What You'll Need
Before you dive into baking these scrumptious blueberry scones in your air fryer, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
💡 Note: Use frozen blueberries if fresh ones are not available. They'll keep your dough cold which is crucial for flaky scones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Allow it to heat up while you prepare the scone dough.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
3. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Incorporate Blueberries
Gently fold the blueberries into the mixture. Try to do this with minimal handling to prevent the berries from bursting and coloring the dough too much.
5. Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
- Egg
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Add this to your dry mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Form the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently press it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
7. Air Fry the Scones
- Place the scones in the air fryer basket, spacing them slightly apart.
- Sprinkle the tops with additional sugar for a nice crunch.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
🔥 Note: Watch the scones carefully in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
8. Let Them Cool
Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes in the air fryer before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. This step helps prevent the scones from becoming too crumbly.
Serving Suggestions
Your blueberry scones are now ready to be enjoyed! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Enjoy them plain or with a spread of butter.
- Pair them with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream.
- Serve with your favorite tea or coffee for a classic high tea experience.
By following these steps, you'll have perfectly delicious and healthier blueberry scones in no time, all thanks to the magic of air frying.
In summary, this method of baking scones in an air fryer not only reduces cooking time but also minimizes oil use for a lighter treat. The keys to success are keeping the butter cold, gently handling the dough, and avoiding overcooking. With this recipe, you'll add a delightful twist to traditional scones that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Can I use frozen blueberries in my scones?
+
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used in this recipe. They can actually help keep the dough cold, which contributes to making the scones flakier. Just be gentle when folding them into the dough to avoid breaking them and turning the dough blue.
How can I ensure my scones don’t spread too much in the air fryer?
+
To prevent spreading, ensure your butter is very cold and work the dough as little as possible to avoid warming it up. Also, preheat your air fryer to get an immediate start on cooking the scones which helps them hold their shape.
Can I make scones ahead of time?
+You can prepare the scone dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated or frozen. Bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor. If freezing, cut into shapes before freezing, then you can bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
