Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Scones – Extra Crispy in 8 Minutes

These Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Scones deliver bakery-quality results in just 8 minutes with a perfectly golden exterior and tender, flaky interior. After testing dozens of techniques from top recipe sources, this method consistently produces scones that are audibly crispy outside while maintaining that signature British scone texture inside.

Perfect Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

This recipe transforms the traditional scone-making process by utilizing the air fryer’s circulating heat to create an evenly golden crust in half the time of conventional oven baking. The secret lies in using ice-cold butter and the precise temperature control that air fryers provide, ensuring your scones rise beautifully every single time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling

Ingredient Notes: Mini chocolate chips work best as they distribute more evenly and don’t weigh down the dough. If using regular chocolate chips, increase to 1 cup but expect slightly denser results. Cold butter is non-negotiable – it should come straight from the refrigerator.

Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, leaving edges slightly raised to prevent sticking. Do not preheat yet.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
3. Cut in cold butter: Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This creates the flaky texture.
4. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the flour mixture.
5. Prepare wet ingredients: In a measuring cup, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Form the dough: Pour the cream mixture over the flour mixture and gently stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix – the dough should look slightly shaggy.
7. Shape and cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times. Pat into a 7-inch circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 triangular wedges using a sharp knife.
8. Prepare for air frying: Place scones on the parchment-lined air fryer basket, leaving 1-inch space between each. Brush tops with extra heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
9. Air fry: Set air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking after 6 minutes. Scones are done when tops are golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
10. Cool and serve: Let scones rest in the basket for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm.

Recipe Card:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Servings: 8 scones
• Air Fryer Temperature: 330°F (165°C)
• Difficulty: Easy

Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Chocolate Chip Scones

Temperature & Timing Guide

Standard Air Fryers (3-4 quart): 330°F for 8 minutes, check after 6 minutes Large Air Fryers (5+ quart): 320°F for 9-10 minutes, may need flipping halfway Compact Air Fryers (2 quart): 325°F for 7-8 minutes, work in smaller batches

The key is watching for visual cues rather than relying solely on timing. Properly cooked scones will have golden-brown tops, slightly firm edges, and will spring back lightly when touched. If the tops are browning too quickly, reduce temperature by 10°F and add 1-2 minutes to cooking time.

Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Results

Keep everything cold: Place your mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting. Cold ingredients are the secret to achieving those flaky layers that make scones irresistible.

Don’t skip the parchment: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Cut parchment to fit your basket with small tabs for easy removal.

Master the butter technique: Grate frozen butter directly into the flour mixture for even distribution, or use the traditional pastry cutter method. The goal is visible butter pieces – they’ll create steam pockets for flakiness.

Avoid overmixing: Stir just until ingredients come together. Overmixed dough results in tough, dense scones instead of the tender texture you’re after.

Space properly: Allow 1-inch between scones for proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and poor rising.

Check the bottoms: After cooking, gently lift one scone to check the bottom. If it’s pale, flip all scones and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Scones

Best Sauce Pairings

Classic Clotted Cream and Jam: The traditional British serving method – split scones horizontally and spread with clotted cream, then your favorite jam. Strawberry jam is classic, but raspberry or apricot work beautifully.

Honey Butter: Mix 4 tablespoons softened butter with 2 tablespoons honey and a pinch of sea salt. This sweet-salty combination enhances the chocolate flavors perfectly.

Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a bakery-style drizzle that adds extra sweetness.

Quick Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 2 ounces dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon cream in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir until smooth, and drizzle over cooled scones for chocolate lovers.

Perfect Side Dishes

Air Fryer Hash Browns: Start these crispy potato rounds 15 minutes before your scones for perfect timing coordination.

Fresh Berry Compote: Simmer mixed berries with a touch of sugar while scones cool – the tartness balances the sweet chocolate perfectly.

English Breakfast Tea: The robust flavor of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea provides the ideal beverage pairing for this rich treat.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: Store completely cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’ll maintain their texture best when kept in a single layer.

Refrigerator Storage: Wrap individual scones in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The chocolate chips may harden slightly but will soften when reheated.

Freezer Storage: Wrap cooled scones individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label with the date for best quality tracking.

Air Fryer Reheating: Place refrigerated scones in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. For frozen scones, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as above.

Microwave Option: Heat individual scones for 20-30 seconds on medium power, though this won’t restore the crispy exterior that makes air fryer scones special.

Conclusion

This air fryer method delivers perfectly crispy chocolate chip scones every time. The secret is the rapid air circulation that creates golden exteriors and tender interiors in half the time of traditional oven methods.