Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Beginner-Friendly
Servings: 8 scones
Cuisine: British
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) self-rising flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons (75g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (80g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
- ⅔ cup (160ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- Extra milk for brushing
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter
- Baking parchment
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry cutter, or a fork, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Mix in the Fruit
Add the dried fruit and stir gently to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Form the Dough
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, vanilla extract, and beaten egg. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the scones dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Shape the Scones
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently two or three times until smooth.
Roll or pat the dough to approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) thickness.
Using a round cutter, cut out 8 scones. Gather any leftover dough and reshape as needed.
Step 6: Prepare the Air Fryer
Line the air fryer basket with baking parchment or a suitable liner. Arrange the scones in the basket, leaving enough space between them for expansion.
Brush the tops lightly with milk to encourage a golden finish.
Step 7: Air Fry the Scones
Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the scones for 12–15 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Check after 10 minutes, as air fryer models can vary in cooking performance.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the scones carefully and place them on a wire rack.
Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm with butter, fruit preserves, clotted cream, or your favorite spread.
Expert Tips
Use Cold Butter
Cold butter creates steam pockets during cooking, resulting in lighter and fluffier scones.
Do Not Overwork the Dough
Overmixing develops gluten and can produce tough scones. Handle the dough as little as possible.
Space Them Properly
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even airflow and browning.
Customize the Fruit
You can replace raisins with:
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped apricots
- Dried cherries
- Mixed peel
Add Extra Flavor
For a richer taste, add:
- Orange zest
- Lemon zest
- Nutmeg
- Almond extract
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.
To freeze, wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Fruit Scones pair wonderfully with:
- Strawberry jam
- Raspberry preserves
- Clotted cream
- Whipped cream
- Honey
- Butter
- Tea
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
They are perfect for afternoon tea parties, weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, and special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plain flour?
Yes. If using plain flour, add 3 teaspoons baking powder and mix thoroughly before proceeding.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based butter and your preferred dairy-free milk alternative.
Why are my scones not rising?
Common reasons include overworking the dough, old baking powder, or dough rolled too thin.
Can I make mini scones?
Yes. Reduce the cooking time to approximately 8–10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Per Scone (Approximate)
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 110mg