Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Yield: 8 scones
Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) self-rising flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons (70g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (75g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra milk for brushing
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Round cutter (approximately 2.5 inches)
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, salt, and sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Small pieces of butter remaining are perfectly fine and help create a flaky texture.
Step 3: Mix in the Fruit
Add the dried fruit and stir gently so it is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones dense rather than light and fluffy.
Step 6: Shape the Scones
Lightly flour a work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Gently knead two or three times until the dough comes together. Pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
Using a round cutter, cut out 8 scones. Gather any remaining dough and re-roll gently if necessary.
Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 8: Prepare for Cooking
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper suitable for air fryers. Place the scones into the basket, leaving space between them for airflow and expansion.
Brush the tops lightly with milk to encourage a beautiful golden finish.
Step 9: Air Fry the Scones
Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are fully cooked through.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Check after 10 minutes and add additional time if needed.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the scones from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with butter, fruit preserves, honey, or cream.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fruit Scones
- Use cold butter for the flakiest texture.
- Avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones tender.
- Leave enough space between the scones in the air fryer basket.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
- Soak dried fruit in warm water for 10 minutes before using for extra softness.
- Add orange zest or lemon zest for additional flavor.
Variations
Mixed Berry Scones
Replace dried fruit with dried cranberries, blueberries, or cherries.
Cinnamon Fruit Scones
Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the flour mixture.
Glazed Scones
Drizzle cooled scones with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Nut and Fruit Scones
Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds along with the dried fruit.
Storage Instructions
Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer fruit scones pair wonderfully with:
- Hot tea
- Fresh coffee
- Fruit preserves
- Clotted cream
- Honey
- Whipped butter
They are perfect for breakfast gatherings, afternoon tea parties, holiday brunches, or simple everyday treats.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1 Scone)
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g