These gluten free cheddar and chive scones are savory, tender, and easy to make in the air fryer. Sharp cheddar cheese, chives, Dijon mustard, and a touch of yogurt or sour cream create rich flavor and a soft, buttery texture, while the air fryer gives the scones lightly crisp edges in minutes. Made with a simple gluten free flour blend and pantry staples, these cheddar chive scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or serving alongside soups and salads when you want an easy savory bake without turning on the oven.
A Note From Kristen
I tested this scones recipe several times to make sure it worked beautifully in the air fryer. The biggest thing I found was that keeping the dough slightly thick helps the scones hold their shape while still baking up light and tender. The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh chives turned out to be perfect here. The cheese melts into the dough and creates rich savory pockets, while the chives add just enough brightness to balance everything out. They are so tasty! I also love how quickly the air fryer bakes them. From mixing bowl to warm scones on the plate takes surprisingly little time. These have quickly become one of my favorite gluten free savory bakes. I hope you love them too!
~Kristen
A Few Ingredient Notes Before You Start
Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!
How I Make These Air Fryer Scones
01
MIX DRY INGREDIENTS
Cut a parchment circle slightly smaller than the air fryer basket. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne, and black pepper.
02
ADD COLD BUTTER
Add the cold butter and cut it in with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. Avoid overmixing.
03
STIR IN CHEESE AND CHIVES
Fold in 3/4 cup Cheddar along with the dried chives until evenly distributed.
04
COMBINE WET INGREDIENTS
In a small bowl, whisk the milk, yogurt, mustard, and oil together until smooth.
05
MIX DRY AND WET INGREDIENTS
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. If it seems dry or crumbly, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together when pressed.
06
SHAPE DOUGH
Transfer the dough to the parchment and gently press it into a round about 1 1/4 inches thick.
07
SLICE DOUGH
Slice into 6 wedges.
08
BRUSH AND SPRINKLE
Brush the tops lightly with milk, then sprinkle with the remaining Cheddar.
09
AIR FRY
Place the parchment with the dough into the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
10
SERVE
Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
My Favorite Ways To Serve These
These scones are so good, I sometimes just sit down for a movie and eat them for dinner with nothing but a pat of butter. Here are a few other ways I love serving them:
- With creamy roasted tomato soup.
- Split and topped with mashed avocado, lemon juice, and salt (or your favorite avocado spread).
- Served alongside egg dishes or tofu scramble for breakfast or brunch.
- Paired with vegan sausage or breakfast patties.
- As a side for lentil soup.
- Split and filled with a compound herb butter, miso mayo, or creamy chipotle sauce.
- Used as a savory sandwich with cheese, tomato, or greens.
A Few Tips From My Kitchen
- I really like using dried chives in this recipe as the chive flavor is good and strong. If you want a more subtle chive flavor, you can use fresh chopped chives instead.
- I like to mix everything in a large mixing bowl so there’s enough room to work the dough without making a mess. A fork works well for gently mixing the dough at first so you don’t overwork it.
- Cook time will vary slightly depending on your air fryer. You will know they are done if you press on the center and it doesn’t feel soft, wobbly, or wet. Cook longer in 2 minute increments if necessary. They should be golden and firm. Don’t skip the cooling step, as they firm up even more as they cool.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate for even browning and cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, split the wedges and bake in batches if needed.
- These are my favorite flavor variations:
- Adding more cayenne pepper or folding in some fresh or pickled jalapeños.
- Incorporating garlic powder or roasted minced garlic.
- Combining the chives with dried rosemary, parsley, or thyme.
- Adding finely chopped sauteed spinach
- Adding grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dough instead of more cheddar.
- Brushing some honey or maple syrup on top of the scones for some sweetness instead of brushing with milk.
More Air Fryer Recipes I Think You’ll Love
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Scones with Cheese and Chives
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum 200 grams
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon dried chives or fresh – see notes
- 1/2 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon and extra for brushing
- 2 tablespoons full-fat plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Method
- Cut a circle of parchment slightly smaller than the air fryer basket. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Add the cold butter and work it in using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter. Do not overmix.
- Stir in 3/4 cup of the Cheddar and the dried chives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, mustard, and oil until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. If it feels dry or crumbly, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together when pressed.
- Place the dough onto the parchment paper and gently press into a 1 1/4-inch thick round.
- Cut into 6 wedges.
- Lightly brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with the remaining Cheddar.
- Place the parchment in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated using a third-party calculator and is an estimate only.
