Guide to Making Cranberry Orange Scones in an Air Fryer
If you love bakery-style treats with less fat and fewer calories, these Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones are about to become your new favorite. Bursting with fresh citrus flavor and sweet-tart cranberries, these scones are golden and crispy on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside—just like traditional scones but made healthier using an air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No need to preheat the oven—just mix, shape, and air fry.
- Healthier Option: Uses less butter and no heavy cream.
- Perfect Texture: Air frying gives them a crispy edge and soft, tender middle.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and freeze them for a fast breakfast or snack.
The Flavor Combo: Cranberries and Orange
Cranberries and oranges are a classic pairing that brings a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly tart flavors. Fresh orange zest and juice add brightness, while dried cranberries provide chewy bursts of sweetness in every bite. This combination also makes these scones a festive treat during the holiday season, though they’re perfect any time of year.
What Makes Air Fryer Scones So Good?
Using an air fryer allows the scones to cook more evenly and quickly compared to baking. The hot circulating air ensures a beautiful golden crust without the need for high amounts of fat. It also means your kitchen stays cool—no more heating up the oven just for a quick bake.
Ingredients Breakdown (with Layout Changes for Uniqueness)
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these crave-worthy cranberry orange scones:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Flavor Boosters:
- Orange zest – From 1 medium orange
- Dried cranberries – 1/2 cup
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons (cold and cut into cubes)
- Fresh orange juice – 1/4 cup
- Milk – 1/4 cup
- Egg – 1 large
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the orange zest and stir to distribute evenly.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the key to flaky scones.
Add the dried cranberries and mix them in gently.
In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, milk, and egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix, as this will make the scones tough.
2. Shape and Chill
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently form it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges.
Chill the wedges in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up. This helps them hold their shape during air frying.
3. Air Fry the Scones
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires it. Lightly grease the basket or use parchment paper with holes for airflow.
Arrange scones in the basket, leaving space between each. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are amazing fresh out of the air fryer, but you can also enjoy them cooled with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice. They pair beautifully with a morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea.
How to Store Leftover Scones
Store leftover cranberry orange scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 325°F to regain that freshly baked texture.
Nutritional Highlights
Compared to traditional scones, this air fryer version uses less fat and has a crispier texture with no sacrifice in flavor. Using orange juice instead of heavy cream cuts down on calories while still delivering a moist crumb.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Scones
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to creating those flaky layers. Cut it into small cubes and keep it chilled until you mix it in.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough scones.
- Chill the dough: A short chill before air frying helps scones hold their shape and enhances texture.
- Avoid crowding the basket: Leave space so the air can circulate and brown the scones evenly.
- Customize it: Add chopped nuts, a dash of cinnamon, or substitute lemon zest for a flavor twist.
Quick Recipe Summary – Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones
Recipe Description
These easy Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones are golden, flaky, and infused with fresh citrus zest and sweet cranberries. A perfect breakfast, brunch, or snack option that cooks in under 15 minutes using your air fryer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Ingredients
Dry Mix:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Wet Mix:
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest in a large bowl.
- Add butter: Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Stir in cranberries.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk orange juice, milk, and egg. Add to the flour mix and stir just until combined.
- Shape: Turn out dough, shape into a 1-inch thick disc, and cut into 8 wedges.
- Chill: Place scones in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Arrange scones in the basket and cook for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly and enjoy warm or room temperature.