Cranberry Scones Made Easy in the Air Fryer

I’m thrilled to share this easy recipe for Air Fryer Cranberry Scones. It’s a simple yet delicious treat that will make your home smell like the holidays in no time. These scones are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and they can easily be made gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free!

I’ve always loved scones. When I first got married, I lived near a bakery in Vermont, where I’d take the kids once a month for a special treat. Honestly, I’m not sure who the treat was for, me or them. It became my perfect afternoon coffee break. I’d always get a scone and a cup of hot coffee. Their coffee was amazing. Nothing beats the experience of enjoying Air Fryer Cranberry Scones.

Though I’m not a baker, which surprises many, I never could get the hang of baking in the oven. But when I got an air fryer, it felt much less intimidating, so I decided to give scones a try. I even bought a pan from Amazon and cut it to fit my air fryer. It wasn’t the most scientific approach, but it worked, and I was able to use the silicone pan in my air fryer.

What Are Scones?

If you’re unfamiliar with scones, they are light and airy pastries that can be slightly sweet or savory. Many people assume they’re dry, but that’s only the case if they’re overcooked. When done right, they’re a fantastic breakfast treat, especially when filled with dried or fresh cranberries.

Scones make a great holiday breakfast, particularly in the fall when fresh cranberries are in season. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, feel free to substitute dried cranberries.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

Making cranberry scones in an air fryer combines the joy of homemade baking with the convenience of modern technology. This simple recipe uses a few basic ingredients, each contributing to a tender, fruit-filled treat perfect for any time of day.

Note: You’ll find the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, along with nutritional information.

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your scones and provides structure for a light, fluffy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tart cranberries. It also contributes to the scone’s tender crumb and golden color.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent makes the scones rise and become fluffy. Be sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
• Ground Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavor.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and rounds out the taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is cut into the dry ingredients, forming pockets of fat that create a flaky texture when baked.
• Fresh or Dried Cranberries: The cranberries bring a tart burst of flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and helps create a tender crumb.
• Orange Zest: Adds a citrusy brightness to the scones.
• Half and Half Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to the scones’ tender texture and golden crust.
• Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the scones.

How to Make Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

Making cranberry scones in an air fryer is an easy way to enjoy a classic treat with a modern twist. The scones come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with bursts of tart cranberry flavor and a hint of orange zest. Here’s how to make them:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Mix in the butter, cream, and egg, and continue until the dough forms.
3. Gently fold in the cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it’s smooth and stretchy.
5. Shape the dough into a circle (about 6 inches in diameter) and cut it into wedges, resembling scones.
6. Place the scones into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 365°F and cook for 10 minutes. Check halfway through for doneness, as cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

Scones are one of my favorite pastries, and they’re easy to make. If you’ve never baked scones before, here are some tips for making the best Air Fryer Cranberry Scones:

• Butter: Use cold butter for the best flavor. As the scones bake, the butter melts into the dough, creating a flaky texture. For even better results, you can grate frozen butter into the dough.
• Cream: Keep the cream or half-and-half cold for optimal flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: For moist scones, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing develops too much gluten, which leads to tough scones.
• Flour: Stick with all-purpose flour for the best results. If you want to make these gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Air Fryer: Every air fryer is slightly different, so check your scones frequently as they cook. Once done, remove them from the air fryer. The cooking time may vary.
• Air Fryer Oven: If you’re using an air fryer oven, place the scone pan on the lowest shelf for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Scones are a beloved treat in British cuisine and can be served with various accompaniments. Here are some ideas for serving scones:

• Clotted Cream and Jam: A classic pairing for tea time, it’s the British way to enjoy scones.
• Cottage Cheese and Chives: Cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese) pairs beautifully with scones. The chives add a savory touch that complements the scones perfectly.
• Butter: For a simple yet delicious option, serve your cranberry scones with butter.

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Cranberry Scones for a delightful treat any time of day!

Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Description:
This simple and quick recipe is a family favorite. My kids love the flavor of these scones, and I especially enjoy the burst of cranberry in each bite, making them a perfect, fast breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled and diced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
2. Add the chilled butter, half and half, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Gently fold in the cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Mix lightly.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
5. Shape the dough into a circle (about 6 inches in diameter) and cut it into wedges, resembling scones.
6. Place the scones into the air fryer basket, arranging them as you go.
7. Set the air fryer to 365°F and cook for 10 minutes. Check halfway through for doneness, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
8. Once done, remove the scones from the air fryer. Plate, serve, and enjoy!