Blueberry Scones made in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Blueberry Scones – The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Soft and Moist Scones

When it comes to baking, few things are more comforting than a freshly baked scone. But what if you could have your favorite scones in a fraction of the time without sacrificing texture or flavor? Enter the air fryer! Air fryer blueberry scones offer a unique and incredibly efficient way to bake these delicious pastries to perfection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from understanding the ingredients to mastering the technique for the most tender, moist scones, all in less than 15 minutes!

Why Choose Air Fryer Blueberry Scones?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook and bake, providing the perfect method for making pastries that are crispy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. Here’s why the air fryer is the best tool for making blueberry scones:

Speed and Efficiency: Traditional scone recipes typically require long baking times, but with the air fryer, you can have warm, golden scones in just 6 minutes! This is perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast or a sweet treat without the wait.
Crispy Exterior and Soft Interior: The air fryer circulates hot air around the scones, creating a beautiful crisp on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. This gives you the perfect balance of texture that everyone loves in a scone.
Less Oil, More Flavor: With the air fryer, you don’t need to worry about using excessive butter or oil. You can still achieve a rich and satisfying flavor while using less fat, making these scones a slightly healthier alternative to traditional baked scones.
Retaining Freshness: Air fryers work by sealing in moisture, keeping your blueberry scones fresh longer without drying them out, making them ideal for prepping ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Key Ingredients for Making Air Fryer Blueberry Scones

To create the most flavorful and tender air fryer scones, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one and understand their role in this delectable pastry:

Butter – Butter is the key to creating flaky scones. It gives them that rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve the soft, crumbly texture that is characteristic of scones. Slightly softened butter works best because it can be evenly incorporated into the dough without melting too quickly.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structural ingredient, all-purpose flour gives scones their base. It provides the necessary structure and texture to the dough, ensuring that they don’t collapse or turn too dense during cooking.
Sugar – Adding just a little sugar helps balance the natural tartness of the blueberries and gives the scones a subtle sweetness. While scones aren’t typically as sweet as cakes or muffins, a bit of sugar helps bring out the flavors and creates a light golden crust.
Baking Powder – This is the key to making your scones rise. Baking powder is a leavening agent that causes the dough to expand as it cooks, giving the scones their airy and light texture. Without it, the scones would be dense and heavy.
Egg – The egg in this recipe helps to bind the dough together and adds richness. It also contributes to the color and texture of the scones.
Milk – Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps bring all the ingredients together. It ensures the dough is neither too dry nor too wet, achieving the perfect consistency.
Blueberries – Blueberries are the star ingredient in these scones. Their burst of sweetness and slight tartness creates a perfect contrast with the rich, buttery dough. You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. Frozen blueberries can work just as well, but be sure to add them in gently to avoid mashing the fruit.

How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Scones

Now that we know why these ingredients are so important, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious air fryer blueberry scones. Don’t worry – even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple to follow and quick to prepare.

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder. Use a whisk to stir them together evenly. It’s important to ensure that the baking powder is distributed throughout the flour, as this will help the scones rise evenly during cooking.

Step 2: Incorporating the Butter

Next, add the slightly softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture. You want the butter to be broken down into small pea-sized pieces that are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will help create that flaky texture in the final product.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Beat the egg and milk together in a separate bowl, then pour them into the flour-butter mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to stir until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough at this stage – scones can become tough if they are overmixed.

Step 4: Stir in the Blueberries

Once your dough is formed, gently fold in the blueberries. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen berries, try not to crush them too much. Gently mix until the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shaping and Cutting the Dough

Lightly flour your countertop or work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Turn the dough out onto the surface and roll it into a thick disk, about ½ inch in thickness. Use a round cutter (approximately 2 inches in diameter) to cut out your scones. Place the cut scones on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly greased air fryer basket. If you prefer, you can also brush the top of the scones with a little milk for an extra golden finish.

Step 6: Air Frying the Scones

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Carefully place the scones into the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and have risen. You can check their doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the scones are ready.

Step 7: Serving the Scones

Once the scones are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These blueberry scones are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of clotted cream or jam for a truly indulgent treat.

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Blueberry Scones Recipe

Now that we’ve covered all the details, here’s a quick version of the recipe for you to follow.

Ingredients (Makes 16 scones):

1/3 cup butter, slightly softened
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 large egg
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
4 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Add the butter and incorporate it until it forms pea-sized pieces.
Beat the egg and milk together, then add to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick and cut with a 2-inch round cutter.
Place the scones on parchment paper in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each scone.
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per scone):

Calories: 101 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 17mg
Sodium: 86mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 47IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 58mg
Iron: 1mg

Enjoy these perfectly golden, soft, and moist blueberry scones made in the air fryer – a quick, delicious treat for any occasion!