Air Fryer Scone

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: My quick Air Fryer Scones are flaky, buttery, and bake in just 25 minutes! My small-batch recipe yields four warm, golden scones, just the amount you need for a small family, an empty-nest household, or to enjoy with a few friends.

• Irresistibly flaky: Rubbing cold butter into the dry ingredients creates that signature tender scone texture.
• Perfect-size batch: Four scones are ideal for a small family, or whenever you want fresh scones without a lot of leftovers.
• 10-minute prep time! All you need is a whisk—this simple dough comes together easily by hand, and they bake in a fraction of the time as a full batch of oven-baked scones.
• Easy to customize: These lightly sweet scones are wonderful as is, or mix in currants, raisins, nuts, or drizzle with glaze for a treat.
• No oven needed: No oven preheating necessary, and you’ll love how well an air fryer turns out scones with crisp golden tops and tender insides!

As a busy mum and professional chef, sitting down for a few minutes with a cup of tea and a scone straight from the air fryer feels like a mini vacation! With my Air Fryer Scone recipe, I can whip up a batch in minutes (much faster than heating the whole oven for a small batch) and have just the right amount to enjoy with Kevin and George, with no leftovers or waste. This is a fast, easy recipe that is simple enough to make on a weekday. This no-oven recipe makes these scones great for people with small kitchens and for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

My most important tip for this recipe is to use a light hand when mixing. Rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingers, then gently bring the dough together, pat the dough out, and cut it. The less you work the dough, the more tender and flaky your scones will be. If you want to bake a larger batch of scones, I’ve got you covered—you’ll love my Best Ever Irish Scones, Apple Cinnamon Scones, Irish Soda Bread Scones, and Chocolate Chip Scones.

Table of Contents

• What are Air Fryer Scones?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Air Fryer Scones
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
• Flavor Variations and Mix-Ins
• How to Safely Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
• FAQs
• More Small Batch Recipes

What are Air Fryer Scones?

In my Air Fryer Scones small-batch recipe, the classic scone method is adapted for easy air frying. An air fryer uses rapidly circulating hot air to cook food quickly and evenly, giving these small baked pastries a beautifully golden top and tender, flaky interior in a fraction of the time it takes in a full-size oven. This recipe yields four scones, perfect for when you want fresh, homemade scones without making a large batch.

Tools You Need

• Mixing bowls 
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Glass measuring jug
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• Whisk
• 2 ½-inch (6.35-cm) round cutter
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Self-raising flour

• Self-raising flour (self-rising flour) gives the scones structure and contains the leavening that helps them rise.
• Self-raising flour is common for baking in Ireland and the UK. If you can’t find it where you live, self-raising flour is easy to make with my simple recipe.

Granulated sugar

• Granulated sugar lightly sweetens the scones.
• These scones are lightly sweet, but if you prefer them less sweet, reduce the sugar by 1 tablespoon.

Baking powder

• Baking powder gives the scones extra lift for a tender, light texture.

Butter

• Butter gives the scones their signature texture.
• Importantly, the butter adds rich flavor.
• Rubbing the cold butter into the flour is the key to the tenderest scones.
• Substitute: Use a solid plant-based butter substitute that comes in sticks and is made for baking.

Whole milk

• Whole milk hydrates the scone batter and contributes to a moist, rich texture.
• I always use whole milk in baking recipes because it helps create the best flavor and the richest crumb.
• Substitute: You can use the same amount of full-fat, unsweetened, unflavored oat or almond milk.

Egg wash

• Egg wash—one egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water—is brushed on top of the unbaked scones creates a glossy, golden finish.
• Substitute: Brush the scones with milk or oat or almond milk instead of egg wash if you prefer.

How to Make Air Fryer Scones

To Make the Air Fryer Scone Dough

1. Pre-heat per manufacturer’s requirement. Pre-heat your Air fryer to 325°F (165°C) if your machine requires that.
2. Whisk dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.

3. Rub in the butter. Rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Add milk. Gradually add the milk and mix lightly until combined.
5. Bring dough together. Turn out the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a dough without kneading.

6. Pat out dough. Pat the dough to about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
7. Cut scones. Cut straight down using a 2 ½-inch (6.35 cm) round cutter (do not twist), then brush the tops only with egg wash.

8. Prepare to air fry. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the scones evenly spaced apart.

To Cook the Air Fryer Scones

9. Cook scones. Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden on top and firm when lightly pressed.

10. Cool scones. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

To Serve and Store the Air Fryer Scones

11. Serve scones. Enjoy warm with butter and jam!

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW! 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Keep butter and liquid cold. This will give the scones the flakiest texture.
• Choose your sweetness level. These scones are lightly sweet, but if you prefer them a little less sweet, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon.
• Rub the butter into the flour. Rubbing the cold butter into the flour creates lovely pockets of tenderness.
• Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together.
• No biscuit cutter needed. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can pat the dough out into a square and then cut the scones into four squares or on the diagonal to make four triangles.
• Use egg wash on tops only. When brushing on egg wash, cover the tops only and avoid the edges so the scones rise properly.
• Use parchment paper with caution in air fryer. 
  • Use perforated parchment: Choose liners with holes to allow hot air to circulate and help food cook evenly.
  • Add parchment after preheating: Never preheat with loose parchment inside, as the fan can lift it toward the heating element.
  • Weigh it down with food: Always place food on the parchment before cooking to keep it in place.
  • Cut it to fit: Trim parchment to fit the bottom of the basket without covering the sides, vents, or airflow openings.
  • Check the temperature rating: Use food-grade parchment rated for your cooking temperature. Never use wax paper.
  • Know when to skip it: Parchment is great for easy cleanup and preventing sticking, but skipping it can help foods like fries and breaded items get crispier.

