Can I Bake Scones in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, you can bake scones in an air fryer—and they come out perfectly golden, flaky, and ready in under 15 minutes. This quick, energy-efficient method delivers oven-quality results with less preheating and precise temperature control, making it ideal for small batches or busy bakers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake scones in an air fryer—achieve golden, flaky results with proper timing.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and consistent texture every time.
• Use parchment paper or liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust temperature to 320°F–350°F to avoid burning or undercooking delicate scones.
• Work in small batches to ensure proper air circulation and even browning.
• Check doneness early—air fryers vary, so monitor at 10 minutes.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Bake Scones?

Let’s be honest—baking scones has always felt like a bit of a production. Preheating the oven, waiting for the right temperature, and then hoping your scones don’t spread into one giant, sad blob. But what if I told you there’s a way to make scones in under 15 minutes, with less mess and better results? Enter the air fryer. That little countertop wonder that’s already revolutionized how we make chicken tenders, fries, and even hard-boiled eggs. But can you bake scones in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but like any good kitchen hack, there’s a method to the madness.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried air fryer scones. I was skeptical, to say the least. Scones are delicate, buttery, and require just the right amount of heat to rise without burning. My oven is finicky, and my last batch ended up looking like flat pancakes. So, I took a leap of faith, dusted off my air fryer, and gave it a shot. The result? Flaky, golden scones with a crisp exterior and soft, buttery center—all in less time than it takes to watch an episode of my favorite cooking show. If you’ve been wondering, “Can I bake scones in an air fryer?” you’re about to discover the perfect method.

Why Air Fryer Scones Might Be Your New Go-To

Air fryers are more than just a trend—they’re a game-changer for small-batch baking. Unlike ovens, which take 10-15 minutes just to preheat, air fryers heat up almost instantly. This means less waiting, more eating. But the real magic lies in how they circulate hot air. The rapid airflow creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender, which is *exactly* what you want in a scone.

Speed and Convenience

Let’s talk about time. Traditional oven-baked scones take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Air fryer scones? 8-12 minutes, depending on size. That’s a huge difference when you’re craving a warm scone with your morning coffee or need a quick treat for unexpected guests. Plus, you don’t need to preheat the air fryer for long—just 2-3 minutes is enough. No more waiting for the oven to reach 425°F while your dough warms up and loses its flakiness.

Even Baking, Less Guesswork

Ovens have hot spots. Air fryers don’t. The convection-style heating ensures every scone gets the same amount of heat, which means no more rotating trays or worrying about one side burning. I’ve had batches where my oven scones came out golden on one side and pale on the other. With the air fryer, every scone is perfectly golden. It’s like having a tiny, precise oven dedicated to your baking needs.

Energy Efficiency

Here’s a bonus you might not have considered: air fryers use less energy than ovens. They’re smaller, heat up faster, and don’t require the same amount of electricity. If you’re baking a small batch (like 2-4 scones), using your air fryer is a no-brainer. It’s better for the environment and your utility bill.

How to Adapt Your Scone Recipe for the Air Fryer

You don’t need a special “air fryer scone recipe” to make this work. In fact, you can use your favorite traditional scone recipe with just a few tweaks. The key is understanding how the air fryer’s environment differs from an oven.

Adjusting Temperature and Time

Air fryers run hotter than ovens because of the concentrated airflow. Most oven scone recipes call for 425°F, but you’ll want to lower the air fryer temperature to 375-400°F. Here’s why: the intense heat can cause the outside to brown too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. I’ve found that 390°F is the sweet spot for most scone recipes. As for time, start with 8 minutes and add 1-2 minutes as needed. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs.

Dough Handling Tips

Air fryers are compact, so you’ll likely be baking smaller batches. This is actually a pro, not a con. Smaller batches mean your dough stays cold longer, which is crucial for flaky scones. Here’s what I do:

• Roll or pat the dough to 1-inch thickness (slightly thinner than oven scones).
• Cut into small wedges or rounds (2-3 inches wide).
• Place scones in the air fryer basket with space between them—don’t overcrowd!

Pro tip: Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay solid, which creates steam during baking and gives you those lovely layers.

Glaze and Toppings

Love a glaze on your scones? You can still do it! Just add the glaze *after* baking. The air fryer’s high heat can cause sugary glazes to burn or caramelize too quickly. If you want a shiny, golden top, brush the scones with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) before baking. For a sweet touch, sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step-by-Step Guide: Air Fryer Scones Done Right

Let’s walk through the process together. I’ll share my go-to method, which works for classic plain scones, fruit scones, and even savory versions.

