Air Fryer Cheese Scones
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Air Fryer Cheese Scones are just what your breakfast or brunch spread needs! Deliciously savory with cheese inside and out, they’re an easy upgrade from the usual toast or biscuits. Mix the dough in one bowl, then shape, cut, and air fry in under 15 minutes. You can make them ahead of time too!
Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Imagine a warm, fluffy bite of butter bread that’s got cheese and herbs on the inside and even more cheese on top… are you drooling yet??
This air fryer cheese scones recipe delivers such a big flavor that you won’t believe how easy it is to make. All you need is one bowl and your trusty air fryer!
Now, what’s the difference between biscuits and scones?
Biscuits tend to be a lot flakier and are usually a part of savory dishes.
On the other hand, scones are bit more crumbly and can be sweet or savory — or only plain, if the British have anything to say about it!
Clearly these scones packed with herbs, cheese, and spices are going to be savory, but I’ve also got a sweet recipe if you need one: pumpkin scones, just like the ones from Starbucks!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Self-rising Flour – This is a special blend, which is not the same as all-purpose flour.
You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt per cup of AP flour, then use that in place of self-rising flour.
This cheese scones air fryer recipe will also work with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but you may need to play with the amount of liquid to get the right dough consistency. - Butter – Always use cold, cubed butter for scones! To make it easier to mix into the dough, I like to freeze a stick of butter and then grate it with a cheese grater.
Pop in back in the freezer for a little bit before cutting it into the flour mixture. - Gouda Cheese – This has the most incredible flavor and melts like a dream. You’ll need to shred it into two different sizes — fine for the dough and coarse for sprinkling on top.
Good alternatives for air fryer cheese scones are sharp cheddar or Parmesan…or a combination of your favorites! - Whole Milk – Here’s the needed moisture to bring the dough together. I prefer the extra fat in whole milk for texture and flavor, but skim would work too.
- Herbs and Spices – Mustard powder and smoked paprika add some savory, smoky flavor while fresh Italian parsley (flat-leaf) adds freshness.
If mustard is too funky for you, swap in some garlic powder.
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Cheese Scones in Air Fryer
- Use cold ingredients for the dough.
I know — this goes against what I usually tell you for baked goods! But when making scones and biscuits, you want the milk and butter to be nice and cold.
This helps create a flaky texture while keeping them tender and moist.
- Don’t overmix or overwork the dough either!
Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. This limits the development of gluten and keeps the scones light and fluffy. Too much gluten means they’ll be dense and chewy.
The same goes for kneading! Handle it very gently and don’t press too hard when rolling it out.
In fact, it’s usually best to pat the dough into shape and lightly tap and press the surface into an even thickness rather than breaking out your rolling pin.
- Make sure all your scones are the same thickness.
This is trickier when you’re rolling out the scraps, so it helps to have a rolling pin with a ruler or a dough mat with guides.
If they’re different heights, they won’t bake evenly. Leaving space between cheese scones in the air fryer is also a must for even cooking.
Prep Ahead
- Shred cheese two ways
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Air Fryer – Different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
- Large Bowl – This one is my go-to!
- Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
- Round Biscuit Cutter – A round cookie cutter works just as well, or use the rim of a large glass in a pinch!
- Wire Rack – Great for cooling all kinds of baked goods.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer cheese scones recipe can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack! Enjoy hot from the air fryer plain or slathered in butter.
You could even slice air fryer cheese scones in half and make yourself a breakfast sandwich.
Sometimes, I’ll serve these with soups and salads in place of the usual crusty loaf or rolls. Between this and my beer bread recipe, there’s no reason for your bread side to be boring!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Air fryer cheese scones will keep for 2 days on the counter or up to a week in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container so they don’t dry out.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe storage bag. Thaw on the counter before reheating.
I like to warm cheese scones in the air fryer so they get a little crispy on the outside again. Start with 3-4 minutes at 320°F and add more time if they aren’t warmed through.
Or, reheat scones in the oven at the same temperature for 5-7 minutes.
Cheese Scones Air Fryer FAQ
First, be sure your baking powder is fresh before mixing the ingredients. Stale baking powder won’t activate, causing your scones to not rise.
The easiest way to test it is by adding some to a bowl and pouring hot water over the top — it should bubble and fizz. If not, toss it and open a new container.
Also, be very careful not to overmix or overwork the dough. This will only make them come out dense and tough.
Sure! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook cheese scones in the air fryer.
The simplest way to add some extra flavor is with herbs! Mix up to ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary into the dough to play off the fresh parsley.
I’ve also made this cheese scones air fryer recipe with chopped chives, crumbled bits of cooked bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes. They all turned out delish!
Yes, you can bake your scones in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets so they don’t stick, and leave a couple of inches between each round.
Enjoy!
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Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour, 300 grams
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
- 6 tablespoons butter, 80 grams
- 1 cup finely shredded Gouda cheese, 100 grams
- 4 tablespoons coarsely shredded Gouda cheese, 40 grams
- 2/3 cup whole milk
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and minced parsley. Whisk until combined.
- Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the finely shredded Gouda cheese.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk.
- Gently mix with a fork or your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
Shape the Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Roll or pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut out scones, re-rolling the dough as necessary until all the dough is used.
- Preheat and Prepare the Airfryer:
- Preheat your airfryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Airfry the Scones:
- Place the scones in the airfryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle the coarsely shredded Gouda cheese on top.
- Airfry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
- Remove the scones from the airfryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2024
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