Air fryer scones
Air fryer scones are proof that a classic can be made quicker without losing any of the charm. Golden on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, they are ready in just 15 minutes. You still get all the buttery flavour and crumbly texture of a traditional scone, with the bonus of it being super easy. Enjoy them plain, topped with jam and cream, or savoury with cheese and herbs; they are delicious any way you like them.
Ingredients
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160 g
Plain flour
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2 tsp
Baking powder
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2 tsp
Caster sugar
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½ tsp
Salt
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50 g
Butter
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200 ml
Yoghurt
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Use butter straight from the fridge and rub it quickly into the flour to form small fat pockets. These pockets create steam during baking, making the scones light and flaky. Keep the yoghurt cold too, and mix the dough quickly. If the dough gets too warm, chill it briefly before shaping.
When making air fryer scones, handle the dough gently to get a light and tender texture. Use just your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse sand. After adding yoghurt, mix it just enough to combine, and avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones from becoming tough.
For traditional scones, roll the dough to about 2–3 cm thick and cut into rounds with a cutter or glass. This makes 6–8 smaller scones instead of two large ones. Bake them in the air fryer at 180 °C for about 10–12 minutes, and check a little early to prevent them from overbaking.
Let your scones rest for 5–10 minutes on a wire rack after baking them in the air fryer. This allows excess steam to escape, which helps the crumb structure stabilise and prevents the scones from becoming soggy.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer scones
Never underestimate the power of an air fryer when it comes to baking. In fact, they are brilliant for making fresh, fluffy scones in no time. Check out these answers to the most common questions before you get baking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before baking scones?
Yes, you need preheat your air fryer before baking scones. Set the air fryer to 180 °C and let it run empty for about 5 minutes before baking. The initial heat activates the baking powder and lets the scones rise before the butter fully melts. Also, starting hot also gives them a golden crust and keeps the centres soft and fluffy.
How long to bake scones in an air fryer?
Bake scones in an air fryer for about 15 minutes at 180 °C. Remember to turn the scones halfway through, at around 7–8 minutes, to ensure they brown evenly and bake through properly. If the scones are browning too quickly, especially in smaller or more powerful air fryers, lower the temperature to 160 °C.
How do I know when my air fryer scones are done?
You know your air fryer scones are done when they are light golden brown on the top and sides and feel firm to the touch. Tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are baked through. Make sure the bottoms are set and not sticky. If they still look pale or soft after the suggested baking time, give them 2–4 minutes more and keep an eye on them so they do not overbake.
Can I make air fryer scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make air fryer scones ahead of time, but they are always best freshly baked. You can bake them a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container once cooled. If you are serving them the same day, wrap them in a clean tea towel to keep them soft. Before serving, warm them briefly in the air fryer or oven to bring back the fluffy inside and light crust.
Can I freeze air fryer scones?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer scones for about 2 months. Let the baked scones cool completely, then wrap them tightly in cling film or place them in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 160 °C for 5–7 minutes until warmed through; do not overdo it, or they can dry out.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
662 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 1.6 gram fibers |
| Protein | 8.2 | 13.4 gram |
| Fat | 63.2 | 47.3 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 28.6 | 46.5 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Try quick and easy air fryer scones
Scones are timeless, and with good reason. Traditionally, they are baked in the oven and served warm with tea. But in this recipe, we keep things nice and simple by shaping two big rounds you can cut into wedges. Of course, you can always make smaller, individual rounds if you prefer.
The air fryer crisps the outside beautifully and seals in the moisture, ensuring they stay soft and fluffy inside. And all that in just 15 minutes, giving you a classic teatime treat.
Though no one can say for certain, many believe scones first came from Scotland but have long been considered a classic in Britain, Ireland, and beyond. They walk the fine line between sweet bread and cake, which has sparked plenty of debate over the years. But their golden crust, crumbly edges, and soft, fluffy middle have secured their place as a classic favourite.
If you love these scones, why not try more air fryer favourites? From sweet treats like air fryer chocolate chip cookies and air fryer white chocolate macadamia nut cookies to savoury options like air-fried jacket potatoes or juicy air-fried chicken drumsticks.
Classic light and fluffy
If this recipe proves one thing, it is that making fluffy air fryer scones could not be easier. All you need are a few everyday ingredients you probably already have at home: flour, butter, yoghurt, a little sugar, and a pinch of salt. The butter adds richness and that unmistakable buttery flavour, while the yoghurt contributes a subtle tang that keeps the crumb light.
The result is everything you would expect from a classic scone. Golden and crisp on the outside, with crumbly corners and a soft, flaky inside that almost melts in your mouth. They strike the perfect balance between tender and rich, tasting just like traditional oven-baked scones, only quicker and far more convenient.
Serve them sweet or savoury
If there was ever a perfect baked good for sharing, it would be these air fryer scones. Whether it is a birthday brunch, a slow morning, a baby shower, Mother’s Day, a bridal gathering, or simply an afternoon snack, scones suit any occasion. Honestly, there is never a bad time to put on the kettle and enjoy a batch of freshly baked scones.
The classic way to serve them is split open with a generous dollop of clotted cream and your favourite jam, for example, strawberry or raspberry. The silky cream and fruity sweetness highlight the scones’ buttery flavour, turning them into a true indulgence. If you prefer savoury, try pairing them with mature cheddar and a spoonful of chutney. Sweet or savoury, they are a guaranteed delight.
Make the scones your way
This air fryer scones recipe leaves plenty of room for experimenting. If you fancy something sweet, throw raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips into the mixture. Fresh blueberries work too, just coat them in a bit of flour first so they do not bleed into the dough. Lemon zest and poppy seeds are another one of our favourites, or even a few chunks of marzipan if you want to go all out.
If you are more into savoury, mix in some grated cheese and herbs. Cheddar with chives, Parmesan with rosemary, or even a bit of white cheese, it all works when you want a rich and herby combo. For a little extra texture, sprinkle sugar, sesame seeds, or mixed seeds on top before air frying.
The trick is to add your extras after rubbing the butter into the flour, but before you stir in the yoghurt. That way everything gets evenly mixed without overworking the dough. Once the wet ingredients go in, handle it gently so your scones stay light and fluffy.
