These buttery Air Fryer Cheese Scones are the ultimate savoury treat — light, fluffy, and generously loaded with melty cheddar cheese. They come together in minutes with simple ingredients and cook beautifully in the air fryer for the perfect rise and golden top. Whether you’re looking for a speedy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or something delicious to pair with soup or salad, these cheesy scones will be a new favourite.

They’re ready in just 16 minutes total, making them ideal for busy days or when cravings strike. Fresh from the air fryer, spread with butter… pure comfort!

What You’ll Need

Serves 4 | Air Fryer Recipe

Dry Ingredients

• 150 g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• ¼ tsp mustard powder

Fats & Dairy

• 40 g butter, cut into small cubes

• 50 g cheddar cheese, finely grated

• 20 g cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

• 80 ml milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Place the self-raising flour into a medium mixing bowl. Add baking powder, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder. Stir to evenly distribute the seasoning and rising agents.

2️⃣ Add the butter cubes into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Tip: A food processor can do this step quickly — pulse until crumb-like.

3️⃣ Mix in the finely grated cheddar, coating it well with the flour mixture so it spreads evenly throughout the dough.

4️⃣ If your air fryer requires preheating, set it now so it’s hot and ready for baking.

5️⃣ Slowly pour in the milk. Start with most of it, then add the rest only if needed — you want a soft, slightly sticky dough.

6️⃣ Using a blunt knife, bring the dough together, then switch to your hands to gently form a smooth ball. Lightly flour your work surface, then pat the dough into a round disc about 2 cm thick.

7️⃣ With a 6 cm round cutter, cut out four scones. Press the remaining dough back together and cut more if needed — but usually there’s only a tiny bit left over.

8️⃣ Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with baking parchment. Arrange the scones around the base with space between them to allow airflow for rising.

⚠️ Important Safety Tip:
Never put parchment in the air fryer while preheating — it can blow up into the heating element and burn. Place parchment only once dough is on top to weigh it down.

9️⃣ Brush the tops with a touch of milk for a glossy finish.

🔟 Sprinkle the coarsely grated cheese over each scone for a deliciously cheesy crust.

1️⃣1️⃣ Air fry at 185°C (365°F) for 11 minutes, or until risen and golden.

12️⃣ Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly — though they’re best enjoyed warm!

Spread with butter and enjoy the soft, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones

• Handle the dough gently — overmixing can make scones tough.

• Add extra cheese inside for stronger flavour.

• Serve fresh! Scones are best the day they’re baked.

• Pair with: butter, tomato soup, eggs, or even enjoy them as a quick snack.

These Air Fryer Cheese Scones are a fantastic way to make bakery-style treats without turning on the oven — perfect for any time of day!

Air Fryer Cheese Scones

Quick Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 11 mins
Total Time: 16 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients
150 g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
40 g butter
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp mustard powder
50 g cheddar cheese (finely grated)
20 g cheddar cheese (coarsely grated)
80 ml milk

Quick Steps

1. Mix flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder.

2. Rub in butter until it forms breadcrumbs.

3. Add finely grated cheese and stir.

4. Pour in milk and form a soft dough.

5. Cut into 4 round scones.

6. Place on parchment in air fryer, brush with milk, add cheese topping.

7. Air fry at 185°C (365°F) for 11 minutes.

8. Cool slightly and serve with butter.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 292

• Carbs: 29 g

• Protein: 9 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Cholesterol: 41 mg

• Sodium: 188 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Calcium: 179 mg