Say hello to your new favorite bake: Air Fryer Cheese Scones! These golden, flaky beauties are a savory delight, packed with sharp cheddar and a buttery crumb—ready in under 30 minutes without ever turning on your big oven. Whether you want a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or something scrumptiously cheesy alongside soup, Air Fryer Cheese Scones deliver every single time. Each bite is warm, cheesy, and just a bit peppery, with a tender inside and slightly crisp edges. If you’re looking for irresistible, quick-baked comfort, you’ve found the recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Air Fryer Cheese Scones is just how simple yet essential each ingredient is—nothing fancy, just the right things to create maximum flavor and gorgeous texture. Every item below plays a role: from the structure and rise, to that unmistakable cheese-laced savoriness.
- All-purpose flour: The main building block for a sturdy, tender scone—sift it for a lighter crumb!
- Baking powder: A generous amount ensures a lovely lift and keeps the scones fluffy.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the richness of the cheese and balancing flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming kick that plays nicely with the cheese.
- Mustard powder (optional): If you’re a fan of extra tang, this little addition heightens the cheddar flavor beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Chilled butter creates that perfect, flaky scone texture—don’t skip using it cold!
- Sharp cheddar cheese (grated): The star of the show—pick good quality cheddar for flavor and lovely melting pockets.
- Milk (plus extra for brushing): Binds everything together and gives a soft, rich dough—plus helps the tops brown beautifully.
- Large egg (optional): For those who like extra richness and a slightly richer scone.
- Extra grated cheese for topping: The ultimate finishing touch for a gloriously cheesy crown on each scone.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Begin by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—it’s about to see some action. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder if you like a hint of complexity. Mixing these dry ingredients first is essential for even distribution, making sure every scone rises perfectly and tastes balanced in every bite.
Step 2: Rub in the Butter
Add in your cold, cubed unsalted butter. Now, channel your inner baker and use your fingers to gently rub the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. This step is where the magic starts—those little bits of butter create flaky pockets when baked, giving Air Fryer Cheese Scones their signature tender crumb.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
It’s time for the cheddar to shine! Mix in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly spread throughout. The cheese will melt into glorious ribbons and pockets as the scones bake, delivering that irresistible savory flavor in every mouthful.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and egg together (if you’re using egg for extra richness). Pour this mixture into your cheesy, buttery flour mixture and gently mix until combined—stop as soon as a soft dough forms. Overmixing here is the enemy of a light scone, so just bring it all together until there’s no dry flour left.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones
Lightly flour your countertop, then tip out the dough and knead just once or twice—only enough to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick round, then use a biscuit cutter or flour-dusted glass to cut out 6–8 scones. The thickness will deliver fluffy, tall scones every time.
Step 6: Prepare and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches). Brush the tops with a little more milk and finish with extra grated cheese for that signature cheesy top. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, peeking at the end to make sure they’re golden brown and delicious.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the scones cool just for a few minutes—if you can resist! Air Fryer Cheese Scones are best enjoyed warm, slightly crisp on the outside and delightfully soft and cheesy inside.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a dash of black pepper, or even a hint of paprika on top will add color, aroma, and a touch of extra flavor to your Air Fryer Cheese Scones. If you’re feeling indulgent, a pat of softened butter melting into the warm scone takes it straight to comfort-food heaven.
Side Dishes
These scones are the ultimate partner for a steaming bowl of tomato soup, creamy butternut squash soup, or a vibrant garden salad. Pair them with scrambled eggs and sautéed spinach for a hearty weekend brunch, or simply enjoy with a mug of tea for a classic British-inspired snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping treat, split the scones and fill them with a slice of ham, a smear of chutney, or even a bit more cheese. Try serving mini versions as party bites or stack with smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese for a savory twist at brunch. However you serve them, Air Fryer Cheese Scones are sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just pop your scones into an airtight container once completely cooled. They’ll stay fresh and tasty at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about four days. Just be sure to let them return to room temperature before enjoying, or try a quick warm up for that just-baked feel.
Freezing
Air Fryer Cheese Scones freeze beautifully—perfect for make-ahead snack or breakfast stashes! Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When cravings strike, you can enjoy them almost as fresh as the day they were made.
Reheating
Reheating couldn’t be simpler—just place a scone in your air fryer for a couple of minutes at 320°F (160°C) until completely warmed through. You can also microwave for 10–15 seconds if you’re short on time, but the air fryer brings the exterior back to its slight crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for Air Fryer Cheese Scones?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and gives that iconic flavor, you can try mixes like parmesan, gouda, or even sprinkle in a little mozzarella for meltiness. Just make sure the cheese is grated for easy mixing and even melting.
Do I need to use the egg in this recipe?
Nope! The egg adds extra richness and tenderness, but you can skip it for a slightly simpler, quicker scone that’s still plenty delicious. Just use a little extra milk to compensate for moisture if omitting.
Why do I need to use cold butter?
Cold butter is what gives scones their characteristic flakiness! When pieces of chilled butter hit the heat in your air fryer, they melt and create those light, airy layers—so don’t let it come up to room temperature before mixing.
How do I prevent my scones from becoming dry?
Handle the dough as little as possible, and if it looks dry while mixing, add a splash more milk, one tablespoon at a time, just until it comes together. Over-baking can also lead to dryness, so check a minute or two early—air fryer models vary!
Can I make Air Fryer Cheese Scones gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on the texture of the dough and add a touch more milk as needed, since gluten-free flours can be a little thirstier.
Final Thoughts
If the idea of a cheesy, tender treat with minimal fuss excites you, Air Fryer Cheese Scones are sure to win your heart. This recipe is simple enough for a weekday morning yet special enough to share at brunch with friends or family. Give them a try, get creative with your fillings and garnishes, and don’t be surprised when these scones disappear fast!
Print
Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 scones
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these savory Air Fryer Cheese Scones. These golden-brown scones are loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and have a hint of black pepper for an extra kick. Perfect for a quick snack or a delicious breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- â…” cup milk (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg (optional, for richer texture)
- Extra grated cheese for topping
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and mustard powder if using.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Rub the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk and egg, then pour into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined into a soft dough.
- Shape and Air Fry: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, cut into scones, brush with milk, sprinkle with cheese, and air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before enjoying!
Notes
- You can add herbs like chives or thyme for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique tastes.
- If the dough feels dry, add a splash more milk to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
