These easy air fryer cheese scones are golden on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and packed with extra-mature Cheddar. They take just 8 minutes to cook, making them perfect for a quick lunch, afternoon snack, or savoury addition to a picnic.
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Quick Summary - Air Fryer Cheese Scones
This recipe was tested at 190°C and 200°C. I found 200°C gave the best rise and colour in 8 minutes. They came out beautifully golden with a soft, fluffy middle and plenty of mature Cheddar flavour. Beth (Effortless Foodie)
🕒 Ready In: Prep - 8 minutes, Cook - 8 minutes
👪 Serves: 5
🍽 Calories: 329 per scone
🥣 Main Ingredients: Self raising flour, butter, cheddar cheese, milk
👩🍳 Difficulty: Easy
👌 Why this recipe?
Summarise & Save This Content On
Serve the scones warm with plenty of butter, alongside a bowl of soup, or as part of a ploughman's lunch.
You might also like my sweet air fryer scone recipe, which is perfect with jam and clotted cream.
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Jump to:
- Quick Summary - Air Fryer Cheese Scones
- Why you'll love this air fryer cheese scone recipe
- 5 *Reader reviews
- Ingredient notes
- Need to substitute an ingredient?
- Variations
- Make it even better!
- How to make cheese scones in an air fryer
- My air fryer testing notes
- Beth's top tips
- Serving suggestions
- Storage
- Air fryer cheese scones FAQs
- Troubleshooting guide
- More easy air fryer recipes
- More scone recipes
- Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why you'll love this air fryer cheese scone recipe
- Quick to make: The scones are ready in around 16 minutes from start to finish.
- Small batch: The recipe makes five scones, so there is no need to heat a full-size oven.
- Full of flavour: Extra-mature Cheddar, mustard powder, and a pinch of cayenne give the scones a rich savoury taste.
- Light and fluffy: Cold butter and lightly soured milk help create a tender texture.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a batch ahead and freeze them for another day.
5 *Reader reviews
Made these yesterday, so easy to do. Turn out lovely and fluffy, nice and cheesy😊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Gillian
Fantastic recipe! I added some spring onion snips, celery salt and parmesan and the taste was phenominal! 8 minutes to perfection as per the recipe! It's going into my personal cookbook for quick finds and passing on to my kids! 14mins start to finish - what's not to love! Well done! 👏🏼
- Robena
Ingredient notes
A full ingredients list along with Metric and US Customary measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Self-Raising Flour - Provides the main lift. Make sure it is within date, as older flour can result in flatter scones.
Baking Powder - Gives the scones an extra boost during the short air fryer cooking time.
Butter - Use unsalted butter straight from the fridge. Cold butter helps keep the scones light and prevents the dough from becoming greasy.
Extra-Mature Cheddar - Gives the scones a strong, savoury cheese flavour. Finely grated cheese distributes more evenly throughout the dough. Mature Cheddar can also be used.
Mustard Powder - Enhances the flavour of the cheese without making the scones taste strongly of mustard.
Cayenne Pepper - Adds gentle warmth. Leave it out if you are making the scones for young children.
Whole Milk - Full-fat milk gives the richest texture, although semi-skimmed milk can also be used.
Lemon Juice - Lightly acidifies the milk and helps produce a soft, tender crumb. The milk may thicken slightly but does not need to look fully curdled.
Need to substitute an ingredient?
Have an allergy or dietary preference? Let AI customise the recipe for you.
Variations
- Cheese and Chive - Add two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives.
- Cheese and Herb - Stir in one teaspoon of dried mixed herbs.
- Cheese and Onion - Add two tablespoons of finely chopped spring onions.
- Spicy Cheese Scones - Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Red Leicester Scones - Replace some or all of the Cheddar with Red Leicester for a milder flavour and deeper colour.
- Parmesan Topping - Replace some of the topping cheese with finely grated Parmesan for an extra savoury crust.
Make it even better!
Add more protein
- Pair a warm cheese scone with 2 boiled or scrambled eggs for around 13g extra protein.
Add more fibre
- Replace 50g self-raising flour with wholemeal self-raising flour to add extra fibre while keeping the scones light.
- Mix 2 tablespoons (20g) mixed seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame into the dough for around 2g extra fibre per batch.
