I remember the first time I tried making scones. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something warm and comforting. I didn’t have the energy for the oven-baking ritual, but the idea of scones kept tugging at me. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones recipe, which seemed like the perfect solution. My air fryer, which usually just did frozen fries or quick snacks, was about to become my secret weapon in the kitchen. I was skeptical, but also excited. Would they turn out as light and fluffy as promised? Well, the results were a pleasant surprise, and ever since then, this recipe has been my go-to for easy and delicious scones.
Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones recipe is genius in its simplicity. He’s known for creating approachable recipes, and this one is no exception. The concept of using an air fryer for scones seemed unusual to me at first. I always associated scones with a classic oven bake, but once I tried it, I was hooked. The air fryer made them crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside – it felt like magic.
Jamie’s recipe cuts down the usual scone-making time, allowing you to enjoy fresh scones without waiting for the oven to heat up or worrying about the dough getting tough. The best part? No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of Jamie’s Air Fryer Scones is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Self-raising flour – This is the base for the scones and gives them their lift. If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding baking powder to regular flour.
- Butter – Cold butter is crucial for achieving that flaky texture. It’s cut into the flour to create little pockets of fat that expand during cooking, making the scones rise.
- Sugar – Just a bit to add a touch of sweetness, but not too much. It balances the flavor without making them overly sweet.
- Milk – For the right dough consistency. Jamie suggests whole milk, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Egg (optional) – Used for brushing on top of the scones to create a lovely golden finish.
- Vanilla extract (optional) – Adds a little extra flavor if you want a hint of sweetness, but you can skip this if you prefer more savory scones.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones
The method is straightforward, and here’s how you can do it:
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Prep The Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift the self-raising flour and sugar. Sifting helps to avoid clumps and ensures even distribution of the baking powder.
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Cut In The Butter
- Add the cold butter (cut into small chunks) to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. The key here is not to overwork the dough to keep the scones light and airy.
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Add The Milk
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk. Stir until the dough just comes together. You want it to be a bit sticky but not too wet.
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Shape The Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it to about 1-inch thick, then cut out the scones using a round cutter or the rim of a glass. Avoid twisting the cutter, as that can seal the edges and stop the scones from rising properly.
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Prepare The Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place parchment paper in the basket, then arrange your scones, leaving space between them for expansion.
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Cook The Scones
- Air fry the scones for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and puffed up. You might need to check halfway through, as air fryers can vary in heat distribution.
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Finishing Touch
- Brush the tops with a bit of milk or egg wash for a glossy finish, then serve immediately with clotted cream and jam. It’s that easy!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
There’s some fascinating science behind why this recipe works so well:
- Self-Raising Flour: The key to light scones is the leavening power of self-raising flour. It contains both baking powder and salt, so you don’t need to add those separately. The rising agent in the flour creates air pockets in the dough as the scones cook, resulting in that desirable lift.
- Cold Butter: The cold butter creates little pockets of fat that melt during cooking, creating layers in the dough. This process is what gives scones that flaky texture we all love. The air fryer helps to crisp up the outside while keeping the inside soft.
- Milk: The liquid in the recipe activates the flour and helps bind everything together. The milk also contributes to the soft, rich texture of the scones.
- Air Fryer Heat: The rapid circulating heat of the air fryer is perfect for quickly cooking the scones, giving them a golden-brown crust while preserving their lightness inside.
Expert Tips
To ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Handle the Dough Gently: The more you work the dough, the tougher the scones will be. Mix until the ingredients just come together, then stop. Less is more!
- Use Cold Ingredients: Always use cold butter, and make sure your milk is chilled too. Cold ingredients create a flakier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fryers work best when air can circulate freely. Leave some space between each scone to let them puff up properly.
- Check the Temperature: Air fryers vary, so start checking your scones after 10 minutes to make sure they’re golden and fully cooked.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily tweak the recipe. Here are some fun variations:
- Add Lemon Zest: For a fresh citrus kick, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest. It pairs beautifully with clotted cream.
- Cheese and Chives: For a savory twist, swap the sugar for grated cheese (cheddar works well) and stir in some chopped chives.
- Dried Fruit: Add some dried cranberries, raisins, or currants for a sweeter scone with a burst of fruity flavor.
- Spices: Try a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spiced version, especially around fall or winter.
- Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love a chocolate chip scone? Just fold in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Final Words
Making scones doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones recipe, you get all the deliciousness of traditional scones with the convenience of an air fryer. It’s a game-changer for busy mornings or whenever you need a quick fix for that scone craving. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with flavors, the result is always a warm, fluffy scone that’s sure to impress.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones Without Buttermilk?
Yes you can! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to get a similar tangy effect.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones Take To Cook?
It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook scones in the air fryer at 180°C, but check them halfway to make sure they don’t overcook.
Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer For Scones?
Yes, it’s best to preheat the air fryer for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.