Making Fruit Scones in the Air Fryer for the first time is surprisingly easy. These homemade scones are golden on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and packed with sweet dried fruit.
They’re perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a simple homemade treat. Serve them warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a classic finish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins or mixed dried fruit
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) milk, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, optional, for brushing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Stir in the dried fruit.
2. Add the Milk
Mix the vanilla extract into the milk.
Gradually pour the milk into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a butter knife or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
Be careful not to overmix. The less you work the dough, the lighter and more tender your scones will be.
3. Shape the Scones
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough onto it.
Gently pat the dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
Use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out the scones. Press the cutter straight down rather than twisting it, which can help the scones rise more evenly.
Gather the scraps gently and cut out the remaining scones.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
Lightly grease the basket or place a suitable piece of parchment paper in the basket.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Depending on its size, you may need to cook the scones in batches.
5. Brush and Air Fry
Place the scones in the basket with a little space between each one.
Brush the tops lightly with milk or beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on the size of your scones and the strength of your air fryer.
They should be risen, golden brown, and cooked through in the center.
6. Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the scones from the basket and place them on a wire rack.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
For the classic afternoon-tea experience, serve them warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Tips for Light and Fluffy Scones
Keep the butter cold. Cold butter helps create a tender, slightly crumbly texture as the scones cook.
Don’t overwork the dough. Excessive kneading can make the scones tough instead of soft and fluffy.
Don’t make them too thin. A thicker dough produces taller, more substantial scones.
Cut straight down. Avoid twisting the cutter when cutting the dough.
Leave space between the scones. Air needs to circulate around them for even browning.
Watch the first batch closely. Air fryers vary considerably, so your scones may cook faster or slower than the suggested time.
Fruit Variations
You can easily customize these scones with different dried fruits.
Try:
- Raisins
- Sultanas
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped dried apricots
- Dried cherries
- A mixture of several dried fruits
For a citrusy twist, add a little orange or lemon zest to the dough.
How to Store Fruit Scones
Air-fryer scones are best served fresh, preferably while still slightly warm.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To bring them back to life, warm them briefly in the air fryer at a low temperature until heated through.
You can also freeze baked scones. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to about 2 months.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Fruit Scones are a wonderful way to make a classic treat without turning on the oven. They’re quick, easy, and wonderfully homemade, with a golden exterior and soft, fluffy center.
If this is your first time making scones in the air fryer, start with one small batch and keep an eye on the cooking time. Once you find the perfect timing for your particular air fryer, you’ll have an easy recipe you can make again and again.