar should I use in the Air fryer Scones?
I use caster (superfine) sugar but you can use granulated sugar. Because it is very fine, caster sugar dissolves into the scones. Granulated sugar may not fully dissolve and you may notice it in the texture of the scones. The scones will still taste good and it is more a matter of personal taste which sugar you prefer.
What kind of milk can I use?
I use whole milk or semi-skimmed milk in these scones. However, you can use any milk that you have in the fridge.
Although I have not tried plant milk in this recipe, there is no reason why it should not work just as well as dairy milk. I recommend that you try out different milk to find your own favourite as the flavour and richness of the milk will influence the taste of the scones.
Can I make Air fryer Scones ahead of time?
Scones are best eaten the same day you make them. I recommend that you make up the scone mixture to the breadcrumb stage and store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you plan to make your Air fryer Scones. You can store the mix in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. The scones only take 11 minutes to bake so it’s great to have some scone mix ready to go.
Can I freeze air fryer scones?
Scones freeze really well and it’s an ideal way to store baked scones. Let the scones cool completely on a cooling rack before freezing them in a freezer-proof container or freezer bag. You can store them for up to 3 months without deterioration. Defrost on a cooling tray covered with a clean tea towel. Or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Can I make more than four scones?
I can fit four scones cut with a 6 cm (2 1/2 in) cutter into my air fryer. If I cut them with a smaller cutter then I can definitely fit in more scones. Dainty little scones don’t go down well with my farmer husband, but they are perfect to serve for a fancy afternoon tea.
If you plan to make a batch of 8 scones or more then I recommend that you bake them in the oven at 200C (400F) for 10 minutes.
Tips for making great scones
- Rub the butter or baking spread thoroughly into the flour, the result should look like fine breadcrumbs
- Add the milk slowly until you get a soft slightly sticky dough. You may need slightly more or less than the recipe suggests because different flours absorb liquid at a different rate.
- Do not overmix. Gently bring together the mixture and roll or pat it into a thick round before cutting out the scones.
- Do not twist your scone cutter, this seals the edges of the dough and stops the scones from rising. Press straight down and lift, if you dust the cutter with flour it will lift off easily.
Vegetarian
Air fryer Scones are meat-free and suitable for vegetarians. If you use plant-based spread and non-dairy milk then they are also suitable for vegans.
Gluten Free
This scone recipe contains wheat flour and is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. Try this recipe for Gluten Free Scones from Gluten Free Alchemist.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
How should I serve Air fryer Scones?
My favourite way to eat air fryer scones is to let the scones cool for 5 minutes on a cooling tray. Then I split the scone and spread it with butter which will instantly melt – heavenly.
The classic way to serve scones is with jam and either clotted cream or whipped cream. The combination is absolutely delicious but it is generally for a special occasion. We eat scones as an everyday snack spread with butter and jam and sometimes also served with cheese.
More Air Fryer Scone Recipes
PIN FOR LATER
Air fryer Scones
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- medium bowl
- Measuring spoons
- measuring jug
- Pastry brush
- weighing scales
- knife
- 6 cm (2.5 in) plain edge pastry cutter
- baking parchment
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 150 grams (1 cups) self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (½ teaspoon) baking powder
- 40 grams (3 tbsp) butter
- 25 grams (2 tbsp) caster sugar
- 60 ml (¼ cups) milk
Instructions
- 150 grams self-raising flour, 40 grams butter, 1/2 teaspoon baking powderWeigh the flour into a medium bowl and add the baking powder. Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the flour mix.
- 25 grams caster sugarRub the butter through the flour with gentle movements until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and mix through.
- Preheat the Air fryer if required
- 60 ml milkAdd the milk to the flour and butter mix.
- Bring the mixture together with a knife and once a soft dough begins to form use your hands to form it into a ball.
- Dust the work surface with flour and pat the dough out into a flat disk about 2 cm deep.
- Use a plain scone cutter to cut out four scones. Gently patting the dough back together to use all the dough.
- Put a piece of baking parchment in the base of your air fryer and place the four scones on top.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk and a pastry brush.
- Set the airfryer at 185C and bake the scones for 11 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and cool on a cooling tray/rack.
- Serve warm with jam and cream.
