- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Scones:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle that’s about 1 inch thick.
- Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to divide the dough into 8 equal wedges.
- Air Fry the Scones:
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Place the scones in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush the tops of the scones with beaten egg to create a golden crust.
- Air fry the scones at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the scones are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Serve the cheese scones warm, either plain or with butter, jam, or additional cheese if desired.
These air fryer cheese scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm out of the air fryer. Experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs for extra flavor variations. Enjoy!