If you’ve never tried making scones in an air fryer, you’re in for a treat! These Cheddar Jalapeno Scones are easy to prepare, with a deliciously savory twist that will make your next brunch or snack time unforgettable. The combination of rich cheddar cheese and spicy jalapenos, all served warm with a spread of creamy Philadelphia Original, makes these scones the perfect dish to share with friends. Plus, the air fryer makes the whole process quick and easy, giving you perfectly golden scones every time.
Method in detail
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the self-raising flour into a large mixing bowl. This will help to break up any lumps and create a smooth, light base for your dough. Once sifted, add the baking powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the flour. The paprika will add a subtle heat and depth of flavor, while the salt and pepper will season the dough, setting the stage for the savory cheddar and jalapenos that will be added later. Mix everything together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Rub in the Butter
Next, take the cold, cubed butter and add it to the flour mixture. Using your thumbs and forefingers, gently rub the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue this until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This process is key to achieving the signature light and flaky texture of scones. The butter needs to be well incorporated without being melted, so make sure the butter stays in small, pea-sized pieces throughout the flour mix. If the butter starts to warm up and soften, it’s best to pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up again.
Make the Wet Mix
In a separate bowl, pour in the milk and crack one egg into it. Whisk this together until it’s smooth and well combined. This will form the liquid component of the dough. Create a well in the center of your dry mixture, and pour in the milk and egg mixture. Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped jalapenos to the mix. The cheese will melt and create little pockets of gooey goodness inside the scones, while the jalapenos will add a spicy kick. Using two forks or your hands, gently stir the ingredients together. The mixture should begin to form a dough, but it will still be a little sticky at this stage.
Knead the Dough
Now it’s time to knead the dough. Dust a clean surface with a little extra flour to prevent sticking, then turn the dough out onto the surface. Begin kneading the dough by folding it over and pressing it down gently with the heels of your hands. Do this until the dough just comes together and forms a firm ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can make the scones tough. The goal is to work the ingredients together just enough to form a dough without over-mixing.
Shape the Scones
Once the dough is ready, roll it out to about 3-4 cm thick using a rolling pin. This thickness will ensure that the scones rise nicely and cook evenly. Then, take a cookie cutter (about 3-4 cm in diameter) and press it into the dough to cut out your scones. You should be able to get around 12 scones from this batch, depending on the size of your cutter. After cutting, re-roll any leftover dough and repeat the process until all the dough is used up.
Air Fry the Scones
Now, place the scones into your air fryer basket. Be sure to leave a little space between each scone so that the hot air can circulate around them evenly, ensuring they cook properly. Brush the tops of the scones with a little egg wash (a mixture of the remaining egg and a splash of milk) to give them a golden finish when they cook. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated cheddar cheese on top for that extra cheesy, delicious touch. Air fry the scones at 180°C (350°F) for about 12 minutes. The scones should be golden brown and cooked through, so check them after 10 minutes, as air fryers can vary in heat.
Cool and Serve
Once the scones are perfectly golden and cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for about 30 minutes. This cooling period will help the scones set and develop their perfect texture. When ready to serve, spread some Philadelphia Original on top for a creamy and tangy contrast to the rich cheese and spicy jalapenos in the scones. Enjoy these savory treats while they’re still warm for the best flavor and texture!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Sieve
- Fork or hands (for mixing dough)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (3-4 cm)
- Air fryer
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Cheddar Jalapeno Scones: A Savory Twist on a Classic
Difficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes12
minutes22
minutesIngredients
500g self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp paprika
120g unsalted butter (room temperature)
200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
100g jalapenos, chopped
200ml milk
2 eggs
Philadelphia Original (for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour into a bowl, then add the baking powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give your scones a lovely flavor base with a little kick from the paprika.
- Rub in the Butter: Cube the butter into small chunks and rub it into the flour mixture using your thumbs and forefingers. Continue until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. This step is key for giving your scones that light, flaky texture.
- Make the Wet Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and one egg until smooth. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Add in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped jalapenos. Mix everything together using two forks or your hands until it forms a dough
- Knead the Dough: Sprinkle some flour on your work surface, then turn the dough out and knead it until it’s firm but not too tough. You want it to be just combined and not overworked.
- Shape the Scones: Roll out the dough to about 3-4 cm thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 12 scones. You can brush the tops with a bit of egg wash for a nice golden finish.
- Air Fry the Scones: Place the scones in your air fryer and brush them with a little more egg wash, then top with a bit more grated cheddar cheese. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Once they’re done, let the scones cool for about 30 minutes. Serve them with a generous spread of Philadelphia Original, and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Notes
- When kneading the dough, make sure not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can make the scones tough instead of light and fluffy. Also, don’t forget to leave enough space between the scones in the air fryer for the hot air to circulate evenly. This ensures that they cook perfectly and rise as they should.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are perfect for brunch or as a savory snack with friends. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a side of creamy soup for a full meal. They also make a great appetizer for any gathering served with a bit of Philadelphia Original on the side for an extra creamy treat!
Fun Fact
Did you know the air fryer can make scones in half the time compared to baking them in a regular oven? It’s a great way to get all the flavor with less wait time!
Conclusion
These Cheddar Jalapeno Scones are the perfect way to spice up your scone game. With rich cheese, a little heat from the jalapenos, and the ease of making them in an air fryer, you’ll want to bake these every weekend. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these savory scones are a winner every time. So, grab your ingredients and get baking your taste buds will thank you.