How fabulous! What a great way to make a small batch without even turning on the oven. They look golden and perfect. Thanks for joining in with #CookBlogShare
Thanks, Helen. Yes, it’s great for a small batch to fill a scone craving!
I honestly can’t believe how brilliant Air Fryers are and how easy it was to make scones in it. Great recipe!
Thank you, Sisley. I was so pleased with how the scones turned out.
Hi, can these be made in a halogen cooker? They look delicious! Love your recipes.
Hi Jan, thanks for your kind comments. I haven’t tried making scones in a halogen cooker but I’ve had a look at them online and as long as you can control temperature and time, then you should be able to use the cooker to make scones. The timings may be slightly different, so you might need to try it out and adjust. Good Luck! I
Is this my sign to buy an air fryer? ? they look delicious
Air Fryers are so popular just now! I have had mine for quite a few years and I use it all the time.
I’ve never made scones before and can’t believe how quick and easy this recipe is. I love the straightforward instructions and illustrations. The scones were golden and delicious. An air fryer is so versatile. Soda bread will be my next venture. Thank you Janice!
Thank you, Cathy. I’m so glad you enjoyed the scones.
Very tasty!
I used block butter and cooked in my airfryer which is like a mini oven type.
I cooked on the top rack on parchment but the bottoms weren’t fully cooked. I found cooking directly onto the rack is better.
Lovely and crispy on the outside. Definitely recommend, next time I will double up on the quantities.
More airfryer recipes please.
Thanks, Patricia. I’m glad you enjoyed the scones. I think there does need to be a bit of adjustment for different types of air fryer and I’m glad you managed to find the best way for you. I’m currently working on more air fryer recipes đŸ™‚
Looking forward to more airfryer recipes, thank you.
Going to try your slow cooker ham this Christmas, looks delicious!
Thanks Patricia.
wow i didn’t know you can make scones in the air fryer. super simple and tasty!
Thanks, Nancy. Always learning new ways to cook and bake.
Your scones look like the best kind of scones. I’ve not tried baking the in an air fryer before, but what a great idea for a small batch.
ps. Your air fryer is an awful lot cleaner than mine!
Thank you. You should really give them a try!
What a fantastic idea! These look like absolute perfection and I love that you can make a few scones rather than a big batch.
Thank you, yes ideal for a few scones
You know I have to go and make scones every time you mention them and now I have a suitable air fryer, I can finally give these a whirl – fabulous!
That’s great news! You can never have enough scones ?
I am really getting air fryer envy now! I just don’t have the budget or worktop space for one. I will never cease to be amazed on how you can make ANYTHING in one of those machines!
Thanks, Rebecca. I’ve had my air fryer for quite a long time, but I’m really only getting into using it creatively now.
Hi Janice, could I make these in a Halogen oven? Thanks Jan.
Hi Jan, I haven’t tested the scones in a Halogen Oven and I don’t have one myself. However, I can’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be able to make them. You might need to try it and adjust the temperature and timing if they are not quite right.
These scones were delicious, the timings were perfect for my air fryer and being on my own it’s great just to make four without having to put the oven on
Thanks for letting me know, Michelle. I’m so glad you liked them.
This is my first time baking in the air fryer, the recipe is easy to follow and really quick to make. The scones came out perfect and taste amazing. I will definitely be baking more of these xx
I did wonder if this recipe would work with raisins or whether they would bust under the heat?
I’m so glad you enjoyed the air fryer scones. I haven’t tried making fruit scones yet, but they are definitely on my list.
I have tried these 3 times and they still not coming out any good, not rising and not cooking on the bottom, have turned over but according to recipe no need for that
Hi Christine
I’m sorry to hear your problems with the scones. I’ts difficult to know how to advise you as I have made the scones many times with no issues. You may have a different air fryer from me which can make a difference to the bake. In terms of the rise, do check that your baking powder is fresh. Also it’s really important not to handle the scone dough too much and to cut it to the correct thickness. I hope this helps as I can’t think of any other tips I can give, other than those I’ve outlined in the text of the article. Best of Luck.
Double victory: first time baking turned out fine in my AF,and these plain scones are perfect little bits of happiness. Crispy and fluffy, the right size batch to make different kinds and take to coffee/tea afternoons.
Thank you Heidi, I’m so pleased the scones were a success.