Air Fryer Cheese Scones!
Air Fryer Cheese Scones
There’s something so comforting about warm, freshly baked cheese scones straight from the air fryer. The first time I thought about making them this way, I loved the idea of enjoying a homemade savory treat without heating up the whole oven. They’re golden on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and packed with delicious cheesy flavor.
These Air Fryer Cheese Scones are perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a little something to serve alongside a bowl of soup. I especially love them warm, with a small pat of butter melting into the fluffy middle. Simple ingredients, very little fuss, and plenty of cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
Golden edges with a tender, fluffy center.
Loaded with cheddar cheese in every bite.
No full-size oven needed.
Delicious for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
4 tbsp (55 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup (100 g) grated mature cheddar cheese
¾ cup (180 ml) milk, plus extra for brushing
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder, if using. Stir well to distribute the baking powder evenly.
Step 2: Rub in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Try not to handle the mixture too much. Small pieces of butter help create a tender scone.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped chives, if desired. Reserve a little cheese to sprinkle on top before cooking.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Pour in most of the milk and gently mix with a butter knife until the dough starts coming together. Add the remaining milk a little at a time if needed.
The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Avoid kneading it like bread dough, as too much handling can make the scones tough.
Step 5: Shape the Scones
Lightly flour your work surface and gently pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
Cut out rounds using a floured 2-inch cutter. Press straight down rather than twisting the cutter to help the scones rise evenly.
Gather any leftover dough gently and cut out the remaining scones.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
Place a suitable piece of perforated parchment in the basket only if your air fryer manufacturer permits it. Never preheat with loose parchment inside.
Step 7: Air Fry Until Golden
Arrange the scones in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Depending on your basket size, you may need to cook them in batches.
Brush the tops lightly with milk and sprinkle with the reserved cheese.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, checking early because air fryers vary. The scones should be risen, golden, and cooked through in the center.
Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving.
My Best Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones
Use cold butter: This helps create a soft, tender texture.
Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheddar often melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Handle the dough gently: Overworking it can make the scones dense.
Keep the dough thick: Scones need enough height to rise properly.
Cook in batches: Crowding the basket can lead to uneven browning.
Check the centers: If the tops brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking until the middle is done.
Easy Variations
Cheese and Chive Scones: Add an extra tablespoon of chopped chives for a fresh, savory flavor.
Spicy Cheese Scones: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños.
Cheese and Mustard Scones: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the milk for extra savory flavor.
Parmesan Cheddar Scones: Replace a few tablespoons of cheddar with finely grated Parmesan.
Whole-Wheat Version: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour. Add a little extra milk if the dough feels dry.
What to Serve With Cheese Scones
These savory scones are delicious served warm with:
Butter or cream cheese
Scrambled or poached eggs
Tomato soup
A fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
A cup of tea or coffee
For a simple lunch, split a scone and fill it with sliced tomato and a little extra cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Store completely cooled cheese scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–4 minutes, until warmed through.
You can also freeze the baked scones for up to 2–3 months. Thaw them and reheat in the air fryer for a freshly warmed texture.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 25 minutes, depending on batches
Yield: 8–10 scones
Approximate Nutrition Per Scone
Based on 10 scones.
Calories: 190
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition estimates vary with the cheese, butter, milk, and final scone size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use self-raising flour instead?
Yes. Use 2 cups of self-raising flour and omit the baking powder and salt, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Why did my cheese scones turn out dense?
The dough may have been overmixed, too dry, or pressed too firmly. Mix only until it comes together and shape it gently.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
For the best rise, shape and cook the scones shortly after mixing. You can prepare the dry ingredients and grate the cheese ahead of time to make preparation faster.
Can I make these scones without an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake them in a preheated conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until risen and golden.