In the realm of culinary innovation, the air fryer has emerged as a versatile tool, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while maintaining the deliciousness of our favorite treats. Among its repertoire lies a beloved classic: scones. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to your brunch table, air fryer scones present a convenient and flavorful solution.

Perfecting the Recipe: To craft the perfect batch of air fryer scones, start with high-quality ingredients. The marriage of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt lays the foundation for a tender crumb and golden crust. Cold unsalted butter, meticulously cut into small pieces, contributes to the scones’ flakiness. The addition of milk and vanilla extract brings moisture and depth of flavor to the dough, while optional add-ins such as dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts elevate the scones to new heights of indulgence.

Technique and Finesse: Mastering the art of shaping the scones is essential for achieving uniformity and ensuring even cooking. A light touch and gentle patting transform the dough into a circle, which is then carefully divided into wedges or cut into rounds. The air fryer, preheated to 350°F (175°C), becomes the stage for culinary alchemy as the scones are placed in its basket, bathed in the warm currents of circulating air. A brief 10-12 minutes later, they emerge from their golden cocoon, resplendent in their buttery glory.

Presentation and Garnishes: Aesthetics are the final touch in the art of scone-making. A brush of beaten egg and a sprinkle of coarse sugar before air frying add a touch of elegance, yielding a glistening crust that beckons with promises of sweetness. Once cooled slightly on a wire rack, the scones are ready to take center stage, adorned with clotted cream, jam, or any accoutrements that suit your fancy. Serve them warm, inviting friends and family to partake in the joy of freshly baked indulgence.

Conclusion: In the realm of culinary delights, air fryer scones stand as a testament to the ingenuity of modern cooking methods. From their humble beginnings as simple ingredients to their transformation into golden-brown treasures, scones crafted in the air fryer offer a delectable experience for any occasion. So, embrace the possibilities, explore your creativity, and let the aroma of freshly baked scones fill your kitchen, tantalizing taste buds and igniting smiles of pure delight.

Air Fryer scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2/3 cup milk (you can use whole milk or any milk substitute)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup of your choice of add-ins such as dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts
• 1 beaten egg for egg wash (optional)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just let it warm up for a few minutes.
2. Prepare Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in any add-ins you desire (e.g., dried fruit, chocolate chips, nuts).
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Shape Scones:
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
   • Gently pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
   • Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into wedges or use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
4. Air Fry Scones:
   • Place the scones in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for air circulation.
   • Optionally, brush the tops of the scones with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden crust.
   • Air fry the scones at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone; it should come out clean.
   • Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
5. Serve:
   • Once the scones are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
   • Serve warm with clotted cream, jam, or your favorite toppings.