Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a cozy vibe to any gathering, these Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones are the perfect choice! Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning, the aroma of warm scones filling your kitchen, inviting everyone to the breakfast table. These scones are not just delicious; they combine the sweetness of apples with the savory richness of cheddar and bacon, making them a favorite in my household. They’re versatile enough for busy weeknights or family brunches, bringing smiles all around.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up a batch. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply indulging in a sweet morning moment, these scones will make you feel like a baking superstar!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy fresh scones without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors is sure to please even the pickiest eaters—who doesn’t love cheese and apple?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready for warm treats.
• Delicious Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this amazing treat!

For the Scone Base

• 1 stick butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For Flavor

• 1 cup apples (diced)
• 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 3 strips bacon (cooked and diced)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water (cold)

Variations

One of the best things about these scones is their flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Some Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor twist that pairs wonderfully with apples.
• Mix Up the Cheese: Swap cheddar for another cheese like gouda or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Go Veggie: Replace bacon with cooked and crumbled plant-based sausage or simply omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Incorporate Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your scones rise beautifully. Mix well until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining them with your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Fold It All Together

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Then add in the buttermilk. Next, fold in the cheddar cheese, apples, and bacon. Mixing gently helps maintain that light texture we want in our scones.

Step 4: Prepare Your Scone Pan

Spray your scone pan with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking once they’re done cooking. Then carefully add your batter into each section of the scone pan.

Step 5: Brush and Air Fry

In a small bowl, mix together the egg and water, then brush this over your unbaked scones. It gives them that lovely golden color once cooked! Now set your scone pan into the air fryer at 320 degrees F for about 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re golden brown and cooked through, plate them up! Serve warm with some jam or butter if you like. Enjoy every bite of these delicious Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones—your friends will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones

Making scones can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tips up your sleeve to ensure they turn out perfectly!

• Use cold butter: Keeping your butter cold helps create flaky layers in the scones. It prevents the fat from melting too quickly, allowing for that wonderful texture we’re aiming for.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense scones instead of the light and airy ones we all love.

• Chill before cooking: If you have time, chilling the assembled scone batter for about 15 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve the texture. Cold dough will hold its shape better during cooking!

• Adjust cooking time: Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time. Keep an eye on your scones, checking them a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your scones with different cheese types or additional herbs! This can help you discover unique flavor combinations that suit your taste buds.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones

These delightful scones are perfect for a breakfast gathering or an afternoon tea. Presenting them well will make them even more inviting!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and enhances the savory aspect of your scones.
• Apple slices: Thinly sliced fresh apples arranged on the side not only look beautiful but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scones.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the scones and adds freshness to your meal.
• Fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits complements the flavors in the scones while adding a sweet touch to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with berries and granola makes a wonderful side that adds creaminess and crunch.
• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned lightly make for a hearty addition alongside these savory treats.

Enjoy serving up these delicious Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones at your next gathering! They are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making breakfast or snacks a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover scones in an airtight container.
• Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the scones to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat scones in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave for about 30 seconds, but this may make them a bit softer.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common inquiries about Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones!

Can I make Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones without bacon?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or substitute it with cooked turkey bacon or even crispy plant-based bacon for a delicious twist.

How do I ensure my Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones turn out fluffy?

Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the wet ingredients. Gentle folding is key to keeping those beautiful layers!

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors that complement the apples.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones?

These scones pair wonderfully with a side of fruit or yogurt. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup could also elevate their flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Air Fryer Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones as much as I do! They are not only versatile but also bring together wonderful flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these scones are bound to be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!