Air Fryer Cheese Scones

A Flavorful and Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe – The Perfect Snack or Appetizer

When it comes to comfort food that’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, cheese scones are a timeless choice. With their flaky, golden-brown exterior and soft, cheesy interior, these scones are a delightful treat whether you’re looking for a savory snack or an appetizer to impress guests. And when you add the convenience of an air fryer into the mix, you’ve got an unbeatable combination that makes preparing this dish a breeze.

The beauty of these Air Fryer Cheese Scones lies in their simplicity and speed. In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, cheesy scones ready to serve. The air fryer not only cooks them to a perfect crisp but does so without the need for excessive oil or heating up the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or a beginner, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Let’s delve deeper into the ingredients and the process that makes these cheese scones so irresistible, and why they’re perfect for any occasion.

Why Air Fryer Cheese Scones Are the Ideal Snack or Appetizer

There are countless reasons why these cheese scones stand out from the rest. First and foremost, using an air fryer to make these scones provides several benefits over traditional baking methods. Here’s why the air fryer is a game-changer for scones:

1. Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer’s hot circulating air cooks the scones much faster than a conventional oven, significantly reducing cooking time. In just 15 minutes, your scones will be golden brown and perfectly baked, with a crispy outside and a soft, cheesy center.
2. Reduced Oil: Unlike deep-frying or even pan-frying, air frying requires little to no oil. This makes your scones much lighter and lower in fat, while still achieving a crispy texture. Plus, it’s a healthier way to prepare your favorite dishes without sacrificing flavor.
3. Minimal Cleanup: Air fryers are incredibly easy to clean compared to traditional baking methods. Since you’re not using any grease or parchment paper, all you need to do is clean the basket, and you’re good to go!
4. Flavorful & Cheesy: These scones are packed with the rich, savory taste of cheddar cheese, giving them a comforting, hearty flavor that’s perfect for any meal or snack time. Add in some aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh chives, and you have a well-balanced and flavorful bite every time.
5. Versatile: Whether served as an appetizer at a dinner party, a savory breakfast treat, or as a snack to pair with soups and salads, these cheese scones are incredibly versatile. They can easily be tailored to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, including gluten-free variations.

The Secret Ingredients for Perfect Cheese Scones

To make these air fryer cheese scones, you need just a few basic ingredients. But each one plays a crucial role in ensuring your scones are perfectly textured, full of flavor, and easy to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need:

1. All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour): The base for your scones, providing structure and texture. If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Both will give you delicious results.
2. Baking Powder: This ingredient ensures your scones rise well, creating the light and fluffy texture that makes them so irresistible. It also contributes to the slightly crumbly nature that characterizes traditional scones.
3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient! The cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the dough together. Shredded cheese will melt perfectly inside the scones, resulting in gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout each bite.
4. Milk: The milk helps bind the dough and adds moisture. For a dairy-free alternative, feel free to substitute milk with a non-dairy option like almond milk or oat milk.
5. Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and ensures your scones are properly seasoned.
6. Italian Seasoning: This classic blend of dried herbs adds an aromatic touch to your scones. It brings out the savory notes in the dough, making the scones taste even more delicious.
7. Chives: Chopped fresh chives add a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. If fresh chives aren’t available, dried chives can also work as a suitable substitute.
8. Garlic Powder: A small amount of garlic powder gives your scones that savory kick, enhancing the overall flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add more for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Air Fryer Cheese Scones

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be gentle. Overworking the dough can result in dense scones instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
• Form Uniform Scones: After you’ve kneaded the dough, shape it into a circle and pat it out until it’s about ¾ inch thick. This ensures the scones cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Score the Dough: Scoring the dough lightly with a knife before cooking helps the scones bake evenly and gives them a traditional, wedge-like shape.
• Grease the Air Fryer Basket: While some people use parchment paper, greasing the air fryer basket is an excellent alternative for these cheese scones. It prevents them from sticking and ensures they cook evenly.
• Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so it’s always a good idea to check on your scones towards the end of the cooking time to make sure they don’t overcook.

Now that you know what makes these air fryer cheese scones so special, it’s time to dive into the simple process of making them.

 Simple Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe – Quick and Easy Steps

Ready to make these delicious cheese scones? Follow this easy recipe for a quick snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress!

Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 152 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chives
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, Italian seasoning, chives, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually pour in the milk and mix until the dough begins to form. The dough should be somewhat sticky but manageable.
3. Incorporate the Cheese:
   Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the dough and knead it in until the cheese is well distributed throughout the dough. The dough should feel cohesive but not too sticky.
4. Shape the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round disk. Pat it out to about ¾ inch thick. Using a knife, lightly score the dough into 8 wedges.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer:
   Grease the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray or oil. Carefully lift the dough and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
   Let the scones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as a snack, appetizer, or side to your favorite soup.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 152
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 24mg
• Sodium: 578mg
• Potassium: 65mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Calcium: 224mg
• Iron: 1mg

These Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a fantastic, easy-to-make recipe that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or pairing them with a hearty soup, they’re sure to be a hit!