Introduction

These air-fryer fruit scones are soft, light, and filled with sweet dried fruit. Using an air fryer gives the scones a beautifully golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. They are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a snack with butter, jam, or cream.

Makes: 8–10 scones
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Air-Frying Time: 10–14 minutes

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 300 g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 50 g caster sugar
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt

Fat

• 75 g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Fruit

• 100 g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, or chopped dried apricots)

Wet Ingredients

• 150 ml milk
• 1 medium egg

For Brushing

• 1 tablespoon milk or beaten egg

Optional Additions

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Finely grated zest of 1 orange or lemon

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Measuring scales
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Pastry cutter or round cutter
• Baking paper suitable for air fryers
• Cooling rack

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Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before starting, measure all ingredients accurately. Baking is more consistent when ingredients are weighed rather than estimated.

Remove the butter from the refrigerator only when ready to use. Cold butter helps create a lighter texture because small pieces of butter melt during cooking and create tiny pockets of steam.

If your dried fruit is very dry, place it in a bowl and cover with warm water for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry before using.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Self-raising flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt

If using cinnamon or nutmeg, add them now.

Whisk everything together thoroughly. This helps distribute the raising agents evenly throughout the flour.

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Step 3: Rub in the Butter

Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture.

Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour.

Continue until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs with a few slightly larger pieces remaining.

Do not overwork the mixture. Small butter pieces are beneficial and help create a soft texture.

The mixture should look light, airy, and evenly combined.

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Step 4: Add the Fruit

Stir the dried fruit into the breadcrumb mixture.

Mix gently so the fruit is distributed throughout the dough.

If using citrus zest, add it at this stage.

Ensure there are no large clumps of fruit in one area.

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Step 5: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl:

1. Crack the egg.
2. Add the milk.
3. Add vanilla extract if using.
4. Whisk until smooth.

Reserve approximately one tablespoon of this mixture for brushing the tops later if desired.

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Step 6: Form the Dough

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

Gradually pour in the wet mixture.

Using a butter knife or spatula, gently combine everything.

As the dough begins to come together, use your hands to lightly bring it into a ball.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

If too dry:

• Add 1 tablespoon milk at a time.

If too wet:

• Sprinkle in a little extra flour.

Avoid kneading heavily because excessive handling can make the scones tough.

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Step 7: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface.

Place the dough onto the surface.

Pat it into a round approximately 2.5–3 cm thick.

You can use your hands or a rolling pin.

Keep the thickness fairly even because this helps the scones cook uniformly.

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Step 8: Cut the Scones

Using a round cutter:

• Press straight down.
• Do not twist the cutter.

Twisting can prevent the scones from rising evenly.

Gather leftover dough gently and cut additional scones.

You should obtain approximately 8–10 scones depending on cutter size.

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Step 9: Rest the Dough

Place the cut scones on a tray or plate.

Allow them to rest for 15 minutes.

This short resting period can improve texture and help the scones rise more evenly.

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Step 10: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to:

180°C (356°F)

Preheat for approximately 3–5 minutes.

Line the basket with perforated baking paper if desired.

Leave space around each scone because they will expand while cooking.

Do not overcrowd the basket.

You may need to cook in batches.

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Step 11: Brush the Tops

Brush the tops lightly with:

• Milk, or
• Beaten egg

This helps produce a golden finish.

Avoid brushing the sides because liquid on the edges can affect rising.

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Step 12: Air-Fry the Scones

Arrange the scones in the basket.

Cook at:

180°C (356°F) for 10–14 minutes

Cooking time may vary depending on:

• Air fryer model
• Scone size
• Basket capacity

The scones are ready when:

• The tops are golden brown.
• The sides appear set.
• A skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

If they brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking until done.

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Step 13: Cool Properly

Carefully remove the scones.

Transfer them to a cooling rack.

Allow them to cool for at least 10–15 minutes.

Cooling helps the crumb set and improves texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• Butter
• Strawberry jam
• Raspberry jam
• Orange marmalade
• Clotted cream
• Honey
• Lemon curd

They pair well with:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh fruit

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 5 days.

Warm briefly before serving.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Wrap individually and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

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Tips for the Best Air-Fryer Fruit Scones

1. Use cold butter.
2. Do not overmix the dough.
3. Keep the dough fairly thick.
4. Use fresh self-raising flour.
5. Leave space between scones during cooking.
6. Avoid twisting the cutter.
7. Rest the dough before cooking.
8. Check a few minutes early because air fryers vary.
9. Brush only the tops for a better rise.
10. Cool on a rack to prevent soggy bottoms.

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Optional Flavor Variations

Cinnamon Raisin Scones

Add:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 120 g raisins

Orange Fruit Scones

Add:

• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

Mixed Berry Scones

Replace dried fruit with:

• Dried cranberries
• Dried blueberries

Spiced Holiday Scones

Add:

• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Mixed spice
• Chopped dried fruit

Apple and Raisin Scones

Add:

• Finely chopped dried apple
• Raisins
• A pinch of cinnamon

These air-fryer fruit scones should be fluffy inside, lightly crisp outside, and packed with sweet fruit throughout every bite.