Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

I’m thrilled to share with you my take on Air Fryer Cranberry Scones! This delightful recipe combines the warmth of homemade baking with the convenience of using an air fryer. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, they can easily be made gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free to accommodate various dietary preferences. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh scones that evoke the spirit of the holidays!

Ingredients for Your Cranberry Scones

Baking cranberry scones in your air fryer not only saves time but also yields a perfectly tender treat with a delightful texture. Below, I’ve outlined the essential ingredients that come together to create these flavorful pastries.

All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour is the backbone of your scones, providing the necessary structure and ensuring a light, airy texture.
Brown Sugar: The rich sweetness of brown sugar enhances the tartness of the cranberries while contributing to a beautifully browned, tender crumb.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for making your scones rise and achieve that light, fluffy consistency. Always check the freshness for the best outcome.
Ground Nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Salt: A small amount of salt elevates the overall flavor profile, making your scones taste more complex and delicious.
Unsalted Butter: Cold, diced unsalted butter is cut into the flour mixture, creating little pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in flaky layers.
Fresh or Dried Cranberries: The highlight of this recipe, cranberries add a burst of tart flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar adds additional sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries, contributing to a tender texture as well.
Orange Zest: A hint of orange zest brings a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavor of the scones.
Half and Half Cream: This rich cream adds moisture and contributes to the scones’ tender texture, helping achieve a golden crust.
Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, ensuring your scones hold together while adding richness.

How to Create Irresistible Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

Making these cranberry scones is a breeze, especially with the help of your air fryer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the perfect scones every time:

Prepare Your Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled, diced unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the half and half cream, egg, and orange zest. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms.
Fold in Cranberries and Sugar: Gently fold in the cranberries and granulated sugar, mixing just enough to distribute them throughout the dough without overworking it.
Knead the Dough: Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently until it becomes smooth and stretchy, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the Scones: Form the dough into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Cut this circle into wedges, resembling traditional scone shapes.
Air Fry the Scones: Place the scone wedges in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 365°F (185°C) and cook for about 10 minutes. Halfway through, check for doneness, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Expert Tips for Perfect Scones

Creating the ideal batch of cranberry scones is easy with these pro tips:

Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and cream for the best texture. You can even grate frozen butter for a fantastic flaky result.
Don’t Overmix: To ensure your scones remain light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the dough, which can create excess gluten and result in a tough scone.
Air Fryer Variability: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your scones as they cook to prevent overbaking.
Storage Suggestions: While scones are delightful fresh from the air fryer, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, where they can last for up to a month. To reheat, simply preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and warm the scones for 3 to 5 minutes.

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

Description

These Cranberry Scones are not just easy to make; they’re packed with flavor! My kids love the sweetness of the scones, while I appreciate the delightful cranberry notes, making them a fantastic choice for a quick and tasty breakfast.

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 unsalted 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

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt; mix well.
Incorporate the cold butter, half and half, and egg into the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Gently fold in the cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until smooth and elastic.
Shape into a circle about 6 inches wide, then cut into wedges.
Place the scones into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
Set the air fryer to 365°F and cook for 10 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 269
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 46mg
Sodium: 303mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 17g
Vitamin A: 302 IU
Calcium: 130mg
Iron: 2mg