Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones: A Quick and Flavorful Treat
Perfectly Flaky and Bursting with Blueberries
Scones are a delightful treat, and when you add juicy blueberries and a hint of cinnamon to the mix, you get a mouthwatering dessert or breakfast option. Using your air fryer, you can whip up these Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones in no time. They’re golden, flaky, and brimming with blueberry goodness. Let’s dive into this recipe for a tasty and quick pastry.
Ingredients:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (frozen can be used, too)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). You may need to adjust the temperature slightly based on your air fryer model.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Blueberries:
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. If you’re using frozen blueberries, add them directly from the freezer to prevent excess moisture.
5. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using).
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy.
7. Form the Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick circle. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
8. Air Fry the Scones:
- Place the scones in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
- Air fry the scones at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them.
9. Make the Glaze:
- While the scones are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Glaze the Scones:
- Once the scones are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones warm and enjoy every flaky, blueberry-filled bite!
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones
Tips:
- For even distribution of blueberries, you can lightly toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the scones.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
Variations:
- Instead of blueberries, you can use raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of berries for a different flavor.
- Experiment with different glaze flavors. Try adding a touch of almond extract or orange zest for a unique twist.
Customization:
- These Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones are versatile. Enjoy them as is or add a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey for extra decadence.
Storage:
- Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat in the air fryer or microwave when needed.
Cook’s Note:
- The key to tender and flaky scones is not overworking the dough. Be gentle when mixing the wet and dry ingredients, and handle the dough as little as possible to achieve that perfect scone texture. With the convenience of your air fryer, these scones are a breeze to make and a joy to savor. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day
- The lemon zest is optional but adds a delightful citrusy aroma and flavor to the scones. If you’re a lemon lover, it’s a fantastic addition.
Air Fryer Tips:
- Be sure to preheat your air fryer as directed in the recipe. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- While air fryers vary in temperature settings and cooking times, these scones are generally forgiving. Keep an eye on them, and adjust the cooking time if necessary to prevent over-browning.
Serve with Your Favorite Beverage:
- These Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The combination of the slightly sweet scones and a warm drink makes for a delightful snack or breakfast.
Customization Ideas:
- If you’re feeling creative, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the scones before air frying for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with Fillings:
- While blueberries are a classic choice, you can get inventive with your scone fillings. Try adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even savory ingredients like grated cheese and herbs for a unique twist.
The Joy of Air Frying:
- Air frying is a fantastic way to enjoy the crispiness of deep-fried foods with a fraction of the oil. It’s not just for savory dishes; as demonstrated by these Air Fryer Blueberry Cinnamon Scones, you can create delectable desserts too. So, fire up your air fryer and savor the magic of homemade scones in no time!
