There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked fruit scone with a lovely cup of tea, and these Air Fryer Fruit Scones are surprisingly easy to make at home!
Beautifully golden on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and filled with sweet, juicy raisins, these homemade scones are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea or a little treat whenever you fancy something delicious.
Made with a combination of wholemeal and white self-raising flour, low-fat spread and fat-free natural yogurt, they’re a lighter alternative to traditional butter-rich scones without sacrificing that comforting homemade taste.
And the best part? You don’t even need to switch on your oven!
Whether you’re new to air fryer baking or simply looking for a quick and easy fruit scone recipe, this is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Fruit Scones
- Quick and easy: Ready in approximately 30 minutes.
- Light and fluffy: Soft centres with beautifully golden tops.
- Simple ingredients: Made with everyday baking essentials.
- A lighter option: Uses low-fat spread and fat-free natural yogurt instead of large amounts of butter and cream.
- Perfect for afternoon tea: Delicious served warm with a little jam.
- Great for beginners: No complicated baking techniques required.
- Easy to customise: Swap the raisins for sultanas, currants or dried cranberries.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes, depending on air fryer capacity
- Servings: 8 scones
- Course: Breakfast, Snack, Afternoon Tea
- Cuisine: British
- Cooking Method: Air Fryer
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
To make 8 delicious air fryer fruit scones, you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients
- 125g wholemeal self-raising flour
- 100g extra-fine white self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A small pinch of salt
- 60–80g raisins or sultanas
- 1–2 tablespoons granulated sweetener suitable for baking (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 30g low-fat spread
- 1 large egg
- 130ml fat-free natural yogurt
For the Golden Finish
- 2 teaspoons skimmed milk
- A little low-calorie cooking spray
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Reduced-sugar strawberry jam
- Fat-free Greek yogurt
- Fresh strawberries
- A small amount of reduced-fat spread
How to Make Air Fryer Fruit Scones
Making homemade fruit scones in an air fryer is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for soft, fluffy scones with beautifully golden tops.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Place the wholemeal self-raising flour, white self-raising flour, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
If using granulated sweetener, add it at this stage.
Step 2: Rub in the Low-Fat Spread
Add the low-fat spread to the flour mixture.
Using your fingertips, gently rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Try not to overwork the mixture, as this can affect the texture of the finished scones.
Step 3: Add the Dried Fruit
Stir the raisins or sultanas into the flour mixture.
Make sure the fruit is evenly distributed so that every scone has a lovely fruity flavour.
If your raisins are particularly dry, you can soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat them dry before adding.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg.
Add the fat-free natural yogurt and mix until combined.
Gradually pour the egg and yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients.
Using a butter knife or spatula, gently bring everything together until a soft dough forms.
The dough should be slightly soft but manageable.
If it feels too sticky, add a light dusting of flour. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Step 5: Shape the Scones
Lightly flour a clean work surface.
Turn out the dough and gently bring it together with your hands.
Pat it down to approximately 2–2.5cm thick.
Avoid kneading or rolling the dough too much, as gentle handling helps keep the scones light.
Using a 6cm round cutter, cut out the scones.
Press the cutter straight down without twisting it.
Carefully gather any leftover dough and reshape it to cut out the remaining scones.
You should get approximately 8 scones, depending on their thickness.
Step 6: Let the Scones Rest
Place the shaped scones on a plate or baking tray.
Leave them to rest for approximately 5 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
This gives the dough a little time to settle before cooking.
Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for approximately 3 minutes, if recommended by your appliance manufacturer.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with low-calorie cooking spray.
Alternatively, use air fryer-safe baking parchment that allows proper airflow.
Step 8: Brush the Scones
Arrange the scones in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches.
Lightly brush the tops with skimmed milk.
This helps give the scones a lovely golden finish.
Step 9: Air Fry Until Golden
Air fry at 180°C for approximately 10–15 minutes, until the scones have risen and are beautifully golden.
Start checking after 10 minutes.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your scones and the model of your air fryer.
The scones should be firm on top and cooked through in the centre, with no wet dough remaining.
If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking until done.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the scones from the air fryer.
Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Serve slightly warm with a little reduced-sugar strawberry jam, fat-free Greek yogurt or your favourite topping.
Enjoy with a lovely cup of tea!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fruit Scones
1. Don’t Overmix the Dough
One of the secrets to light and fluffy scones is handling the dough as little as possible.
Mix just until the ingredients come together.
2. Keep the Dough Thick
For beautifully risen scones, pat the dough to approximately 2–2.5cm thick before cutting.
If the dough is too thin, the scones may turn out flatter than expected.
3. Avoid Twisting the Cutter
Press the cutter straight down into the dough.
Twisting can compress the edges and affect how evenly the scones rise.
4. Leave Space Between the Scones
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Leaving a little space allows hot air to circulate and helps the scones cook evenly.
5. Check Your Air Fryer Temperature
Every air fryer is slightly different.
Some models cook more quickly than others, so check your scones regularly towards the end of cooking.
6. Choose Your Favourite Dried Fruit
Raisins and sultanas are classic choices, but currants and dried cranberries also work beautifully.
Easy Fruit Scone Variations
Want to try something different? These simple variations are delicious.
Cinnamon and Raisin Scones
Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavour.
Orange and Sultana Scones
Add the finely grated zest of one orange for a lovely citrus twist.
Cranberry Fruit Scones
Replace the raisins with dried cranberries for a slightly tangy flavour.
Mixed Fruit Scones
Use a combination of raisins, sultanas and currants for a traditional British fruit scone.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Fruit Scones
These homemade fruit scones are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a simple topping.
Try serving them with:
- Reduced-sugar strawberry jam
- Fat-free Greek yogurt
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- A little reduced-fat spread
- A spoonful of low-fat soft cheese
- A warm cup of tea or coffee
For a lovely afternoon treat, slice a warm scone in half and spread with a little strawberry jam.
How to Store Air Fryer Fruit Scones
At Room Temperature
Allow the scones to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can You Freeze Fruit Scones?
Yes!
Once completely cooled, place the scones in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
How to Reheat Fruit Scones in the Air Fryer
Place the scones in the air fryer at 150–160°C for approximately 2–4 minutes, until warmed through.
Check regularly to avoid drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Really Make Fruit Scones in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely!
An air fryer can produce beautifully golden fruit scones with soft, fluffy centres.
It’s a convenient alternative to using a traditional oven, particularly when baking small batches.
What Temperature Should I Cook Scones in an Air Fryer?
For this recipe, 180°C is a good starting temperature.
Most scones will take approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer model.
Why Are My Air Fryer Scones Not Fluffy?
Scones can become dense if the dough is overmixed or handled too much.
For the best results, mix gently, keep the dough fairly thick and avoid twisting the cutter.
Can I Make Air Fryer Fruit Scones Without Butter?
Yes.
This recipe uses low-fat spread instead of traditional butter.
The natural yogurt also helps provide moisture and softness.
Can I Use Only Wholemeal Flour?
You can, but the finished scones may be slightly denser.
Using a combination of wholemeal and white self-raising flour helps achieve a softer texture.
Can I Make These Fruit Scones Without Added Sugar?
Yes.
You can leave out the optional sweetener.
The raisins or sultanas provide natural sweetness, although the finished scones will be less sweet.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
For the best rise, it’s preferable to cook the scones soon after preparing the dough.
However, you can measure the dry ingredients in advance to save time.
Are These Air Fryer Fruit Scones a Lighter Option?
These scones use low-fat spread and fat-free natural yogurt in place of some of the richer ingredients commonly found in traditional recipes.
However, portion size and toppings still affect the overall nutritional content.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Fruit Scones in an Air Fryer, this easy recipe is a wonderful place to start.
They’re golden on the outside, beautifully soft in the middle and filled with delicious fruity flavour.
With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, they’re perfect for a quick homemade breakfast, an afternoon snack or a cosy treat with a cup of tea.
Once you’ve tried these homemade air fryer fruit scones, you might find yourself making them again and again!
Soft, fluffy, fruity and beautifully golden – the perfect homemade treat! ❤️