Ingredients and Prep

For a basic batch (4-6 scones), you’ll need:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 cup add-ins (blueberries, chocolate chips, etc., optional)

Prep work:

1. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) in a bowl.
2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Whisk cream, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Gently fold into dry ingredients.
4. Add fruit or chocolate if using. Don’t overmix—just until combined.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick circle.

Baking Process

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 2-3 minutes.
2. Cut dough into wedges or rounds. Place in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
3. Brush tops with heavy cream or egg wash.
4. Bake for 8 minutes. Check doneness—add 1-2 minutes if needed.
5. Cool for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Real talk: My first batch stuck to the basket. Lesson learned? Lightly spray the basket with oil or line it with parchment paper. The parchment makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the basics, experiment! Try:

• Lemon Blueberry: Add 1 cup fresh blueberries and 1 tbsp lemon zest.
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips.
• Cheese and Chive: Omit sugar, add ½ cup grated cheddar and 2 tbsp chopped chives.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer scone pitfalls—and how to avoid them.

Scones Are Too Dry or Dense

This usually happens when the dough is overworked or the butter isn’t cold enough. Remember: scones need cold butter to create steam and flaky layers. If your scones turn out dry:

• Don’t knead the dough. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Keep everything cold—even the mixing bowl. Pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before starting.
• Don’t skimp on the cream. Heavy cream adds moisture and richness.

Scones Brown Too Fast

Air fryers are powerful. If your scones are dark on the outside but raw inside:

• Lower the temperature by 10-15°F.
• Tent the basket with foil halfway through baking (poke a few holes for airflow).
• Use smaller scones—they cook more evenly.

Sticking to the Basket

Nothing ruins a batch faster than scones glued to the basket. To prevent this:

• Line the basket with parchment paper (cut to fit).
• Lightly spray the basket with oil—but don’t overdo it. Too much oil can make scones greasy.
• Let scones cool for 1-2 minutes before removing. They’ll release more easily.

Uneven Baking

If one scone is perfect and the other is undercooked:

• Arrange scones in a single layer with space between them.
• Rotate the basket halfway through baking (if your model allows it).
• Check your air fryer’s manual—some models have a “shake” function that redistributes heat.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Scone Showdown

Let’s settle this once and for all: which method is better? The answer depends on what you value most—speed, texture, or batch size. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven
Prep Time	2-3 minutes preheat	10-15 minutes preheat
Baking Time	8-12 minutes	20-25 minutes
Texture	Crisp exterior, tender interior	Evenly golden, softer crust
Batch Size	4-6 scones (smaller batches)	8-12 scones (larger batches)
Energy Use	Low	High
Cleanup	Quick (parchment paper helps)	Longer (trays, pans to wash)

For me, the air fryer wins when I’m baking a small batch or need scones fast. But if I’m hosting a brunch and need a dozen scones, the oven is still my go-to. The good news? You don’t have to choose. Use both methods depending on your needs.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Scones?

So, can you bake scones in an air fryer? Absolutely. And after years of baking scones in ovens, toaster ovens, and even microwaves (don’t ask), I can confidently say the air fryer is one of the best methods out there. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and produces consistently delicious results. The key is adjusting your technique to match the air fryer’s unique environment—lower temperature, shorter time, and proper spacing.

That said, this isn’t about replacing your oven. It’s about expanding your baking toolkit. Some days, you’ll need the oven for large batches. Other days, you’ll want the speed and simplicity of the air fryer. And that’s the beauty of it—you get to choose what works best for your kitchen, your schedule, and your cravings.

My advice? Give it a try. Start with a simple recipe, follow the steps I’ve shared, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Maybe your first batch won’t be perfect—mine weren’t. But with a little practice, you’ll be pulling out golden, flaky scones from your air fryer in under 15 minutes. And when that happens, you’ll understand why this method has become a permanent part of my baking routine. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake scones in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake scones in an air fryer! The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks scones evenly, giving them a golden crust and fluffy interior in less time than a traditional oven.

How do I adjust baking time for air fryer scones?

Air fryer scones typically take 8–12 minutes at 320°F (160°C), depending on size. Check for a golden top and a firm texture to ensure they’re fully baked without drying out.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for scones?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even baking and consistent results. This mimics a traditional oven’s steady heat, helping your scones rise properly.

Can I use my regular scone recipe in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Most standard scone recipes work well in the air fryer. Just reduce the temperature by 20–25°F (10–15°C) and monitor closely to avoid over-baking.

What’s the best way to prevent air fryer scones from drying out?

Brush scones with milk or egg wash before baking to lock in moisture, and avoid overcooking. Air fryers dry out food faster, so check for doneness 1–2 minutes early.

Can I bake frozen scones in the air fryer?

Yes! Bake frozen scones at 320°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes. No thawing needed—just add 2–3 minutes to the usual air fryer baking time for perfect results.