1. Prepare the Dough:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones light and fluffy.
- Add Sultanas: Gently fold in the sultanas until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Shape the Scones:
- Prepare Work Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle or circle.
- Cut the Scones: Use a floured round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out scone shapes. Gather and re-roll any scraps to cut out additional scones.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking right from the start.
4. Cook the Scones:
- Arrange in Basket: Place the scones in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook the scones at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen nicely. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Glaze (Optional): In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the tops of the scones with the milk and sugar mixture for a sweet, shiny finish.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Cool: Remove the scones from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Serve: Enjoy the scones warm or at room temperature, plain or with your favorite jam and cream.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sultana Scones:
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold for a flaky texture. You can even chill the flour and mixing bowl if desired.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the scones tender.
- Space Out Scones: Place scones with space between them in the air fryer to allow for proper rising and browning.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your air fryer and scones, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Why This Recipe Will Keep You Engaged:
The process of making air fryer sultana scones is straightforward yet rewarding. From mixing the dough to watching them rise beautifully in the air fryer, each step is designed to ensure a successful outcome. The detailed instructions and tips will guide you to perfect scones every time, making the experience enjoyable and the results delicious. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these scones are sure to impress.
Enjoy these light, fluffy, and perfectly golden air fryer sultana scones. They’re perfect for any time of day and make a delightful addition to your baking repertoire!