1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding dried fruit or chocolate chips, mix them in at this point.
3. Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a round disc, about 1 inch thick.
- Use a knife or a dough cutter to divide the disc into 8 equal wedges.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer requires preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Prepare for Air Frying:
- Place parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Arrange the scones on the parchment paper, leaving some space between each for air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
7. Air Fry:
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream. This will help them to brown nicely.
- Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scones
- Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and heavy cream are cold to help achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
- Do Not Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones tender.
- Baking in Batches: If necessary, bake the scones in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the scones with clotted cream, butter, jam, or honey for a traditional treat.
Using an air fryer for scones not only speeds up the baking process but also delivers consistently delicious results. Experiment with different add-ins or glazes to customize the recipe to your taste. Enjoy your air fryer scones as a delightful homemade treat!