• Use an oven instead of an air fryer. You can bake these scones in the oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If your air fryer basket is very small, cook in batches.
• Check scones a few minutes early. Air fryers vary in strength.
• Serving ideas: Serve these scones with butter, Raspberry Freezer Jam, 3-Ingredient Microwave Strawberry Jam, or Orange Marmalade, and Clotted Cream.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-ahead tips

• The scone dough can be made, cut, and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag and held in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to two months.
  • If your scone dough was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cooking.
  • If your scone dough was frozen, transfer the scones to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
    • Brush thawed scones with egg wash, place in the air fryer, and cook.
    • The scones are done when they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes.

How to Safely Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer

The best practice for using parchment paper in an air fryer is to add it only when you’re ready to cook, make sure it’s weighed down by food, and never let it block the airflow. This helps food cook evenly and prevents the paper from becoming a fire hazard.

1. Use Perforated Parchment Paper

Choose parchment liners with holes, or make holes in regular parchment to allow hot air to circulate. This helps food cook more evenly and reduces sogginess underneath. (For foods that benefit from a crisp bottom, such as fries, you may prefer using no parchment.)

2. Never Preheat With Loose Parchment Inside

Always place the parchment in the basket after preheating, just before adding your food. If the paper is loose, the air fryer’s fan can lift it into the heating element, creating a fire hazard.

3. Cut It to Fit the Basket

Use a liner that fits the bottom without folding up the sides or extending over the edges. Never cover the entire basket or obstruct vents and airflow paths.

4. Always Weigh It Down With Food

Put the food directly on the parchment so it cannot blow around. Don’t run the air fryer with an empty parchment liner, even for a short time.

5. Check the Parchment’s Temperature Rating

Use food-grade parchment rated for at least your cooking temperature. Ordinary parchment is often rated to around 420–450°F (215–230°C), but check the packaging. Never substitute wax paper, which is not designed for this use.

6. Use It Only When It Serves a Purpose

Parchment is useful for sticky marinades, delicate fish, baked goods, and easy cleanup. Skip it when maximum crispness and browning are the priority, or when the manufacturer’s instructions prohibit liners.

Should You Use Perforated or Regular Parchment?

• Perforated parchment: Best for everyday air frying, vegetables, chicken, and fish.
• Regular parchment, trimmed to fit: Best for cookies, cakes, brownies, and other baked goods.
• No parchment: Best for French fries, breaded foods, and anything needing maximum crispness.

Flavor Variations and Mix-Ins

• Cranberry Orange: Fold 1/4 cup (1¼ oz/35 g) dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon orange zest into the batter.
• Savory Cheddar-Chive: Reduce the sugar by 1 tablespoon. Fold 1/4 cup (3/4 oz/21 g) grated cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of finely-minced chives into the dough.
• Maple Pecan: Add 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract with the milk, and fold 1/4 cup (1¼ oz/35 g) of toasted, finely-chopped pecans into the batter.
• Orange Glazed: Whisk 1/2 cup (2 oz/57 g) powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest. Drizzle over cooled scones
• Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1/2 teaspoon to dry ingredients. and fold 1/4 cup (1 ¼ oz/35 g) currants or raisins into the dough.
• Healthier Texture: You can substitute 1/4 cup (1/2 oz/35 g) whole wheat flour for the self-raising flour. But the texture will be heavier. 

FAQs

Can I make these Air Fryer Scones gluten-free?

• Yes, you can make these Air Fryer Scones gluten-free.
• Use an equal amount of a 1:1 gluten-free self-raising baking blend in place of the self-raising flour.

Can I make these scones vegan?

• Yes, you can make these scones vegan.
  • Instead of butter, use a plant-based butter that comes in sticks.
  • In place of regular milk, use the same amount of an unsweetened, unflavored plant-based milk, like oat or almond milk.
  • Use the plant milk to brush on the scones in place of egg wash.

What is an air fryer?

• An air fryer cooks food with circulating hot air—think of it as a small, powerful convection oven.
• Because the cooking chamber is smaller, and its perforated basket allows the hot air to circulate around the scones, it cooks food quickly and efficiently, creating scones with golden, crusty tops and tender middles.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheat according to your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions. Some models require preheating, while others let you choose whether to preheat. If preheating, add the parchment and food only when the air fryer is ready, ensuring the parchment is weighed down by food.

Can I make these scones in a regular oven instead?

• Yes, you can bake these scones in a regular oven instead.
• Bake these scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.

Why are my scones tough instead of flaky?

• To make the flakiest scones, use cold butter and handle the dough gently. Rub the cold butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs, then bring the dough together and pat it out without kneading it.

Can I freeze the dough before cooking?

• Yes! You can freeze the unbaked scones for up to eight weeks. Place the cut scones on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen scones to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• When you’re ready to bake, transfer the scones to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
• Brush thawed scones with egg wash, place in the air fryer, and cook.
• The scones are done when they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

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