Name: Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional); 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)

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There’s just something magical about warm, golden scones, fresh from the kitchen with crispy tops and cheesy middles—and thanks to Air Fryer Cheese Scones, you can recreate that bakery experience effortlessly at home! These scones are all about fluffy layers, sharp cheddar flavor, and that irresistible aroma only fresh-baked cheese can deliver (without ever turning on your oven!). Once you try this simple yet impressive recipe, it might just become a go-to for quick breakfast treats, savory snacks, or even a showstopping brunch addition.

Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Air Fryer Cheese Scones is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays a special role, contributing to the texture, lift, flavor, or gorgeous golden color of the final scones. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you need it:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of every good scone—provides the structure and that classic soft crumb we love.
Baking Powder: Gives the scones a beautiful rise, making them tender and fluffy.
Baking Soda: Helps with browning and contributes just a hint of tang, especially when paired with buttermilk.
Salt: Essential for waking up the overall flavors and balancing the richness of the cheese.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note that complements the cheese perfectly.
Paprika (optional): Provides a gentle warmth and hints of color—a lovely optional flourish for extra depth.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Ensures a flaky texture; using it cold is key to creating those signature scone layers.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show—choose a good quality sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy punch and gooeyness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a nutty, savory undertone and a gloriously golden crust.
Buttermilk: Keeps the scones moist, binds everything together, and kickstarts that lovely rise.
Beaten Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for a shiny, bakery-style finish and gorgeous color.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. This step ensures every scone has a consistent flavor and rise, so don’t skip the whisking—it makes a difference!

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Now, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips (or a pastry blender), gently rub the butter into the flour mixture until you have a bowl full of coarse, sandy-looking crumbs with some pea-sized bits. The secret: work quickly and keep everything as cold as possible. These little pockets of butter melt as the scones bake, creating that dreamy flaky texture we’re after.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Toss in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Mixing them in at this stage means every bite of your Air Fryer Cheese Scones will be packed with gooey, savory flavor. The cheese also boosts moisture and turns gorgeously melty when cooked.

Step 4: Mix in the Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of your mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Gently mix with a fork—not a spoon!—just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing; the dough should look a bit shaggy. Overworking can lead to dense scones, so err on the side of barely-mixed.

Step 5: Shape and Cut

Dust your work surface with a little flour and turn out the dough. Pat lightly into a round about one inch thick. You can cut the dough into six to eight wedges, or use a round cutter for classic scone shapes. Either works beautifully, so choose what excites you!

Step 6: Air Fry the Scones

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of each scone with the beaten egg, which creates a golden, shiny finish. Arrange the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one for even cooking. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, until the scones are puffed up and gorgeously golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Carefully remove the Air Fryer Cheese Scones from the basket and let them cool for just a couple of minutes. They’re best served warm, when the cheese is at its meltiest and the aroma fills your kitchen—you won’t be able to resist!

How to Serve Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Garnishes

For a bakery-style touch, sprinkle a pinch of extra grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan, or both!) on top right after air frying. A bit of chopped fresh chives or a dusting of smoked paprika can also bring a pop of color and freshness, making your Air Fryer Cheese Scones look as irresistible as they taste.

Side Dishes

These savory scones pair up beautifully with soups—think tomato basil, creamy potato leek, or a classic vegetable minestrone. They’re also a perfect sidekick to scrambled eggs or an omelet for weekend brunches. If you want to keep it light, serve with a crisp salad drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette for a well-rounded lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunch buffets, consider slicing your Air Fryer Cheese Scones in half and filling them with ham or roasted vegetables for quick savory sliders. They’re also wonderful as a base for eggs Benedict (yes, really!), or toasted and topped with tomato slices for a fresh, cheesy snack. The possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Scones are at their peak right after baking, but Air Fryer Cheese Scones do store well! Let them cool completely, then seal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, tuck them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to five days.

Freezing

These scones are freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prepping. Allow them to cool, then wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To serve, you can reheat from frozen for fresh-tasting results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your Air Fryer Cheese Scones in the air fryer itself—just 2-3 minutes at 350°F will refresh the crust and remelt the cheese. You can also use an oven or a quick zap in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel), but the air fryer method keeps that irresistible crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan give classic flavor and texture, feel free to experiment. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese add an exciting twist. Just be sure to use firm cheeses that shred well so your Air Fryer Cheese Scones hold together nicely.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! Just mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and use as directed. This homemade version adds the same gentle tang and helps the scones rise beautifully.

How can I make my scones even fluffier?

The key is twofold: keep your butter very cold, and work the dough as little as possible. Cold butter traps steam, creating lift and flakiness, while gentle handling ensures a tender crumb. Also, try not to overbake—watch for golden tops and a set center.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, cut into shapes, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 12 hours before air frying. This method is perfect for serving fresh Air Fryer Cheese Scones at a brunch or gathering without the morning rush.

Why did my scones come out too dense?

Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can lead to dense, tough scones. Be gentle when combining ingredients and always start with cold butter. Also, check that your baking powder and soda are fresh—expired leaveners won’t give a good rise.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bakery-quality, savory, cheesy goodness without any fuss, Air Fryer Cheese Scones are the answer! With their crisp exteriors, soft middles, and unbeatable flavor, they’re bound to become a new favorite at your table. Don’t wait—try them, share them, and let every warm bite lift your spirits!

Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These savory and cheesy scones are made perfectly in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. Packed with cheddar and Parmesan cheese, these scones are ideal for a quick breakfast or a delightful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup buttermilk
1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add Butter and Cheese: Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Incorporate Buttermilk: Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape and Air Fry: Transfer the dough to a surface, shape, brush with egg wash, and air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.