If you love warm, lightly spiced tea-time treats, these Air Fryer Welsh Cakes are a must-try! Traditionally cooked on a cast-iron skillet or bake stone (called a garreg faen in Wales), this classic British recipe adapts perfectly to the modern air fryer.
They are a delightful cross between a scone, a pancake, and a biscuit—crispy and golden on the outside, but soft, crumbly, and filled with sweet currants on the inside. Ready in under 15 minutes, they are best served warm with a dusted layer of caster sugar and a smear of salted butter. “Making these traditional air fryer welsh cakes is a quick and delicious way to enjoy afternoon tea.”
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⏱️ Prep & Cooking Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Rest Time | Total Time | Servings |
| 10 Minutes | 8 Minutes | 2 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 12 Cakes |
🛒 Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Self-Raising Flour | 2 cups (225g) | Sifted for a light texture |
| Cold Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (110g) | Cubed into small pieces |
| Caster Sugar | ⅓ cup (75g) | Plus extra for dusting |
| Dried Currants or Raisins | ⅓ cup (75g) | Traditional Welsh cake fruit |
| Mixed Spice or Nutmeg | ½ tsp | Adds traditional warm aromatic flavor |
| Large Egg | 1 egg | Beaten |
| Milk | 1-2 tbsp | Only if the dough is too dry |
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Flour and Butter
Sift the self-raising flour and mixed spice into a large mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Fruit, and Wet Ingredients
Stir in the caster sugar and dried currants. Pour in the beaten egg and mix gently with a butter knife or spoon until a soft dough comes together. Air Fryer Welsh Cakes ,If it feels too dry, add a splash of milk (1 teaspoon at a time).
Step 3: Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch (1 cm) thickness. Use a 2.5-inch fluted cookie cutter to cut out rounds. Re-roll the dough scraps to use up all the mixture.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to $340^\circ\text{F}$ ($170^\circ\text{C}$) for 3 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with a perforated sheet of parchment paper. “Arrange the air fryer welsh cakes in a single layer inside the basket.”
Place the Welsh cakes in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, Air Fryer Welsh Cakes flipping them halfway through at 4 minutes, until pale golden brown.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
Immediately upon removing them from the air fryer, toss the hot cakes in extra caster sugar. Serve warm with butter and clotted cream!
☕ Perfect Serving Ideas
Pair these warm traditional Welsh cakes with these classic options:
- British Afternoon Tea: Serve alongside a steaming mug of English Breakfast tea or Earl Grey.
- Jam & Clotted Cream: Slice them horizontally and spread strawberry jam with a dollop of thick clotted cream.
- Warm Honey Drizzle: Drizzle local honey or maple syrup over warm cakes for extra sweetness.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Keep cooled Welsh cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Reheating in Air Fryer: Pop them back in the air fryer at $320^\circ\text{F}$ ($160^\circ\text{C}$) for 1 to 2 minutes to restore their soft, freshly baked texture.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough cutouts or baked cakes for up to 3 months. Air fry straight from frozen at $340^\circ\text{F}$ ($170^\circ\text{C}$) for 9 minutes.
💡 Pro Chef Tips for Success
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter creates steam pockets inside, giving the bake stone cakes their signature crumbly texture.
- Use Parchment Paper: To prevent the soft dough from sticking to the air fryer wire basket, use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. “Serve your air fryer welsh cakes hot with a dusting of caster sugar.”
- Don’t Over-Bake: Welsh cakes should remain soft in the middle. Remove them when they are lightly golden, not dark brown.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Welsh cakes on a griddle instead of an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook them on a lightly greased cast-iron griddle or bake stone over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Why are my Welsh cakes tough?
Overworking the dough develops gluten, which makes the cakes dense. Mix the dough just until it comes together for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
📝 Hand Note (Chef’s Personal Note)
👨🍳 Chef’s Hand Note:
The magic trick to authentic Welsh cakes is dusting them with caster sugar while they are piping hot right out of the air fryer! The heat melts the sugar slightly onto the crust, creating a heavenly sweet shell. “Looking for another quick air fryer treat? Check out our Air Fryer Salmon Bites recipe!”
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving / 1 Cake)
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 5.5g
- Sodium: 95mg