Add healthy fats
- Fold 30g finely chopped walnuts into the dough for extra unsaturated fats and a lovely savoury crunch.
- Top a split warm cheese scone with ½ an avocado for roughly 10-12g of mostly unsaturated fat plus around 5g fibre.
How to make cheese scones in an air fryer
One: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Two: Place the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Three: Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Four: Stir most of the grated Cheddar into the flour mixture, reserving a small handful for the tops.
Five: Heat the milk in the microwave for 20 seconds, squeeze in a little lemon juice (about ¼ teaspoon) and leave it to stand for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring with a table knife until the dough begins to clump together. You may not need every drop. Bring the dough together gently with your hands. It should feel soft but not wet or sticky. Avoid kneading or overworking it.
Six: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and pat it out to a thickness of approximately 3cm. Do not use a rolling pin. Cut out five scones using a 5cm round cutter. Press the cutter straight down rather than twisting it, as twisting can prevent an even rise.
Seven: Using a pastry brush, glaze the tops of the scones with milk then sprinkle over the reserved grated cheese.
Eight: Place the scones in your air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes until well risen and golden on top.
My air fryer testing notes
I tested these cheese scones in my Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill and Air Fryer 5.7l. All five fitted comfortably in the basket and cooked in one batch without needing to be turned.
The best results came from patting the dough to around 3cm thick and cooking the scones at 200°C for 8 minutes. They rose well, developed golden tops, and were fully cooked in the middle.
Air fryers can vary considerably, so start checking the scones after 7 minutes. Smaller or more powerful models may cook them slightly faster, while larger oven-style air fryers may need an extra minute or two.
Beth's top tips
- Use fridge-cold butter to keep the dough cool.
- Add the milk gradually because different brands of flour absorb different amounts of liquid.
- Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
- Pat the dough to an even 3cm thickness so the scones cook at the same rate.
- Press the cutter straight down and do not twist it.
- Leave space between the scones so the hot air can circulate.
- Check them from 7 minutes if your air fryer tends to cook quickly.
Serving suggestions
Air fryer cheese scones are best served warm with butter.
They are also delicious with:
- Homemade soups - particularly tomato soup and vegetable soup
- A ploughman's lunch
- Chutney or pickle
- Cream cheese
- Sliced ham
- A picnic lunch
- Afternoon tea
You can also split them and fill them with cheese, ham, or chutney for a quick savoury snack.
Storage
Store - Store cooled cheese scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best eaten on the day they are made, but reheating them briefly will soften the crumb and freshen them up.
Reheat - In the air fryer at 160°C for approximately 3 minutes. Check after 2 minutes, particularly if they have already been cut in half. They can also be reheated briefly in a microwave, although the outside will be softer.
Freeze - Allow the scones to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before reheating in the air fryer at 160°C for 3-4 minutes.
Air fryer cheese scones FAQs
I cook the scones directly in the basket Avoid placing loose baking paper in the air fryer during preheating, as it may lift towards the heating element. Solid parchment can also restrict airflow beneath the scones and leave the bases pale. Follow the instructions for your particular air fryer model.
Yes, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before baking the scones. This helps ensure that the air fryer is at the right temperature to properly cook the scones.
No you do not need to turn the scones.
Cook them at 200°C (400°F). If your air fryer browns food very quickly, reduce the temperature to 190°C and allow an extra minute or two.
Self-raising flour gives the most reliable result. If using plain flour, you will need to add extra baking powder to provide enough lift.
Extra-mature Cheddar gives the strongest flavour. Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyère, or a combination of Cheddar and Parmesan can also be used.
Troubleshooting guide
Why didn't my cheese scones rise?
The dough may have been rolled too thin, handled too much, or made with old raising agents. Pat it to around 3cm thick, handle it lightly, and use fresh self-raising flour and baking powder.
Why are my scones doughy in the middle?
The scones may be too thick, placed too close together, or cooked in an air fryer that runs at a lower temperature. Cook them for another 1-3 minutes and check again.
Why did the cheese burn on top?
The cheese sits close to the air fryer heating element and can brown quickly. Check the scones from 7 minutes and reduce the temperature to 190°C next time if your air fryer runs hot.
Why are the bottoms pale?
