Who says you need a fancy oven to whip up a proper cream tea? These air fryer scones prove the point in the most delicious way possible! Golden, fluffy, and ready in under 10 minutes, they’re the ultimate cheat code for when you fancy something indulgent without all the faff.
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm scone, split open and piled high with clotted cream and jam. Traditionally, scones are baked in a hot oven, but the air fryer makes the process so much quicker and easier without losing that irresistible texture. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that these air fryer scones might just become your go-to method. They rise beautifully, develop a lovely golden top, and stay soft and tender inside. Exactly how a good scone should be.
What I love most is how convenient they are. You don’t need to wait for an oven to preheat or commit to making a huge batch. Just a few minutes in the air fryer, and you’ve got fresh scones perfect for a last-minute afternoon tea, a weekend brunch, or even a mid-week treat. They’re also a brilliant way to get kids involved in baking since the air fryer is less intimidating than the oven and delivers instant results.
Whether you like yours plain, studded with sultanas, or with a little citrus zest for extra brightness, these scones are versatile enough to suit any preference. Pair them with a pot of tea, lashings of cream, and a spoonful of jam, and you’ve got yourself a quintessential British cream tea.
Once you try these, you’ll agree: the air-fryer isn’t just for chips and chicken wings; it’s a game-changer for baking too!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 8-10 minutes
SERVES 2-3 people
KIT you will need an air-fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Scones
180g of self-raising flour
half a teaspoon of baking powder
60g of butter
2 tablespoons of caster sugar
teaspoon of vanilla extract
100ml of buttermilk (Or whole milk)
2 tbs of strawberry jam
2 tbs of clotted cream
Method
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) so it’s nice and hot when the scones go in. A preheated air fryer helps give them that perfect rise and golden finish.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting not only removes any lumps but also adds a little extra air, which helps keep the scones light and fluffy. Next, add in the butter. Using just your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. The key here is to be gentle and quick. You don’t want the butter to get too warm, as keeping it cold is what helps create that soft, tender crumb inside.
Once the mixture looks even, stir through the caster sugar. In a separate jug, mix the buttermilk with the vanilla extract, then slowly pour this into the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or your hands, gently bring everything together to form a soft dough. The less you handle the dough, the lighter your scones will be.
Lightly flour your work surface, then roll or press the dough out to around 3–4 cm thick. Use a 5 cm round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out neat scone shapes. Gather any offcuts, press them together gently, and cut more rounds until all the dough is used.
Place the scones either directly onto your air fryer crisper tray or on a piece of baking parchment in the basket, leaving a little room between each one so they have space to rise. Brush the tops with a little buttermilk for a glossy, golden finish.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, until risen and golden. Serve warm, split open, and pile high with jam and clotted cream for a perfect cream tea.
Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Scones
1. Keep your ingredients cold.
Cold butter is the secret to light, fluffy scones. If the butter softens too much, the dough can become greasy and heavy. Dice it straight from the fridge and handle it as little as possible. You can even pop the flour in the fridge for 10 minutes beforehand if your kitchen is warm.
2. Don’t overwork the dough.
It’s tempting to knead, but resist! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough scones. Bring the dough together just until it holds. A little roughness is better than overworked smoothness.
3. Roll evenly for a good rise.
Aim for around 3–4 cm thickness before cutting. Too thin, and your scones won’t have much height; too thick, and they may not cook through properly in the air fryer.
4. Use a sharp cutter.
When cutting out rounds, press straight down without twisting. Twisting seals the edges, which can stop the scones from rising evenly.
Space them out.
5. Even though air fryers are compact, make sure the scones aren’t touching. Air needs to circulate freely for them to bake evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
6. Brush the tops, not the sides.
A light brush of buttermilk (or milk) on top gives a lovely golden colour. Avoid brushing the sides, as this can stop the scones from rising properly.
7. Serve immediately.
Air fryer scones are at their absolute best warm, fresh out of the basket. If you need to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the air fryer to bring back that just-baked texture.
8. Experiment with flavours.
Try adding sultanas, dried cranberries, or even a little grated lemon zest for variety. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the flavour possibilities are endless!
Related Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with how quick and easy it is to make scones in the air fryer, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty more bakes and sweet treats you can try without switching on the oven. Here are a few related recipes from my blog that pair beautifully with a cream tea or afternoon snack:
Air Fryer Victoria Sponge
A true classic, this light and fluffy sponge cake can be baked in the air fryer with ease. Filled with jam and cream, it makes a lovely centrepiece for any afternoon tea spread and shows just how versatile the air fryer can be for baking..
Air Fryer Carrot Cake
Moist, spiced, and topped with cream cheese frosting, this cake is a favourite for all seasons. The air fryer locks in the moisture, giving you a rich bake without the wait..
Air Fryer Banana Bread
Perfect for using up ripe bananas, this banana bread comes out soft, tender, and full of flavour. It’s a great make-ahead option and slices beautifully for snacks or packed lunches.
Air Fryer Pecan Brownies
For those who prefer something a little more indulgent, these brownies are gooey in the middle with a slight crunch from toasted pecans. They’re proof that the air fryer isn’t just for savoury recipes!
Air Fryer Cheese Scones
These savoury scones are moist, flavourful, and perfect for breakfast or snack time.
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