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Introduction
Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a delightful twist on the classic scone, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea treat. These scones are flaky, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make thanks to the air fryer, which gives them a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft and tender. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dollop of butter, these scones are sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Intensity Level
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8 scones
Ingredients
For the Cheese Scones
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite cheese)
3/4 cup (180ml) milk (or buttermilk)
1 large egg (for egg wash, optional)
Equipment Needed
Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet or air fryer basket
Rolling pin (optional)
Knife or pastry cutter
Grater (for cheese)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper (if using). Whisk together until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky texture in the scones.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 5: Add the Milk
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk. Gently mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the dough is slightly sticky.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin for this, but it’s not necessary.
Step 7: Cut the Scones
Using a sharp knife or a scone cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds. If you prefer smaller scones, you can cut them into more pieces. Place the scones on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured baking sheet.
Step 8: Optional Egg Wash
If you’d like a golden finish on your scones, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the scones. This step is optional but adds a lovely sheen.
Step 9: Air Fry the Scones
Carefully place the scones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, remove the scones from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm, plain, or with butter, cream, or your favorite spread.
Storage
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (per scone)
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Nutritional Benefits
These cheese scones provide a good source of calcium from the cheese and essential nutrients from the flour. While they are a treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.
Tips for Success
Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold for the best texture. Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, blue cheese, or mozzarella, for varied flavors.
Add Herbs: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh or dried herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to the dough.
Serve Fresh: These scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but they can still be delicious the next day when reheated.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a quick and easy recipe that delivers on flavor and texture. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy freshly baked scones in no time. Perfect for any occasion, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and indulge in these delightful cheese scones today
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