A solid paper liner can prevent the hot air from circulating underneath. Use a perforated liner, cook directly in the basket where suitable, or turn the scones for the final minute or two.
Why are my cheese scones tough?
The dough was probably mixed or kneaded for too long. Stir only until there is no loose flour, then bring it together gently with your hands.
Why did my scones rise unevenly?
The dough may not have been an even thickness, or the cutter may have been twisted. Pat the dough level and press the cutter firmly and straight down.
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Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones
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Equipment
- 5cm Cookie Cutter
Ingredients
- 175 g Self Raising Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Mustard Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 55 g Unsalted Butter chilled and cubed
- 120 g Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese grated
- 85 ml Whole Milk
- ¼ teaspoon Lemon Juice fresh
Other ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Plain Flour for dusting
- 2 tablespoon Milk for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl.175 g Self Raising Flour, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Mustard Powder, ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.55 g Unsalted Butter
- Stir most of the grated Cheddar into the flour mixture, reserving a small handful for the tops.120 g Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese
- Heat the milk in the microwave for 20 seconds, squeeze in a little lemon juice (about ¼ teaspoon) and leave it to stand for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring with a table knife until the dough begins to clump together. You may not need every drop. Bring the dough together gently with your hands. It should feel soft but not wet or sticky. Avoid kneading or overworking it.85 ml Whole Milk, ¼ teaspoon Lemon Juice
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and pat it out to a thickness of approximately 3cm. Do not use a rolling pin. Cut out five scones using a 5cm round cutter. Press the cutter straight down rather than twisting it, as twisting can prevent an even rise.2 tablespoon Plain Flour
- Using a pastry brush, glaze the tops of the scones with milk then sprinkle over the reserved grated cheese.2 tablespoon Milk, 120 g Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese
- Place the scones in your air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes until well risen and golden on top.
Notes
- Use fridge-cold butter for the lightest, fluffiest cheese scones.
- Don't overwork the dough-mix only until it just comes together to keep the scones tender.
- Pat the dough to 3cm (1¼ inches) thick for a good rise.
- Press the cutter straight down without twisting, as twisting can stop the scones rising evenly.
- Finely grate the Cheddar so it mixes evenly through the dough and melts beautifully on top.
- Different air fryer models vary in power, so start checking from 7 minutes. The scones are ready when they're well risen, golden brown, and cooked through in the centre.
- Leave a little space between each scone in the basket so the hot air can circulate properly.
- If the tops are browned but the centres need a little longer, cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.
- These cheese scones are best enjoyed warm on the day they're made, but leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2-3 minutes.
- Freeze cooled scones for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
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Robena Hinwood says
Fantastic recipe! I added some spring onion snips, celery salt and parmesan and the taste was phenominal! 8 minutes to perfection as per the recipe! It’s going into my personal cookbook for quick finds and passing on to my kids! 14mins start to finish - what’s not to love! Well done! 👏🏼
Beth Sachs says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Bern says
Hi my scones came out stodgy in the middle and Dryish on the edges. What could the cause be?
Lushane says
Made then today and wow, directions were clear and made it soo easy to follow. They came out perfect 👌
Thank you.
Em Carver-Barrass says
Oh my. I literally can't across your recipe an hour ago and decided at once to make some. 8 never took out scones, I just press them into shape with cold fingers. I decided to leave it circular and just cut into 6 wedges.
I baked for 7 minutes then flipped for another 3 as they were thick. They're in the fryer now for the last minute and I'm licking the foil they were in for the first half 😆 They are absolutely incredible. I know I'm going to eat then for supper, breakfast and lunch, then have belly ache. It will be so worth it! Thank you!
Rosemary Griffin says
So easy to make in airfryer when only cooking a few .
Tim says
Delicious, easy to make, and very tasty, thank you.
Elaine scott says
We really enjoyed them. Thank you for the recipe.
I made mine in the Foodi Max Health Grill & air fryer.
And it’s only the second time I’ve used it so wasn’t sure how to go on. I cooked them at 180 for 15 mins. They were lovely.
Gillian says
Made these yesterday, so easy to do. Turn out lovely and fluffy, nice and cheesy.😊
Antony says
Delicious tea time treat!
Sheila says
Wonderful texture and lovely and cheesy!
Lizzie says
Delicious.