Air Fryer Fruit Scones

Light, Fluffy & Perfectly Golden Traditional Scones Made in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Fruit Scones are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet with juicy bursts of dried fruit in every bite. Traditionally enjoyed with tea, clotted cream, and jam, these classic British-style scones are now easier than ever thanks to the air fryer. They bake quickly, rise beautifully, and develop a golden crust while staying soft and tender inside.

Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack, these scones are simple, fast, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick air fryer baking
• Soft and fluffy texture
• Golden, slightly crisp exterior
• Easy beginner-friendly recipe
• Perfect for tea time or breakfast
• Customizable with fruits and flavors
• No complicated equipment needed

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–14 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 8 scones

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Fat

• ¼ cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (120ml) milk (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg

Fruit Add-In

• ½ cup (80g) raisins or sultanas
• ¼ cup (40g) dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots (optional)

Optional Flavor Additions

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Fork or pastry cutter
• Baking paper or parchment
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Round cutter or glass

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl combine:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar

Stir well to evenly distribute the baking powder.

Step 2: Rub in the Butter

Add cold butter cubes.

Use fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub butter into flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

This step is key for flaky, tender scones.

Step 3: Add Fruit

Stir in:

• Raisins
• Cranberries or chopped dried fruit (if using)

Mix so fruit is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk together:

• Milk
• Egg
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Step 5: Form the Dough

Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until a soft dough forms.

Do not overmix.

If too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons extra milk.

If too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour.

Step 6: Shape the Scones

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Gently pat into a 1-inch thick round.

Cut into 6–8 triangles OR use a round cutter.

Place on parchment paper.

Brush tops lightly with milk for a golden finish.

Step 7: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat to:

180°C (350°F)

for 3–5 minutes.

Step 8: Air Fry the Scones

Place scones in air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook at:

180°C (350°F)

for:

10–14 minutes

until golden brown and risen.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

Scones are ready when:

• Golden on top
• Firm to touch
• Light and fluffy inside

If needed, add 1–2 extra minutes.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let scones cool for:

5–10 minutes

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Time & Temperature Summary

Step	Temperature
Preheat Air Fryer	180°C (350°F)
Air Fry Scones	180°C (350°F)

Process	Time
Prep	10–15 min
Cooking	10–14 min

Serving Suggestions

Serve Air Fryer Fruit Scones with:

• Clotted cream
• Strawberry jam
• Butter and honey
• Lemon curd
• Whipped cream

Perfect alongside:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate

Flavor Variations

Lemon Blueberry Scones

Add:

• ½ cup blueberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Chocolate Chip Scones

Replace fruit with:

• ½ cup chocolate chips

Orange Cranberry Scones

Add:

• Orange zest
• Dried cranberries

Cinnamon Raisin Scones

Add:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Raisins

Savory Cheese Scones

Remove sugar and fruit, add:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Tips for Perfect Scones

Keep Butter Cold

Cold butter creates flaky layers.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing makes scones dense.

Handle Dough Gently

Light touch = soft texture.

Don’t Overbake

Remove when just golden for best softness.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in airtight container for:

2 days

Refrigerator

Store for:

Up to 5 days

Warm before serving.

Freezer

Freeze for:

Up to 2 months

Reheat in air fryer for best texture.

Reheating

Air Fryer

Heat at:

160°C (320°F)

for 2–3 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per scone:

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg