Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of scones, you know that the traditional way to cook them is in the oven. But did you know that you can also make scones in the air fryer? It may sound unconventional, but cooking scones in the air fryer can result in a delicious treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, it’s a much quicker method than waiting for your oven to preheat. In this article, we’ll show you how to make scones in the air fryer, so you can enjoy this classic pastry in a whole new way.
One of the great things about cooking scones in the air fryer is that it requires minimal preparation. Start by gathering your ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and any additional mix-ins or flavorings you desire. Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can begin making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well. Then, add the butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, slowly add the milk to the dough, mixing it in a little at a time. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones. Once the dough comes together, you can add any additional mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit, and gently fold them in. Now it’s time to shape your scones. Take small handfuls of dough and form them into round disks, about 1 inch thick. Place the scones in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
Now that your scones are ready, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and then place the scones in the basket. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your scones. Once they are done, remove the scones from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam.
So next time you’re in the mood for scones, give the air fryer method a try. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic British treat with a modern twist. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just because, scones cooked in the air fryer are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade scones, made in the air fryer.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer, similar to deep-frying but with less oil. Instead of immersing the food in oil, the air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air at high speeds, resulting in a crispy texture and delicious taste.
One of the main advantages of an air fryer is that it requires less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This makes it a healthier alternative for those who want to enjoy fried foods without the guilt of consuming too much oil. Additionally, the air fryer is also much faster than conventional ovens, reducing cooking time significantly.
Another benefit of using an air fryer is its versatility. It can be used to cook a variety of foods, including fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and even desserts like scones. The air fryer offers a convenient way to prepare delicious meals and snacks with less fat and fewer calories.
Operating an air fryer is also straightforward. Most models come with a digital control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and cooking time easily. Some air fryers even have pre-set cooking programs for specific dishes, making it even easier for anyone, regardless of their cooking skills, to use.
In conclusion, an air fryer is a cooking appliance that uses hot air circulation to fry food without immersing it in oil. It offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying and allows for faster cooking times. With its versatility and ease of use, the air fryer has become a popular kitchen gadget for those who want to enjoy their favorite fried foods in a healthier way.
Why Cook Scones in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to cook scones might seem unconventional at first, but it can actually be a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why you should try cooking scones in an air fryer:
Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior
The air fryer’s circulating hot air technology allows the scones to cook evenly and acquire a crispy exterior. This creates a delightful texture contrast with a tender and fluffy interior. Air frying scones results in a perfect balance of softness and crunch.
Time-saving Convenience
Air fryers are known for their quick cooking times, and scones are no exception. Traditional oven baking can take longer, while air frying scones reduces the cooking time significantly. With an air fryer, you can have freshly baked scones on your table in no time.
Plus: The air fryer preheats faster than a conventional oven, saving you even more time.
Energy Efficiency
An air fryer typically uses less energy compared to a conventional oven or stovetop. So, by using an air fryer to bake scones, you can save on electricity bills while still enjoying the same delicious results.
Note: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this could affect the cooking efficiency.
So, if you’re looking for a quicker, more energy-efficient way to bake scones without compromising on taste and texture, give your air fryer a try. You’ll be amazed at the delicious scones it can produce!
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
To make delicious scones in the air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2/3 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
The all-purpose flour serves as the base for the scones, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder is responsible for the light and fluffy texture, and the salt enhances the overall flavor. The unsalted butter provides richness, and the milk and vanilla extract add moisture and flavor to the dough.
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth cooking process.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started on making scones in your air fryer, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
1. Self-Rising Flour:
You’ll need to measure out about 2 cups of self-rising flour. This type of flour already contains baking powder, which will help the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
2. Butter:
For the best texture and flavor, it’s essential to use unsalted butter. Make sure it’s cold and cubed before adding it to the dough.
3. Sugar:
Depending on your preference, you can use either granulated sugar or caster sugar. This will add a touch of sweetness to complement the scones’ rich flavors.
4. Milk:
The milk will help bind the dough together and create a moist texture. You can use any type of milk – whole milk, low-fat milk, or even plant-based milk.
5. Flavors and Add-ins:
To personalize your scones, you can add various flavors and add-ins. Common options include vanilla extract, lemon zest, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts. Feel free to get creative!
Additionally, you’ll need an air fryer and a mixing bowl to prepare the scone dough. Make sure to preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions before cooking the scones.
Ingredients List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to cook scones in the air fryer:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter, cold | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 |
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking your scones in the air fryer.
Step 2: Prep the Dough
Once you have gathered all the ingredients needed for the scones, it’s time to prep the dough. Start by sifting the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Sifting the ingredients will help ensure a light and fluffy texture for your scones.
Next, add the cold butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important as it will help create pockets of butter in the dough, resulting in a flaky texture.
Once the butter is evenly distributed in the flour mixture, create a well in the center. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients.
Using a fork or a wooden spoon, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
If desired, you can fold in any additional mix-ins at this point, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit. Fold them in gently to avoid deflating the dough.
Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to shape it into a round disc, about 1 inch thick. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can also result in tough scones.
Now that the dough is prepped and ready, it is time to move on to the next step: baking the scones in the air fryer.
FAQ
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying, but with significantly less oil.
Why would I want to cook scones in an air fryer?
Cooking scones in an air fryer can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy freshly baked scones without heating up the oven. Plus, the air fryer can help create a nice crispy texture on the outside of the scones.
How do I make scones in the air fryer?
To make scones in the air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to the desired temperature. Then, prepare the scone dough according to your favorite recipe. Shape the dough into scones and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook the scones for the recommended amount of time, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Can I use any scone recipe in the air fryer?
Most scone recipes can be adapted to cook in the air fryer. However, it’s important to make sure the scones are the right size and shape to fit in the air fryer basket. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to ensure the scones cook evenly and are golden brown.
