There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked scones filling the kitchen, and it takes me straight back to lazy Sunday afternoons when I would experiment with different baking recipes. One day, while flipping through Jamie Oliver’s air-fryer ideas, I came across his Cheddar cheese and chive scones recipe. I was instantly hooked by the thought of making savory scones that could come together quickly without needing to turn on the oven.
The first time I made these, it felt almost too easy. I mixed the dough, shaped the scones, popped them into the air-fryer, and before I knew it, I had golden, cheesy, and beautifully puffed scones ready to enjoy. What amazed me even more was how tender they turned out, with a lovely crispness on the outside. The combination of mature Cheddar and fresh chives added such a delicious depth of flavor that it became an instant favorite in my house.
These air-fryer Cheddar cheese and chive scones are perfect whether you want a quick snack, an addition to a cozy brunch, or something savory to go along with a soup or salad. They feel a little bit special without being fussy at all, and I love that the air-fryer makes the whole process so much faster and lighter. In this post, I’m sharing how I make Jamie Oliver’s Air-fryer Cheddar cheese and chive scones, along with my personal tips, easy variations, and everything you might want to know. If you love warm, cheesy, buttery bites that come together in no time, this is definitely a recipe you’ll want to try!
What is Jamie Oliver’s Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones?
Jamie Oliver’s Air-fryer Cheddar cheese and chive scones are savory, tender scones packed with sharp Cheddar cheese and fresh chives, baked quickly in the air-fryer for a crisp exterior and fluffy inside.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe because it is incredibly quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The air-fryer method delivers perfect scones without the long preheating and baking times of a traditional oven. Plus, the savory flavor combination makes them a versatile treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
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225 grams self-raising flour
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50 grams unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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100 grams mature Cheddar cheese, grated
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2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
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150 ml whole milk, plus extra for brushing
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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A pinch of black pepper
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
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In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
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Stir in the grated Cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
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Gradually add the milk, stirring gently with a fork, until the dough comes together. You may not need all the milk.
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead very briefly, just until smooth.
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Pat the dough out to about 2 cm thick and use a round cutter to cut out scones.
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Preheat the air-fryer to 180°C (about 350°F) for 2 minutes.
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Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk.
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Place the scones into the air-fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
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Air-fry for about 8–10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
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Remove carefully and let them cool slightly before serving.
Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
Equipment
- Air-fryer
Ingredients
- 225 grams self-raising flour
- 50 grams unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 100 grams mature Cheddar cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped
- 150 ml whole milk plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the grated Cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring gently with a fork, until the dough comes together. You may not need all the milk.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead very briefly, just until smooth.
- Pat the dough out to about 2 cm thick and use a round cutter to cut out scones.
- Preheat the air-fryer to 180°C (about 350°F) for 2 minutes.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk.
- Place the scones into the air-fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
- Air-fry for about 8–10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Remove carefully and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use very cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones light and fluffy.
- Grate the Cheddar freshly for the best melt and flavor.
- Do not overwork the dough. A gentle touch is key.
- If your air-fryer tends to run hot, check the scones at the 8-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Nutritional Value
Per scone (approximately):- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
What Goes Well with Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
These scones are perfect served warm with a pat of butter melting into them. They also pair wonderfully with tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
My Tips to Make the Best Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
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Use very cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones light and fluffy.
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Grate the Cheddar freshly for the best melt and flavor.
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Do not overwork the dough. A gentle touch is key.
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If your air-fryer tends to run hot, check the scones at the 8-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
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Swap chives for spring onions or finely chopped parsley for a different herbal flavor.
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Add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder for an extra savory kick.
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Use a blend of cheeses, such as a little Parmesan with the Cheddar, for a more intense cheesy taste.
Best Way to Store Jamie Oliver Air-fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
Let the scones cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the air-fryer or a low oven before serving to bring back their warmth and slight crispness.
Nutritional Value
Per scone (approximately):
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 7 grams
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Carbohydrates: 20 grams
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Fat: 12 grams
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Fiber: 1 gram
These scones are a satisfying, protein-rich snack that also brings a good balance of fats and carbs.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It is best to bake the scones immediately after making the dough, but you can refrigerate the dough for up to an hour before cutting and cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Gruyère, Red Leicester, or even a pepper Jack cheese would work beautifully.
Do I need to line the air-fryer basket?
You can use a piece of parchment paper with holes punched into it if you are concerned about sticking, but I usually place the scones directly on the basket.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
How do I know when the scones are done?
They should be puffed, golden, and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Conclusion
Every time I pull a batch of Jamie Oliver’s Air-fryer Cheddar cheese and chive scones out of the air-fryer, I feel a little rush of joy. There’s something so homey and satisfying about having a plateful of warm, cheesy scones ready in under fifteen minutes. What started as a fun experiment to avoid heating up the kitchen on a hot afternoon has now become one of my favorite go-to recipes.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no exotic ingredients. Just good old flour, butter, cheese, and a bit of chive magic coming together to create something truly special. I also love how flexible the scones are. Whether I want to spice them up with a bit of paprika or throw in some extra herbs depending on what’s in the fridge, it always works beautifully.
Making these scones has become a little ritual for me, especially when I’m planning brunches or when I just need a quick savory treat. The air-fryer really makes it effortless, and the results are so consistently delicious that I find myself reaching for this recipe time and again. Plus, they freeze well, so having a few stashed away for those “I need something special” moments has been a real lifesaver.
If you are looking for an easy, comforting, and slightly indulgent recipe that feels like a hug in every bite, you definitely need to try Jamie Oliver’s Air-fryer Cheddar cheese and chive scones. I promise they will win your heart the way they won mine.
