Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky scone with a crispy exterior and a gooey, melty cheese center. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the rich, savory flavor of cheddar cheese dance on your taste buds, leaving you craving for more. This is the magic of air fryer cheese scones, a delightful treat that will elevate your snacking experience to new heights.
A Cheesy Journey Begins
Before we embark on this cheesy journey, let’s gather our ingredients. In a large bowl, we combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon of our favorite seasoning. For a burst of flavor, I recommend using a combination of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning blend. To enhance the cheesy goodness, we add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of minced chives (optional), and 2 tablespoons of bacon crumbles (optional).
The Art of Scone Making
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) or your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients until well combined. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, and then gradually add the milk, mixing it in small amounts at a time. Be careful not to make the mixture too watery; we want a soft dough that holds its shape. Once the dough comes together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for 10-15 seconds, ensuring not to overwork it. This will keep the scones tender and fluffy. Now, it’s time to shape our scones. You can use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out round shapes from the dough. Alternatively, you can form a patty of your desired thickness, approximately ¾ inch thick, using your hands.
Two Paths to Deliciousness
Now that our scones are ready, we have two paths to choose from: air frying or baking in the oven. Let’s explore both options.
Air Fryer Method
If you opt for the air fryer method, place the scones directly on the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not touching each other. Give them a light spritz of oil spray to achieve that golden brown perfection. Air fry the scones for 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn beautifully golden. The air fryer will give our scones a crispy exterior while maintaining the delightful gooeyness of the cheese within.
Oven Baking Method
If you prefer the traditional oven baking method, place the scones on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown color. The oven will work its magic, creating a slightly different texture while still delivering the deliciousness we crave.
Serve and Savor
Once our air fryer cheese scones are cooked to perfection, it’s time to indulge. Serve them warm, allowing the butter to melt luxuriously into their layers. Pair them with your favorite jam or toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or a delightful addition to your brunch spread, these scones will undoubtedly impress your taste buds.
Air Fryer Cheese Scones
If you desire tall, magazine-worthy scones, you can double the ingredients and double the thickness of the dough when shaping the scones. This will create a more substantial scone that requires an additional 3 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Pinch of salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp seasoning of choice. I used garlic powder, italian seasoning and ranch seasoning blend.
- 2 Tbsp minced chives (optional)
- 2 TBS Bacon crumbles (optional)
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