Woman Bakes Scones in Air Fryer, Mzansi Floored by the Results: “They Look Like They Can Speak”
- A TikTok video of a woman attempting to bake scones in an air fryer went viral, sparking disbelief and amusement
- Despite the results of the scones, the video highlighted the growing trend of air fryer use for quick, accessible meals
- The video underscored that baking is about creativity and shared experience, and left many inspired to experiment
- Briefly News spoke to Pelow Esiang, a professional baker with over 15 years of experience, to unpack whether air fryers really have a place in scone-making
South Africans reacted with humorous amusement and supportive advice to a viral TikTok video of a woman baking less-than-perfect scones in an air fryer, sparking conversations about innovative home cooking and the joy of shared culinary experiments.
Source: TikTok
A video of a woman baking scones in an air fryer has gone viral, and South Africans are floored. Shared by TikTok user @talitha_dudumashe52, the clip begins with the woman placing her dough in a compact air-fryer basket. A few minutes later, the results had viewers teasing them.
The comments section lit up with reactions. Some users were in disbelief, others applauded the effort, and many just wanted to know how they tasted. People offered advice on how to improve texture, suggesting adding margarine or brushing the tops with sugar water to soften the crust. A few even asked where to buy the special paper she used inside the fryer.
Despite the playful teasing, the atmosphere remained supportive and humorous. Talitha engaged with followers, responding to questions and laughing along with the jokes. She acknowledged that the scones didn’t turn out perfectly soft, but appreciated the feedback and promised to try again with tweaks.
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The growing trend of air fryer quick meals
Beyond the entertainment, the video highlighted how air fryers are becoming a growing trend for quick, accessible meals. Air fryers have become popular in many South African homes as a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional ovens. For those with limited kitchen space or looking to try quick recipes, the air fryer is proving to be a useful tool.
Talitha engaged with followers, responding to questions and laughing at the jokes. The joy is in the attempt, the laughter, and the lessons along the way. While the final product may have raised eyebrows, it also warmed hearts.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t about flawless scones; it was about creativity, community, and sharing a good laugh with thousands. And thanks to Talitha’s fearless trial run, many others are now curious to give air fryer baking a try. Whether they were crunchy, fluffy, or something in between, those scones made a statement.
Professional baker Pelow Esiang admitted that air fryers offer convenience and quicker results, especially for small batches. However, she cautioned that the appliance comes with trade-offs.
“They bake and rise quicker than when using a traditional oven, and it’s convenient when making less than 10 scones, you don’t have to heat up the whole oven, which saves electricity too. The air fryer’s precise temperature and air circulation give you a golden, crispy exterior and a tender inside.”
But it’s not all golden crusts and quick wins. Esiang warned that air fryers require experience and trial runs.
“If you’re not an experienced baker, it’s easy to overbake, leading to dry scones. Scones also need space to bake properly, and air fryers are small. You might end up with unevenly baked scones—some burnt, some underdone.”
Having tested the method herself, Esiang said she personally still prefers oven-baked scones.
“The texture and taste from an oven are classic, flaky, tender crumbs with a crispy outside. Air fryer scones come out more buttery and dense, without that light and airy effect.”
She also explained that inconsistent cooking times across different air fryer brands often lead to flops on first tries.
“People follow TikTok recipes exactly without accounting for brand differences in air fryers, which affects results. Plus, crowding scones in a small space prevents even baking.”
On viral food trends, Esiang had mixed feelings. While they can spark creativity and motivate new bakers, she stressed the importance of mastering basics.
“Trends introduce new techniques and ideas, but they can also create unrealistic expectations. They shift focus from learning fundamentals to chasing quick wins. You’ll have better success experimenting once you understand the basics.”
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacted to the video
Balungile Luminjalo wrote:
"Yoh, mine releases cold air when it feels like it. Someone help, please!"
Thandoh Ngidi added:
"Those are definitely rusks, moss. 😩😩😩"
Ncumisa Mizana Godlo said:
"I’m not happy, yhuuu, they’re way too hard!"
Zee_Macozoma shared:
"Next time, sprinkle some sugar water on top while they’re hot, then cover them for a bit so they soften up."
ZoeAfrika said:
"That thing is going to go krwamza, krwam krwam! I’m too scared, mntase. I’m not doing it."
Seery97 asked:
"I’ll try it though, we’re learning day by day. But why does it go krwaba krwaba? 😭"
YouTube: Athi Zikode asked:
"Why did I think you were making amagwinya? 😅🫣"
Mpumi:
"Next time, mix in some Rama or cooking oil with the flour, they’ll come out soft."
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories about air fryers
- A Joburg content creator shared her clever air fryer method for cooking eggs using protective liners that eliminate the need for washing pots and plates.
- A Mzansi babe shared a video of herself baking a chocolate cake using her Eiger 11L air fryer, leaving many people in awe.
- A man proudly showed off his lucky buy, a beautiful air fryer he purchased for next to nothing from a Chinese online retailer.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
