These cheese scones are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with gooey cheese flavor in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside soup, and you can make them in your air fryer in under 10 minutes.
⏱ Prep & Cook Times
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Cook time: 6 minutes
- Total time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 scones depending on size
- Calories: 219 kcal per scone
🛠 Kitchen Gadgets
- Air fryer (or oven if preferred)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Biscuit cutter or glass
- Floured surface for shaping
- Pastry brush or spray bottle (for oil)
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk (add gradually)
- Pinch of salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp seasoning of choice (I used garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch blend)
- 2 Tbsp minced chives (optional)
- 2 Tbsp bacon crumbles (optional)
🍽 Instructions – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat
- Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
- Oven alternative: Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
Tip: Preheating ensures the scones cook evenly and get a golden exterior quickly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tsp seasoning (garlic powder, Italian herbs, ranch)
- Stir to distribute evenly.
Tip: Even distribution of baking powder ensures scones rise evenly.
Step 3: Add Cheese
- Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Optionally add chives or bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
Tip: Cheese adds moisture and richness while helping scones stay soft inside.
Step 4: Add Milk
- Gradually pour in ½ cup milk, mixing gently.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, slightly sticky but manageable.
Warning: Overmixing can make scones tough, so stir just enough to bring the dough together.
Step 5: Shape the Scones
- Lightly flour your work surface and hands.
- Knead dough gently for 10–15 seconds.
- Roll dough to ¾ inch thick or desired thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut rounds.
- Alternatively, shape by hand into small patties.
Tip: Taller scones = fluffier inside. Thinner scones = crispier exterior.
Step 6: Prepare for Cooking
- Air fryer: Place scones in the basket without touching.
- Lightly spray tops with oil for extra crispness.
- Oven: Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Pro Tip: Space scones apart to allow hot air to circulate evenly.
Step 7: Cook the Scones
- Air fryer: 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Oven: 12–15 minutes until golden.
Tip: Air fryer cooks faster due to circulating hot air. Check after 2–3 minutes per side to avoid burning.
Step 8: Serve
- Remove scones and let cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or any topping you like.
Tip: Fresh out of the air fryer, the cheese is perfectly gooey inside, while the crust is crisp.
🌟 Optional Variations
- Extra flavor: Mix in chopped jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like rosemary.
- Sweet version: Replace cheddar with shredded mozzarella and add 1–2 tsp sugar for a mild sweet scone.
- Vegetarian: Skip bacon crumbles or substitute with roasted vegetables.
📌 Notes & Tips
- Height: For taller scones, double the ingredients and thickness. Add 3 extra minutes of cook time.
- Avoid overworking dough: Keeps scones fluffy and light.
- Cheese options: Sharp cheddar gives more flavor; mild cheddar makes it creamier.
🥗 Nutrition (per scone)
- Calories: 219 kcal
- Carbs: 32 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Calcium: 19 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
