When I first came across Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones recipe, I was skeptical. I mean, the idea of baking scones without an oven seemed a bit… unconventional, right? But then I tried it, and I was hooked. Air fryers are known for crisping things up, but I never imagined they could produce a soft, buttery scone. Yet here I was, pulling out perfectly golden scones in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. The texture? A delicate balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Ever since, I’ve been perfecting the art of the air fryer scone, and now I can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned.
Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe is one of those that hits all the right notes. It’s simple, quick, and does not require fancy ingredients. The best part is that it turns out great whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro. There’s something so satisfying about pulling out golden scones with minimal effort. Here’s how Jamie’s recipe stacks up and why it works:
- Simplicity: It’s not overly fussy, and you don’t need an arsenal of special tools.
- Speed: Using an air fryer cuts down on baking time significantly. Instead of waiting for the oven to preheat and bake for 20-30 minutes, you can have scones in about 10-12 minutes.
- Flavor: With butter and a touch of sugar, the flavor is warm and comforting, like a traditional British scone, but without the hassle.
Ingredients Needed
When I first looked at the ingredient list for Jamie’s Air Fryer Scones, I thought it was too basic to make something so delicious. But that’s the beauty of this recipe-it doesn’t require anything fancy.
- Self-raising flour – This is key for the scones to rise properly. I’ve learned over time that using self-raising flour gives you that perfect, soft texture.
- Butter – You want cold butter, which gives the scones a flaky texture. Don’t skip this part!
- Sugar – A little sugar helps balance out the richness of the butter, and it gives the scones a slight sweetness.
- Milk – Whole milk works best. It helps make the dough a little richer and adds moisture.
- Egg (optional) – Some versions of the recipe add an egg for extra richness. I’ve tried it both ways, and while it adds a bit of richness, the scones are perfectly good without it.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones
The first time I made these, I was amazed by how little effort it took. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix dry ingredients – Combine the self-raising flour and sugar in a bowl.
- Cut in the butter – Add cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingers until it looks like breadcrumbs. This step is where the magic happens. The butter creates those flaky layers.
- Add milk – Pour in the milk gradually. Stir until you have a soft dough.
- Form the dough – Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it out gently to a thickness of about 1 inch, then cut out your scones using a round cutter. Don’t twist the cutter, just press down for clean edges.
- Air fry – Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the scones in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve – Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re fantastic with clotted cream and jam.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Ever wondered why self-raising flour is essential in making the perfect scone? Here’s a little breakdown of why each ingredient in Jamie’s recipe works its magic:
- Self-raising flour: This flour has baking powder mixed into it. It helps the scones rise without needing additional leavening agents, giving them that light, airy texture.
- Butter: The cold butter, when rubbed into the flour, forms layers that create the flakiness scones are known for. The cold temperature of the butter prevents it from fully incorporating, allowing the dough to remain tender.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture but also proteins and fats that help bind the dough together and create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whole milk, in particular, offers enough richness for the scones to hold up well when served with cream and jam.
Expert Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to elevate the scone-making process. Here’s what I wish I knew when I first started:
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix it just until it comes together. Overworking the dough will make the scones dense.
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and cold milk make all the difference in achieving a flaky scone. Don’t skip this!
- Preheat your air fryer: It helps the scones cook evenly and get that nice golden crust. The air fryer works best when it’s hot and ready to go.
- Space out the scones: Don’t crowd the basket. If they’re too close together, they won’t rise as well and might stick.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or get creative. Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese scones: Add grated cheddar or parmesan for a savory twist. Perfect if you’re pairing them with soup or a salad.
- Fruit scones: Toss in some dried fruit like raisins, currants, or even chopped fresh berries. Just make sure the fruit is coated in a bit of flour before mixing it in, to prevent it from sinking to the bottom.
- Herb scones: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can give a fragrant twist to your scones. Pair these with a nice butter or creamy cheese.
- Glazed scones: For an extra touch, brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or egg wash before baking for a golden sheen.
Final Words
After countless batches of scones, I can say with confidence that Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones recipe is a winner. It’s quick, easy, and produces scones that taste like they’ve been baked for hours. If you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free recipe, this is it. It’s simple enough for beginners but offers great results that even experienced bakers will appreciate.
FAQs
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones Take To Cook?
They typically cook in about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, depending on size and model.
Can I Use A Different Flour For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Scones?
Yes, you can swap in whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
Do I Need To Preheat My Air Fryer For Jamie Oliver’s Scones?
It’s not necessary to preheat the air fryer, but it can help get an even cook on your scones.