How Long to Cook Scones in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results

I love baking scones, and recently, I’ve discovered a game-changer: cooking them in an air fryer. If you’re wondering how long it takes to cook scones in an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true method for achieving perfectly golden and fluffy scones using this versatile kitchen appliance. Get ready to elevate your baking game and enjoy delicious scones in no time!

When it comes to cooking scones in an air fryer, timing is everything. After experimenting with different temperatures and cook times, I’ve found that 10 to 12 minutes is the sweet spot for achieving that ideal balance of a crisp exterior and a tender interior. In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, including preheating the air fryer, preparing the scone dough, and ensuring even cooking throughout. Say goodbye to the guesswork and hello to perfectly cooked scones every time.

Benefits of Cooking Scones in an Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking scones, using an air fryer offers several advantages. Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy when you choose to make your scones in an air fryer:

1. Quicker Cooking Time: Cooking scones in an air fryer reduces the cooking time compared to traditional oven baking. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the scones cook evenly and quickly. In just 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll have perfectly baked scones with a crisp exterior and a tender interior.

2. Crispy Texture: Air fryers use rapid air technology to circulate hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy texture. When cooking scones in an air fryer, you can achieve a delightful golden-brown crust that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your scones.

3. Energy Efficiency: Air fryers are known for their energy efficiency compared to traditional ovens. They use less electricity and heat up quickly, making them an eco-friendly option for baking scones. You can enjoy your freshly baked scones while knowing that you’ve made a sustainable choice.

4. Versatility: Air fryers are not just limited to frying. They can be used for baking, grilling, roasting, and more. So, investing in an air fryer opens up a world of cooking possibilities. You can experiment and try various recipes apart from scones, making your air fryer a versatile kitchen appliance.

5. Easy Cleanup: Cleaning up after baking scones can sometimes be a chore. However, with an air fryer, you can say goodbye to scrubbing baking sheets. Air fryers come with non-stick baskets that are easy to clean. Just remove the basket, wash it with warm soapy water, and you’re done. No more sticky mess to worry about!

By making scones in an air fryer, you can enjoy the benefits of faster cooking time, a crispy texture, energy efficiency, versatility, and easy cleanup. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of perfectly baked scones in less time and with less hassle?

Choosing the Right Scone Recipe for Air Frying

When it comes to cooking scones in an air fryer, choosing the right recipe is essential for achieving delicious results. Not all scone recipes are suitable for air frying, as the cooking method can affect the texture and flavor of the final product. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect scone recipe for air frying:

1. Consider the Fat Content: Opt for scone recipes that contain a higher fat content, such as butter or cream. This will help ensure that the scones turn out moist and tender, even when cooked in the air fryer.
2. Look for Recipes with Less Liquid: Air frying tends to dry out foods, so it’s important to choose recipes that have less liquid in the dough. This will prevent the scones from becoming too dry and crumbly during the cooking process.
3. Consider the Size and Shape: When selecting a scone recipe for air frying, keep in mind that smaller-sized scones or those with a flatter shape tend to cook more evenly and quickly. This will help you achieve that perfect balance of a crisp exterior and soft interior.
4. Experiment with Different Flavors: The great thing about air frying scones is that it allows for versatility in flavors. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of fruits, nuts, or spices to create unique and delicious scones.

Preparing the Dough for Air-Fried Scones

When it comes to making scones in an air fryer, preparing the dough is a crucial step that sets the foundation for a delicious and perfectly cooked result. Here’s how I like to prepare my dough for air-fried scones:

1. Measure and mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, I combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to measure the ingredients accurately to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures in the scones.
2. Cut in the cold butter: I take cold butter and cut it into small cubes before adding it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or my fingertips, I gently incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for achieving a light and flaky texture in the scones.
3. Add the liquid: Next, I pour in the cold milk, buttermilk, or cream. The choice of liquid may vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. I then stir the mixture just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough scones, so it’s important to handle the dough with care.
4. Shape and cut the dough: To shape the dough, I lightly flour a clean surface and gently pat the dough into a circle or rectangle with a thickness of about 1 inch. Using a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter, I cut the dough into individual scones. This step allows for even cooking and ensures that each scone bakes to perfection.

Air Fryer Temperature and Cooking Time for Scones

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of cooking scones in an air fryer and how to prepare the dough, let’s move on to the most important part – air fryer temperature and cooking time. Getting these two factors right will ensure that your scones come out perfectly baked with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

When it comes to the air fryer temperature for scones, I recommend setting it to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the scones to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. It’s important to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the scones to ensure consistent cooking.

As for the cooking time, I find that 10 to 12 minutes is the sweet spot for scones in an air fryer. However, it’s crucial to monitor the scones closely, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your scones, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispiness and doneness.

To check if the scones are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, your scones are ready to be taken out of the air fryer. Remember that scones will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so it’s better to slightly undercook them than to overcook them.

Once your scones are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This will prevent any steam from making the bottoms soggy. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period will also help the scones to firm up and hold their shape.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Scones in an Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking scones in an air fryer, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect results. Here are some recommendations to ensure your scones come out golden brown and delicious every time:

1. Preheat your air fryer: Before placing the scones in the air fryer, it’s essential to preheat it. Preheating allows the air fryer to reach the optimal temperature, ensuring even and consistent cooking. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.

2. Use parchment paper or spray oil: To prevent sticking and achieve a crisp exterior, it’s best to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or spray it with a light coating of oil. This will help the scones release easily and maintain their shape during cooking.

3. Arrange the scones evenly: Place the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced. This allows the hot air to circulate around each scone, ensuring they cook evenly and become beautifully golden.

4. Monitor the cooking time: Keep a close eye on the scones while they’re cooking. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the scones, as well as the type of air fryer you’re using. Start with the recommended cook time of 10 to 12 minutes, and adjust as needed. The scones should be golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.

5. Let them cool on a wire rack: After cooking, it’s important to remove the scones from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy by allowing any excess moisture to escape. Plus, it helps the scones maintain their crispness.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Achieving perfect scones in an air fryer is easy with the right techniques. By following the tips provided in this article, you can enjoy delicious scones with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) ensures that the scones cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color. Using parchment paper or spray oil prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Arranging the scones evenly in the air fryer basket allows for even cooking and ensures that each scone is baked to perfection. It is important to monitor the scones closely during cooking to prevent over-browning or burning. After cooking, allowing the scones to cool on a wire rack helps maintain their crispness and prevents any sogginess on the bottom. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious scones that are quick and easy to make in an air fryer.