Make fluffy, herby air fryer cheese scones in under 10 minutes. A quick, cheesy, and savory snack that’s perfect for tea, breakfast, or anytime cravings.
Herby air fryer cheese scones are the perfect recipe when you’re craving something savory, fluffy, and packed with flavor but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Traditional scones often require baking in the oven, preheating, and waiting around, but with an air fryer, you can have freshly made scones in less than 10 minutes. This recipe combines the richness of cheese with fresh herbs, giving you a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and earthy notes in every bite.
What makes these scones so irresistible is their soft texture on the inside with a lightly crisp golden crust on the outside. The cheese melts beautifully, and the herbs infuse the dough, making it fragrant and appetizing. They’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a quick breakfast option when paired with butter, soup, or tea.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can switch up the herbs, experiment with different cheeses, or add extras like garlic, spring onions, or even chili flakes for a spicy kick. Whether you’re entertaining guests, feeding your family, or just treating yourself, these herby air fryer cheese scones are quick, easy, and always satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme – finely chopped)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- ½ cup milk (plus extra for brushing)
- 2 tbsp butter (cold, cubed)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub in the cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the grated cheese and fresh herbs.
- Gradually pour in the milk and mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, about 1 inch thick.
- Use a round cutter or glass to cut out scones.
- Place scones into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
- Brush tops lightly with milk for a golden finish.
- Air fry for 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
How to Prepare
Start by making sure your air fryer is preheated. This ensures the scones cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden top. When preparing the dough, keep the butter cold because it helps create the light and flaky texture. Mixing should be gentle to avoid tough scones. After shaping and cutting, place them directly into the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. A light brush of milk on top helps achieve that glossy, bakery-style finish.
5. Preparation Time
- Mixing and shaping: 5 minutes
- Air fryer cooking: 7–8 minutes
- Total time: Less than 10 minutes to make fresh, herby cheese scones
6. Servings
This recipe makes about 8 medium-sized scones, perfect for sharing or enjoying over two days.
7. FAQs
Q1: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute 1 tablespoon of dried herbs for fresh ones, but fresh herbs give a stronger flavor.
Q2: Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda. Each cheese changes the taste and texture.
Q3: Can I freeze these scones?
Yes, freeze them after baking. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 320°F (160°C).
Q4: Why are my scones dense?
Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can make scones heavy. Keep butter cold and handle gently.
Q5: Do I need parchment paper in the air fryer?
Not always, but parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Conclusion
Herby air fryer cheese scones prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In under 10 minutes, you can enjoy fresh, golden scones bursting with cheesy goodness and aromatic herbs. They’re quick enough for busy mornings yet impressive enough for gatherings or tea parties.
With simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe becomes a go-to snack or side dish. The air fryer makes the process foolproof by cutting down cooking time while ensuring perfect results every time. Best of all, you can customize them with your favorite herbs and cheeses to match your taste.
Whether you pair them with a warm bowl of soup, serve them at brunch, or enjoy them with a spread of butter, these herby cheese scones will always hit the spot. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to waiting on traditional oven-baked scones again. Quick, cheesy, and utterly delicious – this is one recipe worth saving and sharing.
