Buttermilk Air Fryer Scones
Ingredients
- ยฝ cups self-raising flour plus extra for dusting
- ยฝ teaspoon baking powder
- Sea salt flakes to season
- 50 g butter chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 90 ml buttermilk or milk
- Milk for glazing
- Jam to serve
- Whipped cream to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180ยฐC.
- Combine the flour, baking powder and sea salt flakes in a bowl.
- Rub in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the caster sugar.
- Combine the vanilla extract with the buttermilk or milk in a jug.
- Gradually stir the liquid into the flour mixture to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together.
- Pat to about 4 to 5 cm thick.
- Use a 4 cm cutter to cut out rounds, reshaping the dough scraps as needed.
- Arrange the scones in the air fryer basket.
- Brush the tops with milk.
- Air fry for 14 to 18 minutes, until risen and golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with jam and whipped cream.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the scones slightly warm with jam and whipped cream. Split them just before serving so the centres remain soft and fresh.Recipe Notes
Keep the butter chilled and handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough can make the finished scones firmer and less fluffy.Cooking Advice
Pat the dough to approximately 4 to 5 cm thick and press the cutter straight down without twisting. This helps the scones rise more evenly during air frying.Storage Advice
Store cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm them briefly in the Airfryer before serving.Wine Advice
Wine is not essential with these scones. Tea or coffee is a more natural accompaniment, particularly when they are served with jam and cream.Nutrition values
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About Buttermilk Air Fryer Scones
Buttermilk Air Fryer Scones are a quick version of traditional scones, with a soft interior and lightly golden exterior. The dough is made with self-raising flour, chilled butter, caster sugar and buttermilk, with a little vanilla adding gentle sweetness. Cooking them in the Airfryer means there is no need to heat a conventional oven.
Keeping the Scones Light
The key to a soft scone is minimal handling. Once the liquid has been added to the dry ingredients, mix only until a soft dough forms. Excessive kneading develops the flour and can produce a tougher texture.
The butter should also remain cold. Small pieces of chilled butter melt during cooking and contribute to the tender texture of the finished scones.
Using Buttermilk
Buttermilk gives the dough moisture and a subtle tang. It also works with the raising agents in the flour and baking powder to help create a light texture.
Regular milk can be used instead when buttermilk is unavailable, as suggested in the original recipe.
Shaping the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and gently bring it together. Rather than repeatedly rolling it, pat it to approximately 4 to 5 cm thick.
Use a 4 cm pastry cutter and press directly through the dough. Avoid twisting the cutter because this can compress the edges and interfere with an even rise.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Arrange the scones in the basket with enough room for the hot air to circulate. Brush the tops lightly with milk before cooking to encourage a golden finish.
Air fry at 180ยฐC for approximately 14 to 18 minutes. They are ready when they have risen, developed a golden surface and are cooked through in the centre.
Serving with Jam and Cream
Freshly cooked scones are particularly good while still slightly warm. Split them and serve with your favourite jam and whipped cream.
The relatively simple scone itself provides a neutral base for the richer cream and sweet fruit jam, so there is no need for elaborate additional toppings.
Serving for Breakfast
These scones make an easy addition to a relaxed breakfast or weekend table. They can be prepared quickly and served directly from the air fryer while still warm.
They are also suitable for an afternoon treat with tea or coffee, especially when served with several different jams.
Preparing Ahead
Scones are at their best on the day they are made, but they can be prepared earlier and warmed briefly before serving. Avoid refrigerating them unnecessarily because this can make them dry more quickly.
Storing the Scones
Once completely cool, place leftover scones in an airtight container and keep them for up to 3 days. A brief reheating in the air fryer helps refresh their texture.
Buttermilk Air Fryer Scones offer a straightforward way to make a small batch of soft, fluffy scones without using a conventional oven. Served warm with jam and whipped cream, they make a simple breakfast, weekend treat or sweet addition to an afternoon table.