Hey guys! Are you ready to whip up some delicious, fluffy sultana scones using your Ninja Air Fryer? This recipe is super easy, quick, and perfect for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. I’m going to walk you through each step, ensuring your scones turn out golden brown and utterly irresistible. Let's get baking!

Why Use an Air Fryer for Scones?

You might be wondering, "Why an air fryer for scones?" Well, let me tell you! Air fryers are amazing for baking because they circulate hot air evenly around the food. This results in a beautifully consistent bake, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside. Plus, it's faster than a conventional oven, saving you time and energy. Trust me; once you try air fryer scones, you might never go back to the oven again!

The Magic of Air Fryer Baking

Air fryers aren't just for fries and chicken wings, guys! They're versatile little machines that can handle a variety of baking tasks. The compact size means they preheat quickly, and the circulating air ensures even cooking. For scones, this means a perfect rise and a lovely golden color. It's also fantastic for smaller batches, so you don't have to heat up your entire oven for just a few scones.

Sultana Scones: A Classic Treat

Sultana scones are a timeless classic. The sweetness of the sultanas adds a burst of flavor to the buttery, slightly crumbly texture of the scone. They're perfect with a dollop of clotted cream and some jam, or simply enjoyed warm with a pat of butter. Whether you're hosting a tea party or just want a comforting treat, sultana scones are always a hit.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for these scrumptious Ninja Air Fryer Sultana Scones:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 50g cold butter, cubed
• 25g caster sugar
• 125ml milk
• 50g sultanas
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Flour: Self-raising flour is crucial for getting that lovely rise in your scones. If you only have plain flour, you can make your own self-raising flour by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder per 150g of plain flour.

Butter: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly texture. Make sure it’s straight from the fridge and cubed into small pieces.

Sugar: Caster sugar is best as it dissolves easily, but granulated sugar will also work in a pinch.

Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use semi-skimmed or even plant-based milk if you prefer.

Sultanas: These little gems add sweetness and chewiness. You can substitute them with raisins or dried cranberries if you like.

Baking Powder: This helps the scones rise, ensuring they are light and fluffy.

Egg: Beaten egg is used for glazing the scones, giving them a beautiful golden sheen.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making the scones! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious sultana scones in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crumbly texture!
3. Stir in the caster sugar and sultanas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Add the Liquid

1. Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, mixing with a knife until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined.
2. Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the dough. Gently pat it down to a thickness of about 2cm (¾ inch).

Step 3: Cut Out the Scones

1. Use a 5cm (2 inch) round cutter to cut out the scones. Try to cut them close together to minimize waste. Don't twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
2. Place the scones onto a piece of parchment paper that fits in your air fryer basket.

Step 4: Glaze and Air Fry

1. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. This will give them a lovely golden color.
2. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 180°C (350°F). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, let it run for a few minutes to heat up.
3. Carefully place the parchment paper with the scones into the air fryer basket. Make sure the scones aren't overcrowded; you might need to bake them in batches.
4. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and well-risen. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in temperature.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Once the scones are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
2. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam, or simply with butter. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scones

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time:

• Keep the Butter Cold: This is essential for creating a crumbly texture. You can even chill the flour and mixing bowl for 15 minutes before starting.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Handle Gently: Be gentle when patting down and cutting out the scones. Rough handling can deflate the dough.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: This ensures even cooking and a better rise.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Bake the scones in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the scones are cooked through. It should come out clean.

Variations and Additions

Want to get creative with your scones? Here are a few variations and additions you can try:

• Cheese Scones: Add grated cheddar cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
• Fruit Scones: Use different dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots.
• Chocolate Chip Scones: Add chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a zesty flavor.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory scone.

Serving Suggestions

Scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Classic Cream Tea: Serve with clotted cream and your favorite jam.
• Butter and Honey: Enjoy warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
• Savory Scones: Serve with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
• Breakfast Scones: Pair with eggs, bacon, and avocado for a hearty breakfast.
• Afternoon Tea: Include as part of a traditional afternoon tea spread with sandwiches and cakes.

Storing Your Scones

If you have any leftover scones (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

• Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the scones for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat the scones in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may become slightly softer.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a super easy and delicious recipe for Ninja Air Fryer Sultana Scones! I hope you enjoy making and eating these delightful treats. Don't forget to experiment with different flavors and additions to create your own unique scone creations. Happy baking, guys!