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Emma Lawson | 
15.06.2025

Air Fryer Scones: Golden, Fluffy and Fast

These air fryer scones come out golden, fluffy, and perfectly risen — all in under 15 minutes. No need to preheat an oven or guess the timing.
Prep Time
10M
Total Time
12M
Cook
22m
Yield
4 servings
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Baked
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Cakes

Ingredients for Air Fryer Scones

Simple baking cupboard staples

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 50g cold butter, cubed
  • 25g caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 100ml milk
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Add-ins

Add sultanas, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the dough before shaping for a twist on the classic.

Cold Butter is Key

Cold butter creates flaky layers. Rub it into the flour quickly using your fingertips or a pastry cutter.

How to Make Fluffy Scones in the Air Fryer

Quick to prep and even quicker to bake — these scones are a joy for any skill level.

  1. Mix flour, sugar and salt in a bowl.
  2. Rub in cold butter until crumbly.
  3. Whisk egg with milk and stir into mixture to form dough.
  4. Roll out and cut into rounds.
  5. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 mins until golden.

For Best Rise

Don’t overwork the dough and use a sharp cutter to help the scones rise evenly.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 280 | Protein: 6g | Carbs: 34g | Fat: 13g

How to Serve Air Fryer Scones

Serve warm with clotted cream and jam, or slice and butter for a quick snack.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Scones

Making scones in the air fryer is a revelation — no oven, no waiting, just fast and fluffy results. Whether you enjoy them plain, sweetened, or loaded with add-ins, they come out beautifully golden every time. They're ideal for an afternoon tea, quick snack, or even breakfast. Once you try air fryer scones, you’ll wonder why you ever preheated the oven.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Scones

Can I make these with self-raising flour?

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Yes! Self-raising flour works well. Just skip the baking powder if using it.
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Do I need to flip the scones during cooking?

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No — they bake evenly thanks to the air circulation, so no need to flip.
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How do I get the tops golden?

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Brush with a little milk or egg wash before cooking to help them colour up nicely.
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Can I freeze the dough?

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Yes, shape the scones and freeze before cooking. Cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the time.
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